Itinerary

The school is located in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal's capital, within walking distance of your accommodation, supermarkets, ATM's, pharmacies and a bakery. The Galapagos Islands are a short flight from the Ecuadorian mainland. San Cristobal is the fifth largest island in the archipelago and has the second largest population. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital, is on the southwest point. One hour northeast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is Isla Lobos. This small island is separated from the main island by a narrow stretch of rough waters. Here you can find lava lizards, blue-footed boobies nesting (in season), and sea lions.

The school is open Monday to Friday from 07:15 to 12:30 and from 13:00 to 18:30, depending on if you would like to teach primary or secondary school students. You will have your weekends and afternoons free to explore the Galapagos Islands. The school year is different in the Galapagos Islands and classes finish for summer holidays in February and the start of the new school year is at the beginning of May. It is important that you are on time and punctual.

When there is a big group of volunteers or a few volunteers at the same time you can always plan mini projects to carry out in the school. Recently the school garden was improved by volunteers and parents who planted trees and built a play area for children to use during the break. Other mini-projects could include:

Painting or maintenance of classrooms
Construction work
Maintaining the garden and play area
A sports event
Painting a mural on a school wall

It is not necessary or obligatory, but if you would like to bring donations of sports equipment, the school is in constant need of kids sized basketballs and footballs. Be patient and use your initiative. Schools in Ecuador can be very disorganized and chaotic; teachers may not tell you exactly what you have to do as they are busy and so it is up to you to get involved. Use your own initiative and ideas and you will have a rewarding experience. You must abide by school rules - please dress appropriately and sensibly, avoid wearing shorts or provocative clothing. As volunteers are role models for the children, drinking and smoking are not permitted.

Your return flights between Quito and the Galapagos are included in the price.

The project is closed on the following public holidays:

2020
10 Aug
9-11 Oct
2-3 Nov
24-25 Dec

2021
01 Jan
12-16 Feb
02 & 30 Apr
1-2 & 24 May
10 Aug
9-11 Oct
2-3 Nov
24-25 Dec

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate
Color copy of passport
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Basic Spanish is an advantage, but not required

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Quito so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a private salsa lesson, a city tour, and visit to the Equator.

Saturday: Airport transfer and accommodation in Student House in Quito
Sunday: Free day
Monday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. Welcome cocktail in the afternoon.
Tuesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. Afternoon homework time. 1 hour of private Salsa classes in the afternoon.
Wednesday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2 hours of practical volunteer introduction with Spanish terminology according to the project chosen.
Thursday: 4 hours of Spanish classes (eg. market visit, museum visit, etc.) to use the Spanish language in a practical situation. Afternoon homework time.
Friday: 4 hours of Spanish classes. 2-hour city tour through the Old Town of Quito with a Spanish teacher.
Saturday: All-day tour to Cotopaxi
Sunday: Start of volunteer program

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.

Oversigt

Accommodation in Quito
The first night's (arrival day Saturday) accommodation in Quito is in a shared twin or triple room or in a private room at the volunteer house, which is located in the lively neighbourhood La Mariscal surrounded by restaurants and bars. The house has a spacious living room with a TV, DVD and a comfy sofa, a big table to eat with all your housemates and a great kitchen that is fully equipped for you to cook your meals. You will also be staying at the volunteer house if you choose to participate in the Intro Week in Quito.

Accommodation in San Cristobal
Our volunteer house is located in Divino Niño neighbourhood, a 5-minute walk from the beach. The house has space for 7 volunteers in total divided into two shared bedrooms. The first floor has a room with capacity for 4 people and has two bunk beds. On the second floor there is another room with 3 beds.

The volunteer house has a shared bathroom, an equipped kitchen, living/dining room, and a small rock garden. Free WiFi is available throughout the volunteer house. Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, towels and cleaning services are included. There is no air-conditioning but we have fans.

If you would like a single or double private room you will stay in a nice hostel which is 5 minutes walking distance from the volunteer house. Here you will be in a private twin room with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. There is hot water most of the time. There is a shared well-equipped kitchen where you will be able to cook your own meals and a common area where you can eat or chill or do homework. There is also a terrace where you can relax and watch the sun set. Bed linen and towels are included, as is the cleaning services several times a week.

Arrival with Intro Week
Arrival transfer from Quito airport to your accommodation is included with Intro Week, if you choose that option.

Getting to the Project
Our Galapagos project costs include the return flight from Quito to Galapagos.
When you arrive at Quito airport you will have to pay your $20 INGALA card.
Once you arrive in San Cristobal, you will first have to pay your National Park Entrance Fee. Please go to the line of foreign visitors and pay USD $100.00 (not included). Please take into account that this amount can only be paid cash.
On arrival in the Galapagos, a driver will be holding a sign with your name on it and drive you to your accommodation, the volunteer house. There one of the coordinators will meet you for an introduction meeting.

Flight Back to Quito
The return flight to Quito from the Galapagos is on Saturday. Do not book any onward international flights until Sunday.

Meals are not included in the program but there is a small kitchen in the volunteer house and a slightly larger kitchen in the hostel, there are also lots of great restaurants and cafes nearby. On the Galapagos almost all items are more expensive than the mainland, and as you will be cooking for yourself, it would be wise to do some advance shopping in Quito for products such as:

Rice/pasta
Canned products
Any sweets or savoury products you might like
Cereals
Packaged and vacuum sealed cheese and meat products

While shopping, please take into account that you are not allowed to take fruits, vegetables, meat, seeds, etc. You can purchase fruit and vegetables at the local market or shops. Remember to check your baggage allowance before you start shopping for the essentials.

What to Bring
Comfortable shoes
Sandals
T-shirts
Short & long sleeved shirts
Shorts
Bathing suit
Baseball cap
Bath towel
Beach towel
Toiletries
Rain gear
First-aid kit
Reusable water bottle
Snorkel equipment (we have masks and tubes available free of charge)
Sweatshirt/warmer jacket

Visa Requirements
When you arrive in Ecuador you will get a T-3 visa stamp, which will allow you to be 90 days within the country. Do you plan on staying longer than 90 days? Check with your local Ecuadorian embassy which is the best visa for you and what are the current requirements. Take this into account when buying your ticket, as the airline may refuse you to board the plane if your flight leaves after 90 days and you do not have a visa.

Vaccinations
Remember to check the required and recommended vaccinations. Do not forget to bring your original yellow fever certificate and vaccinations booklet as it may be checked on border crossings.

Money Matters
In Ecuador we use US dollars and the easiest way to get them is an ATM. If you want to bring dollars in cash, make sure to get small notes with the highest denomination being $20. Not many stores accept $50 or $100 notes.

What to do on the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands is a dream for many travellers, and you will be able not only to volunteer at the island, but you can also enjoy its wonderful flora and fauna! So spend your afternoons at the beaches, snorkel with the sea lions, learn how to dive, visit the different islands or take a cruise around the archipelago.

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Teaching Assistant in a Local School - Galapagos (Local Flight Included)

Teaching Assistant in a Local School - Galapagos (Local Flight Included)