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  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Throughout year

Description: Volunteer at an animal rescue Center in Ecuador. Illegally trafficking animals is a billion dollar business in Ecuador. Thousands of birds, monkeys, tortoises, bears, and other animals are caught each year and sold on the black market. The animals that are recovered need to be rehabilitated before they can be reintroduced to the wild. ELI works with two rescue centers: one on the Rio Napo in the Amazonas region and one on the coast of El Oro province near Guayaquil. At both placements, volunteers will assist to clean enclosures, build new enclosures, feed the animals, monitor the animals' behavior, and assist with ongoing reintroduction projects.

Highlights: Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Ecuador while assisting local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations, gaining firsthand knowledge of the complex development issues Ecuador is facing. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. Ecuador has four distinct regions with almost endless possibilities for adventure.

* The Ecuadorian Andes are some of the most dramatic mountains in the world dotted with small towns, clear lakes, and home to a vibrant and a wide array of microclimates ranging from semi arid highlands to cool, moist cloud forests.

* The Amazonian region is one of the most biologically diverse regions on the planet.

* The coast of Ecuador is one of the poorest regions but also home to pristine beaches and sleepy fishing villages.

* The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the most exotic wildlife in the world and a stunning natural history lesson in action.

ELI volunteers are enthusiastically welcomed by the communities they work in and often form long lasting relationships with the people they meet in Ecuador.

Qualifications / Skills Needed: None.

Minimum Education: High School

Travel Type: Volunteering

Intern Types: Animal Sciences, Biology(General), Ecology, Environmental Sci (Atmosph.), Environmental Studies, Field-Study, Forestry, National Park Employment and Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Languages: English and Spanish

Cost in US$: Costs vary depending on duration. Please contact us for details

Cost Includes: Excursions, Food, Housing, In-country orientation/Training, In-country staff support, Registration fees and Written materials pre-departure

Pre-departure Support: ELI's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels. Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Quito and provided with transportation to their host family. In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in Ecuador, city tours, help with transportation, and optional Spanish classes In-country Staff Support: ELI's Ecuador coordinator has years of experience working with visitors to Ecuador. She is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency. Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Ecuadorian life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer Projects: animal welfare, building maintenance, conservation, eco-tourism, environment, natural resources, veterinary, volunteering and wildlife surveying

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical ELI volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range: 18 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements: Group living and Home-stays

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 6-10

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement: ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded: 2001