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A Helping Hand Volunteer Program 

  


The Helping Hand Volunteer Program has been designed in order to give students the opportunity to learn Spanish in the heart of Quito, while at the same time giving back to communities in need throughout the country. Ecuador is a country where nearly 70% of the population lives below the national poverty line. Volunteer assistance is needed and welcomed at a variety of organizations. We offer options within various local, grassroots organizations in order to suit the unique and specific needs of each student. 

Program Description

Volunteers receive a full week of Spanish lessons through a special program before they begin their volunteer work. This training prepares the volunteers to work with Ecuador’s poor and to make the most of their time with the organization that he or she chooses. After the first week, the mornings are spent working and in the afternoon the volunteer will study Spanish. Students will learn specific grammar in order to help them with their volunteer placement. The volunteer jobs available consist of 4 hours per day, five days a week. Volunteer work is available throughout the entire year.

Students will have a variety of organizations to choose from in order to find a placement that best suits their specific needs. Volunteer work is available in the following areas:

  • Teaching English in public schools
  • Childcare (Daycares)
  • After school assistance programs
  • Young mother programs
  • Elderly Care
  • Assisting in orphanages
  • Carpentry and construction work
  • Working with special needs children
  • Cinematography for children

Spanish Classes

Student will receive 40 hours of Spanish classes throughout the month. The first week will contain 20 hours and will be divided as follows: 4 hours daily, divided into 2 sessions per day, five days per week.  Each session will have a different teacher.  The first 2 hours will consist of grammar and the last 2 hours will involve conversation and practical exercises. There will be a 15 minute break in between classes. The classes will be in groups of 2-4 students.  Students will be required to take a placement exam in order to determine their Spanish ability. Each group will be made up of students with relatively the same level.

Homestay

Participating families are chosen for their friendliness and helpfulness. They all have experience with hosting foreign students, and live in a very safe residential neighbourhood in the North of Quito. Living with an Ecuadorian family helps the students learn about the culture, customs, and food of the country, while at the same giving them the opportunity to practice their Spanish.  Each student will have their own private room, shared bathroom, 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner Monday to Saturday), and laundry service once a week. Students will be with the same family for the duration of the program.  All the families usually have two or more students in the house. Generally students share the same interests and enjoy having someone to travel with, not only to different areas around Ecuador, but while in Quito as well.

Program Costs

The cost per month is $1,500.00 (USD).  Please see our Program Fees page for a list of what this prices includes.
 
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