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ContentsCover01
Contents02
Your Accommodation10
Accomodation and Living11
Cost and Start Dates12
What am I Paying for?13
What am I Paying for? (Contd.)14
Things to Do15
How to Apply - The Process16--18
Get in Touch19
Ecuador and Quito Overview03
Day care for vulnerable children04
Child Care at children’s hospital05
Street Children Program06
Child Center for Special Needs Children07
Soccer Coaching at Sports Club08
Teaching at Primary School09
VOLUNTEER
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
Dense Amazonian tropical forests, bombastic huge volcanoes, and
the world famous Galapagos Islands…. Ecuador has countless
reasons for you to visit. Ecuador takes high pride in its heritage
and its people, and with vibrant culture and enthusiastic crowd, it
is a perfect place for a delightful sojourn. It is said for this place
that, “Ecuador Love life!”, and with festivals and celebrations
happening every other day, the statement stands true. Every
singlesingle day spent here, ends with a new experience in your life; so
you better be ready to get your mind zonked!
And then there is the capital town of Quito, the pride of Ecuador, a
UNESCO heritage site, and world’s highest capital city at an
elevation of 9350 feet (2800m above sea level). Though, the city
has undergone a massive modernization spree in recent past, the
charm and elegance of the Andean days still persists pretty much
in this Old Town (that’s what it is fondly known as). While the new
town is the face of the modernized and reconstructed part of the
city,city, one needs to spend more time in the old town part to know
the real Quito.
The sheer thought of volunteering in this stupendous city gives a
push to stop everything, pack bags, and leave. Volunteering
Solutions provides ample of volunteering opportunities in the
wonderful town of Quito, here is a list;
Ecuador Trip highlightsExplore the historical lanes of the old town of
Quito, and experience the maze of colonial
splendor.
Visit the gigantic, yet adoring volcanoes near
to the city of Quito; including the Cotopaxi,
Pichincha, Illiniza, and many more.
SailSail down to the Galapagos Islands, and
experience the nirvana life.
El Panecillo, Basilica of the National Vow,
Vulqano park, and many more tourist hot
spots are a must visit.
SavorSavor the barbecued Guinea Pig at one of the
local food points and gulp it down with a glass
of Colada Morada, a tradition Ecuadorian
drink.
Ecuador and Quito Overview
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
03
Programs in Quito, Ecuador
Teaching at Primary School
Day care for vulnerable children
Soccer Coaching at Sports Club
Childcare at a children's hospital
Street Children Program
Child Center for Special Needs Children
Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
A mandatory criminal background check
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
There is a considerable chunk of families in Quito, and nearby towns,
which belong to the underprivileged section of the community and,
thus, cannot afford the education and other day to day needs of their
children. The day care program caters to resolve this problem. Started
in March 2004, there are around 55 children today, aged between 2
years and 5 years. The children are divided into three separate groups
according to their age and each teacher is assigned to each group.
A set of 13 children arrive to the day care, in the afternoon, for tuitions
and studies. There is a doctor who comes to visit the project twice a
month and a psychologist works with parents of these children to
enlighten them about social values and other family related issues.
The contact with the children
and their parents is
something I will never forget
-Lottie Runge
Day care for vulnerable childrenStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
04
Add On Tour
Kindly contact the local project coordinator for the same
Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
A mandatory criminal background check
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
Certain level of grasp on Spanish language. (though not a compulsion)
Through this project, volunteers get to work in a large public hospital,
especially made for children. Children aged from 0 to 15 years are
treated here, who come from all over Ecuador, to receive medical
treatment. According to a recent statistics, over 140,000 patients are
treated every year. The hospital attends to medical emergencies as
well as providing long-term care for those who are extremely ill.
AsAs a volunteer, you are supposed to take care of children who are ill
and bed-ridden, while assisting the admin staff in non-medical duties
such as creating engaging, fun filled educational games for the
children, and work in play areas called “Ludoteca”.
The kids at the project are
wonderful. It truly has been
a life changing experience
-Sibyl Arbelo
Child Care at children’s hospitalStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
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Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
A mandatory criminal background check
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
Certain level of grasp on Spanish language. (though not a compulsion)
This program is dedicated to the children who have lived a traumatic
past marred with experiences like living with drug addict parents, living
on the streets, abused by others, subjected to violence and a lot of
mental torture. This project has been able to successfully help many a
children and their families. Currently this project supports around 250
children. Apart from giving psychological support to the children, the
program has created a carpentry work shop as well as a bakery, where
youngyoung people and adults can come and receive training and various
courses.
As a volunteer, your responsibilities would cover the basic work; such
as, helping children finish their homework and prepare recreational
activities to be carried out when the children finish their homework or
during their breaks, help with food preparation, especially during the
lunchtime which can be very chaotic and busy, as well as in the
carpentry work, frequent visits to the school where the children are
enrolled, and assist in hygiene education.
I absolutely loved working at
the orphanage
-Kimberly Ann Walters
Street Children ProgramStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
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Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
A mandatory criminal background check
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
Certain level of grasp on Spanish language. (though not a compulsion)
This project is mainly for the disabled children, majority of which have
multiple disabilities and use wheelchairs. Nine of the total 13 children
are suffering from cerebral Palsy, while the others are facing problem
of deafness, autism, mentally retarded, and problem in eyes. And while
a doctor gives regular visit at the center, there is an in house staff of
four people including a coordinator, a cook and 2 women to take care
of the children.
ForFor a volunteer enrolled for this program, you are supposed to help
with daily care of the children like changing diapers and clothes,
feeding, brushing their teeth, etc. ; help with hippo-therapy sessions
accompanying the children and horses; help to organize activities for
the children, because most of the time they are bored; and depending
on a volunteer’s experience and level of study you can also do
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, musical
therapy, etc.therapy, etc.
Meeting other volunteers,
working with the kids and
staying with a host family, I
really enjoyed my time in
Quito
-Nitasha Dhiri
Child Center for Special Needs ChildrenStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
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Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
Good soccer playing ability
As the name suggests, volunteers under this project have to train the
football enthusiasts to play better in order to empower the local youth
of Quito through Soccer. Depending on the school schedule of the kids,
most classes at the Soccer School are taught in the afternoon in the
South of Quito. This soccer schools provides training to the local
youngsters, between the age group of 6-16 years, every day, after the
school hours.
AsAs a volunteer, you can participate actively in preparing soccer training
module, develop team assignments, teach and assist during training
sessions, and help with emergency situation.
The f irst moment I came at
the center I was part of it
-Nitasha Dhiri
Soccer Coaching at Sports ClubStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
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Program RequirementsVolunteers must be 18 years or older on the volunteer program start date.
Travel insurance
Copy of the passport
Certain level of grasp on Spanish language
This primary school in Quito is a public school and has around 100
children all aged between 5 to 14 years. While, children studying in this
school come from different economic and social backgrounds,
maximum of the kids come from poor sections of the society. Each
class has around 25-30 students at a time.
WhileWhile volunteering as a teacher in the primary school, you need to
create a proper lesson plan for teaching English, assist the existing
teaching staff with lesson plans and curriculum, give sports coaching
or computer lessons, and engage with kids during break and by playing
games with them.
They are eager to learn
English and I enjoyed seeing
their smiling faces every day
-Sibyl Arbelo
Teaching at Primary SchoolStarting from $400
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
09
Accommodation Highlights
Fully furnished and equipped with all basic facilities
Meals provided at host family accommodation
Close proximity to shops, public transport and project location
Volunteering solutions provide lodging and bedding for its
volunteers in the mainland city of Quito itself. You can choose to
stay either in a volunteer house or with a host family, both of
which are fully furnished and provides all basic necessities; like,
heater, western style bathrooms, internet facility, in close
proximity to the market. The rooms at the volunteer house are
according to same gender sharing.
WhileWhile a fully equipped kitchen is available at the volunteer house,
where you can cook whatever you want to, at the host family
house you are provided with meal thrice a day with some delicious
local food options; including, chicken, fish, meat and various
vegetarian options.
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
Accommodation and Living11
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
Cost and Start Dates12
Please Note: -An application fee of $225 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment. The above fees are for volunteer
hostel accommodation. Please add $100 extra per week for host family accommodation
Quito Program Costs (in USD)
1 Week 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 5 Weeks 6 Weeks 7 Weeks 8 Weeks Program Name Extra Weeks
$500$400 $570 $650 $800 $910 $1010 $1100 $175Quito all Program Costs
Airfare
Mobile connection and recharge
Transportation and local travel
Visa Fee
Personal expenses
Expenses other than program fee
Quito Day Care, Teaching & Sports Program Dates
Quito Street Children & Mentally Disabled Children Program Dates
Most people are surprised to hear that they have to pay to volunteer abroad. What they often do not realize is that there
are significant administrative costs involved to arrange for a worthwhile volunteer abroad placement. Volunteering
SolutionsSolutions is not supported by any government funding and runs its programs entirely from the fee that volunteers pay to
take part in the volunteer programs. Volunteering Abroad, involves incurring of many costs such as food, accommodation,
transportation, transfers, project selection etc. The program fee charged by us, goes into providing you all these services.
The money that you pay to us is distributed at various stages to provide you a meaningful volunteer abroad experience.
VOLSOL Program Cost IncludesAdvertising Online/Offline Credit Card processing charges
In country maintenance of offices, vehicles etc.Staff recruitmentVolunteer recruitmentMaintaining office and other expenses
Salaries for staffNGO financial helpCommunication with volunteers and partners, by phone/email etc.International travel done by our staff to monitor projects and attend local meetings with partnersWebsite maintenance.Government taxes.
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
What am I paying for?13
Administration Cost
In Country SupportProject Development
Project Support &Field Cost
Food & Accommodation
It is necessary for an organization to employ full time staff to recruit and manage volunteers. There is lot of work that goes
side by side ensuring that you are supported before and during your program. We are dedicated to make your volunteering
abroad a memorable experience and ward off of all possible hunches at every steps. Our administration cost is 28% of the
total cost which include advertising, staff salary, website maintenance, taxes, volunteer recruitment and other expenses.
The application processing fee is part of your administrative costs, unlike many other volunteer travel company we do not
chargecharge any additional credit card processing fee. These companies can charge as much as 6% on your application fee taking
it to a difference of almost $100 extra. We have a flat rate and that is what we charge.
Administration
You may be endowed with exceptional skills and acumen in your area of expertise but to figure out your exact role in the
placement agency and to gain insights of its operations require training. To know cultural practices and etiquettes is of
sublime importance to carry out your tasks. So you need someone who could impart training and dispel your doubts at
every step, obviously he/she doubles as your friend and trainer.
Good grasp of the local language is an added advantage that helps you to communicate effectively and learn the culture
promptly so in some cases they also assign language trainers to help you out who is paid by program provider.
Training and orientation
We charge for food and accommodation based on your preferences. You may decide to do home stay or group accommo-
dation or relish the cuisines cooked by host family and pay them. You may cook for yourself if you find it economical or your
placement organization may provide you lunch. You have plethora of options to choose from and charges are determined
accordingly. Host organization provides a safe and welcoming atmosphere for the volunteers. Food and accommodation
charges cover 40% of your total expenditure.
Food and accommodation
Volunteer service organization often employs in-country staff to provide local support and to make your volunteering
abroad experience memorable. As long as you are volunteering outside which may take up to six months, our staff is
continuously working for you behind the screen. So we pay them from program fees we receive despite other sources like
grants and donations.
Nothing can be more discomforting than to struggle for getting basic services like healthcare, banking or even visa
reviewingreviewing in a foreign land that otherwise would have been comparatively less difficult in an English speaking country. As a
volunteer, you have not been tied up to the agency only but you may roam around the city to watch historical places, zoo,
movies etc. and should have total access to everything in order to distress yourself. VolSol has incredible in-country support
(around 12%) to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
In country support
The most important part of the volunteering fees is on the project which you have chosen. Program fees help fund the
project activities and resources. Thus organizations need paid staff member to ensure continuity of your program and
administrative duties. Project development involved 11% of the total program fee.
Project Development
What am I paying for? (Contd.)14
With a tank full of active volcanoes in its periphery, Ecuador gives you the opportunity to see and admire what one may
even analogue as gigantic cannons. Cotopaxi, the second highest mountain peak in the country is an ironical showcase of
a volcano, with snow covering on the top circumference. And while Illiniza is a pair of volcanic mountains in the Andes
range, Tungurahua and Pichincha are amongst the few other located in Ecuador.
Admire the conical fire
The Equatorial island region of Galapagos lies west to the region of Ecuador, with an amalgamation of a set of mysterious
yet mesmerizing islands. Enjoy the serene beaches and water reserves at various islands including, Santa Cruz, Fernandina,
Floreana, Rabida and many more.
Be an Amigo to Galapagos
Ecuador is surrounded with a number of active volcanoes, some of which are extremely beautiful and one just can’t resist
to get as close as possible. Apart from these, the varied flora and fauna residing amidst dense forests and sanctuaries are
a must to explore. The protected geobotanical reserve of Pululahua, the Podocarpus National Park, the Llanganates
National Park are just a few to name out of the entire lot of forest area covered, where you can encounter some of the
finest and also endemic species in the world.
Get the thrill as you will
When it comes to talking gluttony stuff about Ecuador, most of us would picture one thing for sure, Guinea Pigs. Sea food
is an obvious option without doubt; try Langostinos if you don’t mind putting on some extra pounds. Choclo, a dry roasted
Andean corn preparation, is a famous local snack that one can get from street vendors. Cuy (Guinea Pig), Llapingachos,
Locro Soup are amongst the many lip-smacking delicacies ready to be served on your platter.
Eat it the Spanish way!
Cathedrals, museums, theme parks…… there is no dearth of fascinating buildings, designed and built in the year of yore.
The Basilica of the National Vow, the largest neo-gothic catholic church in the Americas, is a famous piece of architectural
work and is incomplete till-date; local legends believe that its completion will bring about the end of the world, now that’s
spooky! The Parque El Ejido and the Vulqano Park are two of the amusement arenas in the capital city if Quito. An entire
day or two must be dedicated just to cherish the crafts of the cities.
Fine Art of Architecture
No trip is complete without some long lasting, memorable souvenirs; nor would this be. There are a plenty of markets in
the cities of Ecuador. Go to George Washington Street to grab some of the nicely knitted woolens (lama-hoodies are pretty
famous). The Saquisili market that sets up only on Thursdays has a good collection of souvenir items, sold at a reasonable
price.
*** Trip Notes: While you travel in Ecuador always carry your passport with you since it is a legal requirement and you
could be asked for it at any time.
Lot to take away
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
Things to do in Ecuador
15
How to apply - The process16
From the drop down select either Volunteer Abroad, Intern Abroad or Summer programs abroad.
If you are already familiar with the website and are visiting just to apply ignore this step and simply click on the Apply Now button at the
end of the drop down header.
Where it will ask you to create a login and password for your My Account login. Your email id would be treated as the username or user
id. Click on the proceed to next step button. The next step button will take you to a form that you have to fill to pay your application fee
of $225. This application fee will book your seat in the placement until you pay the entire program fee amount. If we fail to provide you
the placement we will refund you the money.
**Points to Heed
**If you are a past volunteer and already have my account user id and password then login to your my account section directly.
**If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again. **If you are a returning volunteer within a year, then you do not need to pay the application fee again.
01
When you click on the apply now button, you will get a window like this:
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How to apply - The process17
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
Fill out the forms marked 2 to 4 and submit application, it will be redirected to your payment gateway, where you can make the payment.
If you make the application fee payment now, your My account login would be activated as soon as we receive the payment. In case of
any glitches if your My account login is not activated, please inform us and we will do it manually.
You will receive a Thank you mail for booking the application or making your my account
login. You will get this email irrespective of full payment made or not.
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04
This email would be followed by a Welcome mail and a community email with platforms to
help you connect with our past volunteers. If you are using gmail, please check your
promotions folder or spam folder and mark them not spam and shift them to your inbox.
Actively participate in VolSol Facebook page and Groups and also join the social
community made by volunteers, that will help you better prepare for the trip.
05
How to apply - The process18
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
One month prior to your booking you will get your pre departure booklet. The
pre-departure booklet would contain all the details about your project and project
location.
While on the project, we will send you an email to check on you, whether you are doing fine or not. You can send your pictures, blogs or
videos or anything related to your ongoing work to us and we will share it with other prospective volunteers.
After the completion of your project, we send you a feedback form, fill this form out and help us improve our services.
Jonatan(Ecuador Coordinator)
Know your Team in Ecuador
06
If your placement is confirmed you will get an email from us stating the same, along with
the final payment due amount.
You can pay your program fee from your my account section or from payment page. The
links for the same would be provided in the email. Payment details would be updated on
your my account page.
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Hi my name is Jonatan, I work for about half year within the company. My main tasks are to coordinate
if the whole package is confirmed. From hotels, to transportation, excursions and guides. I consider
myself a cheerful and friendly person and I am very happy if passengers enjoyed their tour. I am finish-
ing my bachelor’s degree in Ecotourism. I like all sports and I love adventure sports. In Ecuador we can
practice the sport of adventure and know many places with beautiful landscapes. My best part in Ecua-
dor is Amazon region, because they have many canyons cliffs and rivers surrounded by vegetation that
makes an unforgettable landscape.
www.volunteeringsolutions.com
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