Quick Facts
Program code
EC-VOL106
Category
Volunteer Work, Aminal Welfare, Child Care, Health
Country
Ecuador
Location
Quito
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
17 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
The volunteer work takes place in a non-profit rehabilitation center for children and young people with physical and mental disabilities (down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness, autism, etc.). The "therapists" are horses and dogs, which are lovingly called "angels on 4 paws". The center started its work about 25 years ago as part of a social work and at that time helped children with mild and chronic disabilities.
After a long and arduous journey, the search for sponsors and the training of horses and dogs, the center is now one of the most important institutions of its kind in Quito. The center is in a beautiful location in one of the largest parks in Quito.
In order to be able to finance itself in the long term, the center offers riding courses for children and adults.
Tasks
Volunteers are needed to take care of the dogs and horses, and to help during the therapy sessions.
This volunteer project in Ecuador would not exist without the help of national and international volunteers. Their help is extremely important in keeping this project alive.
You don’t have to be an animal expert to participate in this volunteer work project in Ecuador. A genuine love of children and animals and the willingness to help is all you need to make a vital contribution.
Among the tasks are:
- Maintaining horse equipment
- Feeding and caring for the horses and dogs
- Preparing the animals for the therapy sessions
- Cleaning and maintaining the stables and kennels
- Helping during the therapy sessions
- Guide the horses during therapy sessions
- Helping during the riding courses
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
The best way to learn more about Ecuadorian culture and customs while practicing your Spanish skills is to live in a homestay. A top priority of our volunteer programs in Ecuador is full cultural immersion, so volunteers will be accommodated in local homestays in Quito. Our hosts have been carefully selected and most of them have many years of experience hosting foreign volunteers.
Volunteers will have a private bedroom or share it with another volunteer. The bathroom is also private or shared. If you want to secure a single room for your own, there is a surcharge.
The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.
Location
Quito is located in the Andean highlands at around 2850 meters above sea level. Therefore, despite the proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of approx. 13 °C. During the day, the temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from September to November and from January to April, it usually rains around noon and then the sun shines again.
Quito is not only located in a great setting, right under the Pichincha volcano and offers a pleasant climate, but there are also cultural treasures: Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito has the best preserved historical center in all of Latin America. For this reason, Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quito also offers a lively nightlife, traditional markets, interesting museums and theaters as well as festivals of various kinds at certain times. Outdoor fans will love day trips to the surrounding Andean landscapes!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Ecuador, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Ecuador directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Ecuador!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel health insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the program coordinator in Quito in Ecuador.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in a Dog and Horse Therapy Center in Ecuador includes:
- Single or shared room in a homestay*
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Placement fee: US$ 760 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Extra week: US$ 170
*surcharge for single room US$ 35/week.
A donation of 180 USD is required to be paid directly to the project
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Quito: US$ 40
- Spanish course in Ecuador
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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If you need assistance in putting together your personal experience abroad, then please contact us. Our experienced staff will help you to set up your tailor-made stay abroad.
Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!