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 One of our largest programs because of the choice of two departure dates, our Ecuador Year Program has now been in existence for over ten years. Since the first group departure in 1992, WorldTeach has developed strong relationships with a large number of Ecuadorian host schools and institutions. WorldTeach now sends upwards of 50 volunteers to Ecuador each year.
The ability to communicate in English is highly valued throughout Ecuador because of the country's developing tourist industry as well as Ecuadorians' desire for improved access to the global economy. Tourism, both cultural and environmental, has become an increasingly viable means of generating revenue in this South American nation. Knowledge of English also helps Ecuadorians open their businesses to a wider audience, leading to increased opportunity.
WorldTeach has been invited by several different types of schools and institutions throughout Ecuador to provide English language training, and volunteers work with a diverse array of students. Although teaching placements vary widely by city and the type of host institution, the majority of WorldTeach volunteers in Ecuador teach English in university or community classes with adult students. Most volunteers will live and teach in cities and large towns since English is not yet taught widely in the countryside.
Volunteer Role
Your service in Ecuador will begin with a 3-4 week intensive orientation run by the Field Staff. Orientation will include TEFL training and two weeks of intensive practice teaching, Spanish classes, and information sessions and discussions about Ecuadorian culture and politics, health and safety issues, and cross-cultural adjustment.
After orientation, volunteers travel to their sites and begin their teaching assignments. Depending on the placement, volunteers are usually responsible for teaching 20-25 hours a week, in addition to allotting time for planning lessons, holding regular office hours, developing new language instruction materials, and coordinating some activities, such as setting up and running an English club for students or other teachers. Class size varies widely throughout the placements, as do the type of students and their level of English. Volunteers may teach university students, faculty and staff, and/or open-enrollment classes for members of the local community.
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