Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a Visa?

Normally TOURISTS from the UK, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, USA, Switzerland, France, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavian Countries and Benelux, do not need to get visa before hand to visit Ecuador; just upon arrival, at the Quito airport, you will get one to three months tourist visa free of charge. For other nationalities, before you depart, we strongly recommend checking the visa issue at the Ecuadorian Embassies or Consulates. Be aware of the fact that the airline ticket, the visa and any problem, which could face any of our applicants, for whatever reason, either at their end, during their transit to Ecuador, or once in Ecuador, obviously, are not our responsibility. Worse to involve ourselves with local immigration or other authorities to solve any visa or personal problem; this goes beyond the social nature of our organization. It's our right to terminate our relationship or co-operation, at any time, if we consider that your real intentions are not of volunteering or Spanish training within tourism.

What should I bring to wear?

The dress within the projects is very casual: jeans, khakis and t-shirts are sufficient. We recommend comfortable dress. One formal dress is necessary as invitations to formal events (marriages, family parties, and alike) within your host family or local friends usually occur. The nights in Quito are rather cold and we advice bringing a jacket and sweatshirts. Shorts are not usually worn in the city of Quito and often it is too cold. However, if you plan to be travelling to the coast, bring your beachwear and shorts. Also, we recommend bringing one nice outfit, in case you would like to attend a concert or function with your host family or friends. Good walking boots and wet-weather gear are essential if you are thinking of doing any serious walking.

Should I pay in advance any cost? Any forms?

NO, in advance, NO. Once in Quito you should pay in cash (American Dollars) the registration fee and the host family cost for the first month. You will fill out forms upon your arrival in Quito.

Where will I be working and what will I be doing?

The VE can place you in one or more of the many active Programmes in Quito or in the surrounding area and Cuenca. What you will be working on and with who will depend on the Programme in which you choose to enrol.

How do I get Ecuador?

There are many airline companies that fly directly to Quito from all over the world. Check with a travel agent or Council Travel for the best prices. Our office is located at Avenue Republica de El Salvador 730, at the back corner of Colegio Benalcazar, on the eight floor of the Portugal Building.

Do I need any special qualifications?

We are happy to take any volunteers wanting to work with us regardless of experience or background. However we are always in need of English teachers, psychologists, physiotherapists, and students of medicine, those with artistic experience and those with experience working with children.

Are there any age limits?

There are no age limits, however, the minimum age recommended for working and travelling alone in third world countries is 15. We have had volunteers over 70 years old. Also, as an exceptional case, little Kira Alexander, a 10 years old girl from Australia.

Can couples/families/friends work together?

Yes. We welcome couples, married or not, families and groups to work together for our organization. In choosing your Programmes or Projects, you are free to choose to work together in one Project or to work separately in different Projects.

Are there any time limits for volunteering?

We require that you volunteer and stay at a host family for a minimum of one month. There is no maximum time limit.

Are there any extra costs involved?

No. Be informed that the registration fee goes directly to support the administrative costs of VE where no salaries exist. The host family cost covers related expenses including taxes for bedroom /warm bath/shower, meals, laundry and local callings. However all extra activities like Spanish language training, salsa classes, touring the country and the like is at your own cost. You are responsible for your own transportation to, from and within Ecuador . Be informed that there is an airport tax of $25 when leaving Ecuador . You arrive in Ecuador as a tourist; therefore nationals from those countries listed above upon arrival to Quito airport get a free of charge visa for one to three months. Other nationalities should check the visa issue at their end before departure.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not necessarily. However, the Spanish classes included in the Programme will quickly get you comfortable in your everyday interactions with the children and the people. Usually volunteers take 20 hours per week. It is quite possible to volunteer and learn Spanish in parallel. Your volunteer work normally is carried out during mornings only.

When should I come to volunteer?

We take volunteers year-round; however we have the largest number of volunteers during the summer months, bearing in mind that our schools are closed during their summer session (As of the middle of July till early October). Therefore, we are always in need of volunteers during the rest of the year.

What documents do I need to join you?

Upon your decision to join us you should e-mail a very short CV, and your scanned photo. As mentioned formerly, once again, documents like visa and any other legal requirement to come and stay in Ecuador is your own responsibility.

Religion?

Ecuador is a predominantly Catholic Country. People of the Catholic Faith support most of the non-governmental organisation's work. We work with volunteers of all faiths. However, one of our few prerequisites is that volunteers are open and supportive of the organisations in their work regardless of their personal beliefs.

How much money should I plan to spend in Ecuador?

The national currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar. Please, we do recommend bringing one of the following credit cards only: Master Card, Visa Card and American Express Card, others are not recognised; if possible do not bring travellers cheques as they are hard to cash, and the commission is very high. Ecuador is a cheap country in which to live: A normal personal daily expense, EXCLUDING room, laundry and board, ranges between US $5 to US$10; indeed, museums, movies, theatre, playhouse, disco, and the like require entrance fee within this range, except football games tickets which range from $20 to $80. Urban public transport is US$ 0.25 one-way regardless of distance. A modest hostel (dorms) costs some $6 to $7 per night, a regular meal $5, drinks at bars from $1,50 to $5 each. There are many interesting points to visit on your own in Quito and within the country, especially volcanoes and the jungle expending some $30 to $50 per day. You will spend close to US$1,000 if you visit the Galapagos Islands for a week. There are bus services between the many cities within Ecuador ranging between US$ 5 and 12 one way, also relatively inexpensive, and airlines that fly between the major cities, to the Amazons and to the Pacific coast for some $60 to $110 round trip including taxes.

Is Ecuador safe?

Tourists are often the target of money scams or theft. However, if you use common sense, you should have no problems. Quito is no more dangerous than many other major cities throughout the world like New York, London, and Rio. Remember that Ecuador is indeed a peaceful country; foreigners are most welcome at any place. However, you should be clear enough that we, VE, will not be responsible of your personal security or of any legal problem and health situations you may face while volunteering as tourist.

How can I communicate with my family while in Ecuador?

There are many options available for you to maintain contact with your family. There are Internet cafes throughout the cities, which are very inexpensive in which to do email, the cost for one hour is usually 80 cents, long distance calls, i.e. to the USA costs US$ 0.20 per minute. You can purchase phone cards or use an international operator or dial through the Internet to call internationally. Local calls to cellular phones and international calls from your host family home are not acceptable as they are quite expensive.

How can I learn more about Ecuador?

We recommend buying a guidebook for your trip, such as Climbing and Hiking in Ecuador by Rob Rachowiecki, Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos or the most comprehensive one, sold everywhere in the USA and Europe, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, by Rob Rachowiecki. We also recommend checking out some of the websites about Ecuador, like www.ecuadornostalgia.com, access Google or Yhoo and write simply “Ecuador”.

Should I be worried about health insurance?

Yes! It is important as it is our requirement to have insurance. Check with your insurance company before you leave to determine whether or not you are covered during international travel. If not, travellers insurance can be purchased for short periods of time. Check with your insurance agent, or contact Council Travel if you are a student. We highly recommend you taking out at least a basic insurance covering yourself for accidents, health, and your property.

What materials should I bring?

You must remember to bring your passport and we request bringing two copies of the main parts of it as well. Also, at the VE we require a passport-sized photograph along with your application. Other recommended items include: a Spanish dictionary, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, guidebook, money belt, aspirin, anti-diarrhoea medicine, back-up medicine, glasses and spectacles (at least a spare one is highly recommendable) and contact lenses if applicable.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Vaccinations to prevent tropical diseases are highly recommended. Malaria tablets are very cheap in Ecuador , about 5 cents each, do not buy at your end at the cost of $50 or more for a set of 15, to give you an example.

Finally, what is the most important trick in Ecuador to be spoiled and remembered forever, especially at my host family?

As you will be assigned to a middle or upper- middle class family, please be aware of the fact that these families belong to a highly educated social level. Many of them have visited many countries around the world as tourist, businessmen or diplomats and they have usually attended top universities around the world.

Please act as you would in your own home remembering the “please.” “thank you.” ”excuse me”, “I beg your pardon”, “good night, good morning, etc”, either in English or Spanish.

Bear in mind that as you come from a developed country good and polite manners are expected, your actions at home will be watched and appreciated, especially at the table and during the typical Latin after supper conversation. Cleaning your nose at the table is not acceptable. The way you will talk will show who you are and the family you come from. The fact you pay for your staying does not mean that you have the right to demand services as if you were at a restaurant or a hotel; for instances, you should respect the meals time set by your host family; you cannot demand your meals when ever you wish and throw away food you do not like without any explanation or making gestures. Simply, from the very beginning, indicate politely those meals you do not take. Most families co-operate with us as donors of what you pay for room and board, this means that they do not need your money and therefore you should act accordingly.

Although your room will be arranged every day, as it is in your house, mothers do not accept you to keep your bedroom totally unattended, a mess, and every thing upside down; a sign of respect is to keep your bedroom properly. You are supposed to turn off your lights every time you leave your room, including the TV set. If in your opinion something is wrong at your host family, you have the right to question it but do it as if you were with your own parents or family. You have the right to ask for another host family and project if necessary. At your volunteer work place show devoted co-operation especially to the children, in some cases you will find shortcomings especially in terms of management and cleanness at the centres assigned, in this case you are supposed to amend this with your advice and work.