Environmental Conservation in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Ibarra

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year Round

Description: Volunteers are needed at a cloudforest conservation project in northwest Ecuador. Volunteers assist with outdoor projects such as tree planting, weeding, creating fire breaks, erosion prevention, nursery development, clearing trails, and there are some possible opportunities for research, environmental education, and agroforestry studies. During the late spring and summer, they have positions working with children and doing environmental education, and they periodically run courses in permaculture, nutrition, and other related fields for their volunteers and paying guests.

Highlights: This is a non-governmental organization working in cloud forest conservation, soil conservation/regeneration, and environmental/natural resource education in several rural communities of northern Ecuador.

Location is quiet, isolated and surrounded by beautiful landscape.

Professional scientists and students who are interested in advanced research projects or internship positions are also most welcome for periods no less than 2 months.

Areas in which research or internships can be set up:
* Agricultural Engineering
* Agroforestry
* permaculture
* reforestation
* soil recovery
* tropical forestry
* fruit and plant cultivation
* alternate energy sources
* Psychology
* mental health
* nutrition development
* ecotourism
* fauna
* flora
* pollution river basin management
* water turbine engineering.

Qualifications:
- Motivated Volunteers
- Minimum Age:18
- Minimum Stay: 3 weeks
- Basic Spanish

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $750 plus $310 per month plus travel expenses

Experience Required: yes

Basic Spanish is preferred.

Typical Volunteer: Typically our volunteers are gap year students aged 17-25. Volunteers placed by our organization are eager, outgoing, take initiative and are dedicated to international and local service work. Our volunteer placements are geared towards the backpacker traveling lifestyle.

Age Range: 18-35

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

LEAPNOW: Transforming Education's Mission Statement: Leapnow's primary purpose is nothing less than transformation and positive change on the planet. We aspire to keep our work on the cutting edge of human evolution. We feel that we can have the most positive impact on the world by working in the area of education- which ideally is all about transforming and expanding the consciousness of our students. Cultural immersion, study and work abroad are our main vehicles for learning about one's self and the world.

Year Founded: 1993