Overview
Teaching English in Ecuador

Volunteers joining this project will teach English to children in Andean communities near the market town of Otavalo. The children are currently in primary and secondary education, and English has become more important in their Ecuadorian curriculum over the past few years. Sadly, with unqualified English teachers in the schools, the children often fail this part of their studies. By teaching the children English alongside a qualified TEFL trainer, the children are more likely to learn English and pass the exams, thus having more chance of passing the year. Half your working day will be spent teaching English; the other half preparing lessons alongside your TEFL teacher. Volunteers joining this project will take an Introductory TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) course in Ecuador, to help prepare you to teach indigenous children English.

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There are 180 children in this school and no-one to teach them English, which they need for the curriculum.

Local Teacher, 2007

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The project in Ecuador makes a huge difference to the children as they will receive TEFL-trained English tuition. The English they learn is school is often from an Ecuadorian teacher who has no grasp of the English language, and is teaching from a book. By providing the children with natural English teaching, they will have more of chance of passing the year.

Highlights

Living with a host family; learning Spanish (optional); Receiving an Introduction to TEFL, teaching indigenous children in remote communities; going on an adventure weekends or attending various cultural workshops and/or events.

Location

Nestling high in the Andes, a few hours from Ecuador`s capital city, volunteers stay in the peaceful yet lively town of Otavalo. This market town is famous for its Saturday handicraft market which encompasses the entire town and its indigenous Andean communities. It is a popular destination for visitors to the country, particularly at the weekends. Otavalo is unique in that it has a strong tourism trade going on but does so without losing any of its indigenous tradition, and the locals still proudly wear the indigenous clothing of their ancestors in the streets. The town has most amenities that you would find at home, including internet cafes, bars and restaurants. Volunteers work within communities situated about a one-hour minivan ride from Otavalo up in the mountains.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Otavalo in comfortable accommodation gives you an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! You will have your own private room, hot water and three meals a day will be provided. The food is very typical of the area and is varied, including meats, plenty of vegetables and fruits. Vegetarians are also well catered for. Travel upgrades are available on this project see dates and costs for more information.