Working in Ecuador

Many foreigners considering working abroad decide to teach English. If teaching English is what you want to do you are in luck for English teachers are continually in demand. However, with a little creativity, assertiveness and luck it's possible to land any of a number of other jobs that your friends back home will certainly envy.

Notice boards in cafes, laundromats and hostals are always good starting places for finding work. The South American Explorers Club also posts job listings. Basic jobs such as bartending, retail, hotel positions, charitable work and volunteering are regularly advertised, especially around the high-season months of June, July and August, and again during the winter holidays. September is the hardest month to find work, except for last minute teaching positions.

You need a visa issued from the Ecuadorian consulate in your home country in order to work legally in Ecuador. However, many people obtain visas once in Ecuador with the help of their employers and most working travelers find work paid cash-in-hand, which circumvents the need for legal documents.

Teaching English Jobs in Ecuador

There is a moderate demand for English teachers in Quito, so many native-speakers find work teaching in language schools. The top schools, such as the Academia Cotopaxi, the Fulbright Insitute, la Universidad Catolica, la Universidad de San Francisco de Quito, The Experiment in International Living, and Key Language Services, pay between USD 3 and USD 7 per hour (the upper end of that figure being rare) but they usually require native speakers who have appropriate degrees and experience. This may not seem like a lot but it's enough to live comfortably on while you are in Quito.

There are plenty of schools in Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil that do not require degrees or experience but they pay much less than the schools named above; expect to earn about USD 2.50 to USD 5/hour. Schools in this second tier include Andean Institute, English First, and the Polytechnic University (Fepon). If your timing is right or if you can take advantage of a connection you can sometimes circumvent the requirements of the better schools as well. Supply and demand. Due to the current economic crisis experience is almost never the determining factor, so aim high.

Stop by English schools in person a few days before classes start, even if you were turned-down previously, because teachers inevitably bail at the last minute or schools "under-hire" and need teachers in a jiffy. Also, it helps enormously if you are able to get an introduction from someone already working at a school. We should not need to mention this but wear professional attire when you go to interviews and when you are checking on job availability. Appearance is everything. One last suggestion: secure your salary in writing beforehand, as there have been instances of delayed or refused payment with these schools, as well as those of the top tier.

If English is your mother tongue, you can also find well-paid work teaching private lessons or proofing translations. Check the notice boards and/or put an ad up offering your services. Additionally, although the demand is far less, jobs may also be obtained teaching French and German.

If you are planning to stay in Quito for an extended period of time and have teaching credentials or experience, you may be able to find long-term work with one of the international high schools in Quito. There are regular advertisements in the newspapers looking for language, science and humanities teachers for Colegio Americano, Cotopaxi Academy, and other private international schools. The majority of job ads appear in the weekend and Monday editions. Also consider contacting one of the many organizations that match qualified teachers with open teaching positions in schools worldwide, although be aware that these organizations often charge hefty fees for their services.

Tourism Jobs in Ecuador

Second to teaching English, jobs in the tourism industry are relatively easy to come by. Pick a city and hit the pavement passing by the popular tourist establishments. More than likely something will pop up, whether it be bartending, hotel receptionist, managing a hotel, waiting tables, bike mechanic, or working at a travel agency. Anywhere where there are lots of tourists there are jobs for foreigners. Often all that is required is the ability to speak English, an amiable personality and good timing. The turn-over rate with foreign employees is high, so it's feasible to quickly land a job for just a few months or even a few weeks.

If you have the proper credentials, relevant experience and language ability it is also possible to be hired as a guide. Adventure tourism is big business in Ecuador, so there are a number of interesting guiding possibilities, including birding, rainforest naturalist, Galapagos naturalist, climbing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, scuba diving, trekking, mountain biking, and paragliding positions.

It is possible to guide on a freelance basis as well as get hired by a specific agency. Working with an agency will likely solve your visa problems, as they will sponsor you to stay and work in Ecuador (a prerequisite to getting a work visa). These arrangements can be made before coming to Ecuador or after you have arrived. Getting a job guiding in the Galapagos is more difficult than obtaining positions elsewhere in Ecuador for there are many restrictions and you must pass an official guiding course which is held no more than twice a year and will set you back about USD 500. You must also speak at least three languages. Prerequisites for all other guiding positions are much more flexible.

Volunteering in Ecuador

If you have your heart set on doing some good there is no better place to do it than Ecuador. The people of this beautiful country are some of the friendliest in the world, though you will surely wonder how they remain so kind in the face of all the hardships they face. Volunteer opportunities abound throughout Ecuador. From orphanages to rainforest preserves the organizations that help keep this small South American country together are severely understaffed.

We list a few volunteer possibilities below and in our classifieds page, though the best way to find a position that will reward Ecuador and you is simply to come to Quito and ask around. You will find something within a few days.

Volunteer Latin America
We offer volunteers a wide variety of voluntary projects, including many opportunities to volunteer abroad and learn Spanish.

VolunteerSouthAmerica.net lists the free and low-cost volunteer opportunities in South & Central America. The site is designed for backpackers / independent travelers looking for a real volunteer experience abroad, without paying any middle-man or agency fees.

Charitable and Non-Profit Organizations

Charitable and non-profit organizations in your home country may operate programs in Ecuador. Most of these programs are volunteer-based, although paid positions for foreigners are occasionally available. There are also a number of Ecuadorian institutions who accept foreigners in paid and non-paid capacities. (Getting a paid position has as much to do with who you know and when you apply, as it does with what you know.) It is usually easier to arrange a volunteer position or internship with organizations based in Ecuador (as opposed to those in the States or Europe).

Below is a list of organizations to contact. With volunteer and internship programs it is important to obtain clear information regarding the length of commitment expected, how much you will be expected to pay for room and board (if applicable), and what kind of qualifications or experience you need in order to be a successful volunteer.

The following organizations have ongoing volunteer programs. Visit linked websites for more information. Many organizations accept qualified volunteers on the spot, so don't be shy about contacting the relevant person while in Ecuador.

For a comprehensive list of NGOs working in Ecuador, in-depth descriptions of the projects they spearhead, and their contact information for would-be volunteers, please check out our Ecuador NGO guide.

Organizations to Contact

Handmade Recycled Paper from Ecuador - Ecopapel is handmade recycled paper stationery individually decorated with wildflowers. Buy Recycled paper invitations, recycled business cards and environmentaly friendly gifts in Ecuador. It is made in Ecuador, South America as part of a community development project.

Quito S.I. Spanish Institute - school with more than 10 years of experience in teaching Spanish as a foreign language is the only "Centro Asociado Cervantes" in South America. This accreditation involves producing high quality Spanish courses as well as promoting cultural programs in Spanish. As "Centro Asociado Cervantes", Quito S.I. Spanish Institute is DELE (Diploma Español Lengua Extranjera) Examination and preparation center. Our Spanish courses have been designed and tested for the best results in the least amount of time. Students may combine Intensive Spanish program with excursions and spare time activities, volunteer work or internship

Volunteer in Ecuador at Vida Verde - offers intensive one-to-one, group and online Spanish immersion programs for students at all levels. Our teachers have a university degree and at least 10 years of teaching experience and they prepare our students for the D.E.L.E. exam. We offer homestay with pre-screened Ecuadorian host families, as well as, environmentally and culturally educational excursions to complement your study program. Exciting Study in the Jungle and on the Coast programs as well as volunteer and Internship opportunities are available. A portion of profits go to support local conservation and community development projects. Learn Spanish with a conscience.

Volunteering and internship with Andean Global Studies Foundation. AGS following its mission to contribute to the betterment of Ecuadorian society encourages its students to participate in diverse volunteer programs and internships. Spanish lessons could be arranged before, through or after volunteer or internship commitment. Humanitarian projects available include the following: street children care, medical assistance, orphanage help, elderly assistance, among others. Ecology programs are held in natural protected areas outside of the city. Students would stay in the reserves and offer assistance in different areas related to the conservation, reforestation and ecology education outgoing in the area.

Charles Darwin Station - research station based on Santa Cruz island working to conserve Galapagos flora and fauna through education, research and fieldwork. Volunteer opportunities (some with room and board). Contact: Roslyn Cameron at cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec.

Learning Spanish in The Galapagos Islands  - We are renowned in Ecuador for not only our first class instructors, but for our personalized approach to learning. We want to help you to get all you can out of your time in Ecuador, whether you want to immerse yourself in learning Spanish, wish to combine Spanish lessons with volunteer experience, or combine Spanish classes with some Ecuadorian adventure; from the Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands or Travelling Classroom Programm , we are here to help you customize your learning opportunities.

Volunteer Adventure Travel in Ecuador - ISV Ecuador offers volunteer projects in community development, whale research, organic farming, & environmental education. Volunteer for 2 weeks on meaningful projects with a group of likeminded individuals and then take a 2 week adventure tour of a lifetime that can include glacier climbing, Amazon jungle hikes, waterfall rappelling, surfing, & more. An optional 1 week Galapagos Island Tour will allow you to explore the history and wildlife of this amazing, tropical paradise. ISV also offers a Spanish language course before your adventure begins. International Student Volunteers make a difference and travel for a purpose.

Spanish School in Quito, Ecuador at Academia Latinoamericana de Espanol Set in a beautiful colonial campus, with interior patio, library, auditorium, cafeteria, wallyball court, wheelchair access, elevator, internet wireless connection, for complete beginners-superior, most effective methods, only university qualified and experienced teachers, University credit through Alma College, New Mexico State University or Bildungsurlaub in Germany, homestay and student residence, cultural program, travel packages and more at very reasonable rates.

Centro de Rescate Merazonia is an NGO located in one of the most beautiful areas in Ecuador where the Andes meet the Amazon. Located in 250 acres of rainforest we are in the process of building a rescue centre for trafficked animals. If you are looking at getting off the beaten track and volunteer please see our website www.merazonia.org

Otavalo Spanish Institute - Otavalo Spanish Institute is the only School that is interested in projects with poor schools located in rural mountain areas in Otavalo. Volunteers who are interested in this program will have the opportunity to work in the Andean Indigenous culture, close to the beautiful market town of Otavalo, surrounded by beautiful mountains, which allows the volunteers to immerse and improve their Spanish skills.

The Simón Bolívar Volunteer Program is based upon the idea that the essence of volunteering is to give and recieve. The Volunteer Program will enable you to make a significant difference in someone life by giving your valuable time and effort. At the same time you will improve yourself both personally and professionally.

Eco-lodge Urcu Puyujunda - Volunteer program in Ecuador. Located by the Nanegalito-Mindo road, we offer you the oportunity for volunteering in the Cloud Forest, if you like nature and learning about different cultures and beautiful ecosystems, Urcu Puyujunda is the perfect place for you. Also you can do your volunteer work in the city of Quito at the orphanage or with disabled children. The volunteer programs can be from seven days to one year and can take place at any time of the year. For more information email us at:urcupuyujunda@cloudforestecuador.com
Phone: (593-2) 2546-253 (593-2) 098334489

Río Guaycuyacu Reserve - a nature reserve and family fruit farm in Ecuador offering research facilities for biologists, and tropical agricultural apprenticeships/volunteer work.

Río Muchacho Organic Farm - Rio Muchacho is an organic farm on the coast of Ecuador, deep in the montubio culture It is a model farm for the coast and practices permaculture, organic farming and reforestation etc. A community environmental school has also been developed close to the farm. Volunteers participate in the farm activities or in the school in the morning and develop their own projects in the afternoon. Wednesday afternoon is cultural afternoon where volunteers do different activities eg, making chocolate, fishing river shrimp, excursion up river on horseback to see howler monkeys. A one month commitment is requested. For more information see www.riomuchacho.com ecopapel@ecuadorexplorer.com.

Santa Martha - is part of Fundacion Espiritu del Bosque, a fully registered non profit organisation in Ecuador, that helps to rehabilitate illegally trafficked wildlife. The fundacion comprises 4 projects, a vets centre, where all animals go first for essential care and treatment. Then they will either go to Santa Martha to be rehabilitated into their natural environment once again, or to a smaller centre which caters only for baby animals, again to rehabilitate and release them. The 4th project is the Andean Spectacled Bear tracking centre which monitors released bears to ensure their ongoing welfare and survival. Volunteers can volunteer in any one, or all four, of these projects, which allows a great feeling of achievement - to be involved with the animal from its initial entry to its final release. If you take a look at www.santamartharescue.org you can get a feel for some of the work we do.

Sinchi Sacha Foundation - community development and rainforest conservation programs with Amazonian Quichua and other indigenous groups. Spanish required.

www.volunteeringecuador.org - We work for children and youngsters. Our little ones are poor: healthy or ill ones. Our contribution is at day-cares, grammar and primary schools; orphanages; retention, street children and health centres; public hospitals, etc. We are a non-governmental, non-profit organisation, where no one gets any salary, we are all volunteers, Our mission is to enhance the well being of Ecuadorian children by working with them to solve their most pressing health, educational and environmental problems. We offer numerous short and long-term volunteer-learning Spanish opportunities. Please visit our web site, above. Contact: beto_10017@yahoo.com.

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