New Abroad Short–Term Volunteer programs offered in Ecuador: Indigenous Jungle Community, Wildlife, and Galapagos

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, is proud to announce that it is offering new & diverse projects for volunteers interested in traveling to Ecuador. Now, in addition to living and working in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, volunteers can venture to the Amazon and even the Galapagos Islands.

Previous volunteer opportunities included environmental protection efforts, health care projects, and projects working with children; now volunteers will have even more unique volunteer opportunities in Ecuador.  The new variety includes hands-on volunteer work in exciting projects such as jungle reforestation and conservation, teaching and mentoring children, and animal rehabilitation.

“The new programs are great opportunities for our volunteers because they get to experience more of Ecuador’s diversity,” said Theresa Higgs, Vice President of Global Operations at United Planet.  “Prior to the new programs, we only had programs in Quito, and we always had inquiries about community service in Galapagos and the Jungle. By opening up the Galapagos Project, volunteers are able to do a greater variety of activities.”

Volunteers also get the chance to live together on the beautiful island--exploring their surroundings, the local culture, and the beauty of the Ecuadorian people.

Hippo-therapy in Galapagos Project

Building homes in Galapagos Project

Infant Care in Galapagos Project

The new “Indigenous Jungle Community Quest” allows United Planet volunteers to become immersed in the Indigenous Quechua community.  They will have the opportunity to truly become a part of the unique lifestyle and culture, and even help teach children lessons in English as well as environmental conservation.

Volunteers at the Puerto Misahualli

Finally, projects at our Animal Rescue center attract animal and jungle lovers; volunteers are able to interact with animals that have been victims of abuse and maltreatment. They will be asked to help care for the animals being treated at the rehabilitation center, and sometimes even get to release them back into their natural habitat.

Animals at the Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon

All of these programs show that United Planet is looking to expand to a wider audience, and provide its volunteers with new experiences. The exciting Jungle and Galapagos Island programs cater to those volunteers who are interested in Environmental Conservation Issues, as well as Community Development.

As Theresa Higgs explained, “Ecuador is a wonderful place for almost anyone seeking to volunteer: It’s easy to get to, the dollar is strong, and the people are famous for their warmth and hospitality.” Looks like it’s time to head to Ecuador, don’t you think?

ABOUT UNITED PLANET

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders.

Over the past ten years, United Planet has worked with local communities all over the world to find meaningful work for volunteer travelers; and has placed thousands of volunteers in those communities to live and work – for periods ranging from a week to a year. United Planet is the U.S. and Canadian member of the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, founded in 1949.

All photos courtesy and copyrigth United Planet