Ecuador: Santa Elena
Youth Empowerment
| Length | Training Dates |
In-Country Dates |
Ages | Application Deadline |
Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session A - Closed | 4 Weeks |
Online training on health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country. |
June 6–July 3, 2023 |
15–19 | The deadline for Session A has passed. |
$4,675 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here) $6,175 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included. |
| Session B | 4 Weeks |
Online training on health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country. |
July 11–August 7, 2023 |
15–19 | Deadline extended! Contact us at [email protected] for more details. |
$4,675 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here) $6,175 – National Chapter Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included. |
Online training on health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.
June 6–July 3, 2023
$4,675 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)
$6,175 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.
Online training on health and safety, mental health, travel, and AMIGOS history before departure. Leadership and orientation training take place in-country.
July 11–August 7, 2023
$4,675 – Local Chapter (Find out more about joining AMIGOS through a local chapter here)
$6,175 – National Chapter
Fees include all in-country expenses. Flight costs are not included.
Homestay – you’ll live with a host family and be placed in a community with one or two other AMIGOS volunteers.
Mild – temperatures on the coast hover around the low- to mid-70s.
Earn 48 service hours!
Get two college credits for this project! Find out more here.
Lots of seafood!
Corviches = Deep fried plantain stuffed with peanut sauce and fish
Encebollado = Traditional Ecuadorian soup made from onions and tuna
Dive deep into Ecuadorian culture by living with a host family! You’ll get to practice your Spanish, spend time with your host family and members of the community, and learn about the world by living in it.
You’ll live with a host family in a rural community. One or two AMIGOS volunteers will also live in your community and a staff member will visit you at least once a week to check in with you and provide support as needed. Your summer experience will be largely what you make of it!
Partner with local students to work in community spaces for Santa Elena’s youth. From beautification projects and risk reduction to public health workshops and community gardens, empower the youth of your host community through collaboration.
AMIGOS has worked with Plan International in Ecuador for more than a decade. Plan is well-respected and has long-standing relationships with communities all over the country. AMIGOS volunteers will plug into the initiatives that Plan is carrying out in local communities around the Santa Elena province.
*Approximate
Learn how to create ethical service initiatives by working with–not for–a community, engaging local organizations and partners, and evaluating the impact of your work. AMIGOS works with trusted local partners that are passionate and committed to working with our volunteers on community service projects.
Cultural humility is a process of both self-reflection about your own culture as well as learning about other cultures. You will examine your own beliefs and cultural identity and gain an understanding of how structural racism has impacted societies and the roles that communities can take to lead systemic change.
Learn, grow, and discover your leadership potential! Explore your sense of purpose and start to establish your personal goals and values through introspection and inquiry.
Travel off the beaten path and to must-see spots in Ecuador! Live like a local, not a tourist, with a host family in your host community. You’ll get to see these places from the distinct perspective of someone who has spent time in that country and learned about the culture firsthand. Plus, you’ll bond with volunteers and community members and have fun!
AMIGOS is the industry leader in health and safety management. Our staff is prepared to help you with any situation that may arise. Each volunteer receives a personalized emergency plan, as well as support from local staff teams and a professional 24-hour On-Call Safety Team of travel specialists, doctors, and mental health specialists. A Health and Wellness Coordinator is on staff with the group throughout the duration of their stay. AMIGOS also has an established network of vetted medical clinics and hospitals throughout the region.
AMIGOS programs provide a unique opportunity to experience a new culture. Volunteers report increased fluency in Spanish after completing our program. Activities go far beyond the classroom — you’ll lead activities in Spanish, learn local slang, and increase your confidence with real-world practice. You will not believe how fast your Spanish improves when you use it in conversation every day!
I don’t think anything I learned could fit into any words on any paper. I learned Spanish vocabulary and about community leadership, but also a new culture, a new way of life, and a new lens through which to view life.
—Anna, Ecuador Volunteer, 2022
¡Getting ready for great adventures! 🤩
The Senior Staff of the Santa Elena Project is currently working on visiting communities and arranging the best plans with @plan_ecuador to ensure an amazing experience for everyone 🫱🏼🫲🏽✨
¡Preparándonos para grandes aventuras! 🤩
El Senior Staff de Santa Elena ha estado trabajando en visitar comunidades y armar los mejores planes con @plan_ecuador para asegurar una maravillosa experiencia para todos 🫱🏼🫲🏽✨
#amigosdelasamericas #volunteering #communityservice
Appreciation post for the gap volunteers. Thank you for being adventurous and being willing to immerse yourselves in a new culture, great job!
Some results of beautiful service projects carried out by the gap volunteers
Gap volunteers are enjoying the last days of their experience at Quito
Gap volunteers just finished they internships. We want to thank the community of Cuenca for all the love and support ❤️
Language exchange final event. Juegos y hamburguesas 🎁🍔🎮
Gap volunteers during their excursion to Ingapirca
Family time around Cuenca!
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