0% Interest Payment Plan Available - Find Out More
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Ecuador - Quito

Teaching English Volunteer Program in Ecuador - Quito

Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3-5 hours a day, Tue - Fri
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay or volunteer house
Apply for free
'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

New banner

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who can speak fluent English and want to share their language skills with local students. No previous experience is required as you’ll be working with qualified teachers, but a TEFL certificate can help volunteers gain more from the experience, as can a basic knowledge of Spanish.

Project details

Want to volunteer to Teach English in Ecuador - Quito? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project empowers volunteers to assist in schools and centers attended by children from low-income families. Volunteers will gain teaching experience while sharing their valuable English language skills with students who may otherwise not get the opportunity to learn. Knowing how to speak English can increase employability and mean better jobs and futures for people in Quito.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In Ecuador, the ability to speak English is extremely useful for opening employment and further educational possibilities, but language lessons are too expensive for those in lower income communities. By volunteering to teach English, you can increase the access to language learning and the benefits it can bring.

As a volunteer English teacher you’ll be based in schools or centers in disadvantaged neighborhoods, helping to teach classes the basics of the English language. Volunteers act as assistant teachers to local staff, helping students that range in age from 3-12 years old. Class sizes can vary from 15 - 35 students, though having volunteers on hand to assist means they can be split into more manageable groups.

Teaching English volunteer work can vary but usually involves:

  • Teaching English classes
  • Assisting local teachers
  • Tutoring individual students
  • Helping with tests
  • Identifying communication problems
  • Addressing linguistic concerns
  • Developing language teaching strategies
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education

More than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Quality education provides an opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment and is key to preventing poverty, securing long-term employment and improving quality of life.

Why do Teaching English volunteering in Quito with IVHQ?

On the Teaching English project in Quito you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to language learning for low-income families
  • Helping students gain skills that make them more employable
  • Practicing your Spanish
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching abroad experience
  • Immersing yourself fully in the Ecuadorian culture
  • Exploring Quito, Ecuador’s capital city

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or friend over the age of 18 to participate in this program
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
  • While being able to speak Spanish is not a requirement to join the Ecuador program, we recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our partner staff in Ecuador. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Volunteers interested in taking Spanish lessons can arrange these directly with the local staff once in Ecuador.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply for free

Not sure which program to join?

Get personalized recommendations >


'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

New banner

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

AM
Angeline Moshammer
17 Oct 2024

My volunteer experience has deepened my appreciation for the simple things of life. It has been an eye-opener for me.

I originally volunteered for Teaching English, but when I arrived decided to switch to the Street Children Work project. I felt that I contributed more by doing English conversation with the market kids. Through music, games and handicrafts, we had fun learning English together. The kids were happy to take home their self-made crafts which were even better than toys. Spending time with them was a source of joy for me!

Anyone can contribute something for the sake of the kids. As for me, I've shared my passion for Origami. I folded paper figures for them to play with as well as use it to learn English vocabulary and phrases. The highlight of it all is simply having fun doing the crafts together.

...
SR
Suzanne Rasmussen
04 Oct 2024

My 2-week experience in Quito, Ecuador was a true adventure. The locals I encountered were genuine and grateful; children were eager to share their knowledge of English. They were also eager to give out random hugs. Highlights included collaboration & conversations with my fellow volunteers as well as cultural discoveries made. The preparation was very thorough, easy to follow and my IVHQ Program Manager was always available for questions. I've already recommended IVHQ to two interested people at my workplace!

...
KS
Kacie Stevens
18 Jul 2024

IVHQ was very helpful pre-departure! I'd recommend future volunteers be flexible and adaptable and do your best to chat to the other volunteers on the program.

...
NM
Nelson Martinez
03 Jun 2024

I had a great time in Quito. The people, the assistance here with the local team, my new friends here and especially the school. The teachers and students are amazing! The places that we have gone to in our spare time to Mindo, the Market and Baños were simply unimaginable!

...
LN
Liesl Nelson
09 Apr 2024

The local team was great - always helpful and encouraging me to practice my Spanish! There was always plenty of food and the team was also able to accommodate my dietary requirements.

...
SS
Simon Saia
28 Nov 2023

I grew more in the nine days I was in Quito, Ecuador than I had in the previous 2 years. I gained so much from this wonderful, soul enriching experience. I got pushed out of my comfort zone, I grew as a teacher, friend and Samaritan. My experience has made me extremely aware of the resources I have in my life and filled me with understanding and gratitude for everything in this beautiful life. IVHQ is a very safe and reliable way to explore the world and grow yourself as a person.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in Quito, Ecuador with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ Ecuador volunteer program is based in the capital city of Quito and its surrounding urban and rural areas. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Despite this aesthetic beauty, Ecuador is still a developing country and there is a great need for volunteers to assist with the growth of this city and its disadvantaged communities.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Quito on the day before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee and airport drop off is also available as an affordable add-on which you can book through IVHQ. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Quito. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are traveling in Ecuador prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Quito the day before your program orientation, or you can make your own way to the volunteer office.

Orientation is hosted by our local team at their volunteer offices in Quito. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Quito - an introduction to Ecuador, Ecuadorian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Ecuador and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.

Volunteer schedule example

Please note that volunteering on the Ecuador - Quito Program is held Tuesday through Friday and you can expect to participate for 3 - 5 hours per day. Weekends on the program are Saturday through Monday, however, there are some placements (e.g. NGO Support, Street Children Work) that can offer work on Monday upon request. If you would like to work on Monday, simply let the local team know at orientation and they can make these arrangements for you.

Weekdays

An example of a typical day is as follows:

8:00 AM Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay.
8:30 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at.
12:30 - 1:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, prepare for the next day, or do some shopping and sightseeing. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, these will usually take place in the afternoons and last 2-3 hours.
6:30 PM Dinner self prepared at the volunteer accommodation or out at a nearby restaurant.

Volunteers on the Ecuador program can also join casual social activities arranged by the local staff. The social activities usually take place 1 - 2 days per week and give volunteers the opportunity to engage in fun events with the local team, as well as learn about the Ecuadorian customs. Club activities include Ecuadorian movie nights, make your own pizza nights, salsa lessons and more! All of the club activities are held in the afternoon or evening, after volunteers have finished at their placement, and range in cost from CA$4 to CA$14 per person. These activities are not mandatory, but are a great way to get involved and meet other volunteers.

Weekends

Spanning Saturday to Monday, weekends are extra long for volunteers in Quito so there is plenty of time to relax or explore other parts of the city and Ecuador. If you are interested in art, culture and history, you can check out Quito’s historical center, where you can learn about Quito’s history, legends and Pre-Columbian cultures. From there, you can take the El Teleferico cable car for beautiful views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Horseback riding and hiking is available to the Guagua Pichincha volcano summit. You can visit the coastal region of Salango for snorkelling, Silver Island, and the beautiful beaches of Los Frailes. Jungle excursions can also be arranged to experience nature and unique wildlife such as toucans, parrots, and monkeys.

Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to explore the amazing national parks of Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands.

Looking for more ideas of things to do in Ecuador? Check out our Ecuador Travel & Tours page!

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers stay in a four-story volunteer house. Local homestays nearby are sometimes used during the busy season when the volunteer house reaches capacity. Bedrooms have single beds or bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with one to four other volunteers of the same gender.

Living is comfortable and all volunteer accommodation has electricity, filtered water and western-style bathrooms. While bedding is provided, you will need to bring your own towels and toiletries.

There are two basic private room upgrades available, one with a single bed and the other with a single bed and private bathroom. These can be arranged for an additional fee, once you’ve registered for the program.

Please note, homes in Quito are not heated, so in the colder months extra blankets are available upon request. WiFi is available at the volunteer house and in some homestays, though it can be unreliable at times. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone when you arrive in Ecuador or after orientation.

Meals

Volunteers are provided with breakfast every day on the Ecuador - Quito program. Breakfast is usually tea or coffee, milk, oatmeal, local breads, butter, jam and fruit.

Please note, portion sizes in Ecuador are traditionally smaller than what most western countries offer.

Lunch and dinner can be purchased locally for approximately CA$4 - CA$22, depending on the type of meal you’re looking for.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and need to be flexible.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$439) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week $370 Equivalent to $53/day
2 weeks $525 Equivalent to $38/day
3 weeks $680 Equivalent to $32/day
4 weeks $835 Equivalent to $30/day
5 weeks $990 Equivalent to $28/day
6 weeks $1,145 Equivalent to $27/day
8 weeks $1,455 Equivalent to $26/day
10 weeks $1,765 Equivalent to $25/day
12 weeks $2,075 Equivalent to $25/day
  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$439) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Quito generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as meals, personal spending and local tours and activities.
  • Breakfast
  • Airport pick-up
  • Accommodation
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on language lessons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Transport to and from your placement each day
  • Return to the airport when your program finishes
  • Flights
  • Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
  • Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.

Popular add-ons & experiences in Quito

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Quito program.

Airport Drop-off
Airport Drop-off

Enjoy a stress free ride from Quito back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport arranged by our local team.

CA$64
Private Room (single/twin bed) + Private Bathroom Upgrade.
Private Room (single/twin bed) + Private Bathroom Upgrade.

A private room upgrade with a single bed and private bathroom.

From CA$319
Private Room Upgrade (single/twin bed), shared bathroom.
Private Room Upgrade (single/twin bed), shared bathroom.

A private room upgrade with a single bed.

From CA$295

Spanish language lessons

Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers unless they are fluent in Spanish. Volunteers with a basic level of Spanish should strongly consider these lessons to allow them to work and communicate more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be added via your MyIVHQ profile as an add-on, once you’ve registered for your program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and must be paid for in Ecuador to our local staff. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.

  • 12 hours/6 days = CA$219 (or 3 days intensive)
  • 20 hours/10 days = CA$336 (or 5 days intensive)
  • 30 hours/15 days = CA$483 (or 8 days intensive)
  • 40 hours/10 days intensive = CA$630
  • 60 hours/15 days intensive = CA$909
  • 80 hours/20 days intensive = CA$1189

Check what's required to visit Ecuador

Safety and support

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential country information

Capital Quito
Population 17.37 million
Languages Spanish
Currency US Dollar (USD)
Time zone UTC-05:00

Weather and climate: The climate of Ecuador is composed of a number of microclimates that separate into four distinct zones. La Costa (Coastal Lowlands) is tropical, La Sierra (Andean Mountains) is temperate; and El Oriente (Amazon Region) shares the jungle climate of the upper Amazon rain forest.

Apply to check if you're eligible!

Other projects you may be interested in

How to get started

Pick a destination + project and apply for free
Meet your personal volunteer travel expert
Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
Get ready to volunteer abroad, we’ll support you every step of the way!
Message us for more information

Still have questions? Let's talk!

We're here to answer all your questions so you feel 100% confident and ready for an unforgettable experience.