I gained lots of experience on communicating with the kids and making the teaching fun. I would advise my friend that the language is never an obstacle as long as there is a real care , empathy and sincere consideration of others. Life is made out of small moments , and if you can communicate something to kids and make them feel appreciated and respected in those moments, that is already a big contribution to the world.
Volunteer in Ecuador
Discover International Volunteer HQ’s popular Ecuador volunteer abroad program. Choose from a wide range of trusted Ecuador volunteer projects, including Teaching, Childcare, NGO Support, Community Development, and Music. Volunteer work in Ecuador is based in the beautiful capital city of Quito, nestled high in the Andes mountains. With affordable Program Fees and top rated volunteer projects trusted by over 155,000 travelers, IVHQ is the best volunteer organization in Ecuador.
Highlights:
- 10 meaningful project options available year-round
- Program Fees from $370 for 1 week
- Includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals, and 24/7 in-country support
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Accommodation in a volunteer house or local homestay
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Affordable Spanish language lessons available
Key information
Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in private and public schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in local primary schools or kindergartens that often have large classes. Help local teachers in lessons and with playtime, providing better access to care and attention for children.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in and around Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer on a range of community projects including meal programs in schools, renovation and maintenance work and helping out a community garden. A perfect project for those who like variety.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Lead music lessons in schools for students aged 3-12. Teach music and related skills, including playing instruments, either as lead teacher or with another volunteer.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based with an NGO in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help childcare initiatives to benefit low income families by assisting with campaigns, logistics and administration. Perfect for volunteers who want to assist children outside the classroom.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist with Physical Education in schools, practicing sports, introducing new games and improving students’ fitness and coordination.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Program starts every Monday in July until the second week of August
- Based at school holiday programs in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist on school holiday programs during July and August. Help to run lessons, play games and prepare skits, songs and plays for a final presentation to parents at the end of August.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in and around Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer as a tutor to help students who need learning support. Assist in schools and centers to provide additional attention and supplementary lesson activities outside school hours.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in shelters in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in shelters for vulnerable people, assisting local staff with day-to-day tasks including meal preparation and serving, laundry and running activities for those who come to the shelter.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in a street market in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Provide care and attention for children so that families can work to provide a sustainable income and a future for their kids.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $370
- Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
- Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
- Based in schools and centers in Quito
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist a local English teacher in schools in low income areas. Provide help to both the teacher and students as required and lend your expertise as a fluent English speaker.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Goksen Avcioglu
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Susi Garvin
The Ecuadorian people are friendly and helpful. It was a fun adventure to try to use my limited Spanish (it improved every day!) and I did quite well understanding and sometimes communicating a bit in English too. It was a good challenge! Plus, it was very insightful to see how a school operates throughout the short school day. Very different from the USA, which adds to my knowledge of the world, and helped me to understand some of the challenges that Ecuador faces in education.
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Merel Meiland
I feel more immersed in the culture and feel like although I was not there for a long time, I was of help during the time I spent volunteering. For other people my advice would definitely be to also try this kind of holiday.
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Britney Otero
I gained so much knowledge about the country I was in, the economy, the poverty, culture, etc. I also learned to be more grateful for what I have back in the U.S. This made my heart even more passionate about helping others in need and spreading love and kindness. Some advice is to get out and explore and try to get out of your comfort zone. Getting out of your comfort zone allows you to see things from a different angle and can give you a whole new perspective.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Webinar: Volunteering abroad in Ecuador with IVHQ
Considering volunteering abroad in Ecuador? Watch the replay of our webinar where our experts will answer all your questions, give their top program recommendations, and give you tips and tricks to make the most of your volunteer abroad program.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Ecuador
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 Ecuador program.
Andean Quito Landscapes & Colonial Wonders Tour
Explore some of Quito’s hidden gems, famous landmarks, and immersive nature experiences!
$168
Cotopaxi National Park
Get ready for a full-day adrenaline-filled journey to one of Ecuador’s most iconic natural wonders — Cotopaxi National Park!
$79
Dinner plan
Settle in each evening to enjoy a delicious, home cooked local dinner at your homestay, offering a warm taste of authentic regional cuisine.
From $40
Andean Quito Landscapes & Colonial Wonders Tour
Explore some of Quito’s hidden gems, famous landmarks, and immersive nature experiences!
$168
Cotopaxi National Park
Get ready for a full-day adrenaline-filled journey to one of Ecuador’s most iconic natural wonders — Cotopaxi National Park!
$79
Dinner plan
Settle in each evening to enjoy a delicious, home cooked local dinner at your homestay, offering a warm taste of authentic regional cuisine.
From $40
Check what's required to visit Ecuador
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
