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 163,000 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
Accommodation in a volunteer house or local homestay
Affordable Spanish language lessons available

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Key information
              
Fully hosted experience from $370

Volunteer from 1 - 12 weeks

Ages 18+ and families

Based in the capital city Quito

Projects align with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Impact driven projects run by locals

B Corporation certified organization

Spanish lessons available

Volunteer Opportunities in Ecuador

Childcare in Quito

Volunteer on the Childcare project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Program starts every Monday from second week of September to June
Based in childcare centers & schools
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.

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Community Development in Quito

Volunteer on the Community Development project with IVHQ in Quito, Ecuador

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in local community centers
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.

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Music in Quito

Volunteer on the Music project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in music schools
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.

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NGO Support in Quito

Volunteer on the NGO Support project with IVHQ in Quito, Ecuador

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based with a local NGO
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.

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Physical Education in Quito

Volunteer on the Physical Education project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in local schools
Volunteers aged 18+ and families

Assist with Physical Education in schools, practicing sports, introducing new games and improving students’ fitness and coordination.

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School Break in Quito

Volunteer on the School Break project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Program starts every Monday from end of June until mid August
Based in school holiday programs
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.

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School Support in Quito

Volunteer on the School Support project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Program starts every Monday from October until May
Based in local schools
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.

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Shelter Support in Quito

Volunteer on the Shelter Support project with IVHQ in Quito, Ecuador

Improves health & wellbeing

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in a community shelter
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.

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Street Children Work in Quito

Volunteer on the Street Children Work project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Supports community development

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in street markets
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.

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Teaching English in Quito

Volunteer on the Teaching English project with IVHQ in Quito Ecuador

Increases access to education

3-5 hours volunteering per day

Program Fees from $370

Duration: 1 - 12 weeks
Programs start every Monday
Based in community centers & schools
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.

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

Nina Celada-Robinson

I wasn’t sure what to expect from my volunteer experience, but I absolutely loved it. From the moment I arrived in the country the local coordinators and people in the homestay were super helpful and accommodating. They made me sure I had everything I needed, and they made sure I felt comfortable and safe at all times.

It can feel super intimidating going to a new country but the local team are always there when you need and then.

Volunteering with IVHQ is a great way to learn about different countries and cultures as well as a way to meet new people and really challenge yourself. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking of joining a project!

...

Jacquelyn Anderson

Thank you, IVHQ! I gained an extraordinary amount of enrichment from my volunteer teaching experience in Quito, Ecuador! As a language teacher, I am inquisitive about different countries and cultures! Volunteering in Quito allowed me to learn about the educational system and the teaching and learning environment, in which I was extremely impressed. I am also learning Spanish, and while brief the immersion allowed me to improve my language skills. When not volunteering, I was able to see the beautiful country and learn about its very interesting history. I learned of the indigenous history, the Incan history, and the Colonial history of the country. I visited museums, the equator, cathedrals, and basilicas, and since I was there during Good Friday, was able to see the parade, which was extremely impressive. I was able to partake in authentic foods and get to know the Ecuadorian people, and the advice I have given to many already and will continue to do so would be if you are a learner of countries, cultures, languages, and people, then this program will check all your boxes! Thank you, IVQ for providing a wonderful experience for a teacher of language.

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Goksen Avcioglu

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.

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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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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Promotional graphic for an IVHQ webinar on volunteering in the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador. The image features a smiling woman wearing an International Volunteer HQ t-shirt and sunglasses on her head, with a colorful background including illustrated elements like a guitar, fire, and tropical leaves.

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 tours & experiences in Ecuador

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