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.
Physical Education Volunteer Project in Ecuador - Quito
Purpose
Improve wellbeing through physical activity
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
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.
This program is ideal for:
Active volunteers who enjoy playing games with children and have an interest in sport and education. Teaching experience is not required as you’ll be working with a local teacher.
Project details
Want to throw yourself into Physical Education volunteering in Ecuador - Quito? International Volunteer HQ’s Physical Education project is the perfect chance for sports-loving volunteers to share their passion with children in disadvantaged parts of Quito. Volunteers gain experience teaching PE and helping students learn and improve their skills, fitness and coordination.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
At elementary schools in Quito, physical education is an important part of the curriculum. With the help of volunteers students can learn new skills and games, practice existing ones and further improve their fitness and coordination. They will also be able to develop their teamwork, communication and sportsmanship skills.
As a Physical Education volunteer you’ll be able to share your love of sport with students by helping with classes in elementary schools. You’ll essentially be a volunteer sports teacher, supporting local teachers and working on your own at times. Popular sports include soccer, basketball, gymnastics, and other agility exercises.
Physical Education volunteer work can vary but often includes:
- Assisting local teachers with lessons
- Teaching new sports and games
- Setting up games and activities
- Coaching and mentoring students
Please note this project is not available in July and August. During these times, volunteers will transfer to the School Break project, where you can assist with games and other physical activities.
Why do Physical Education volunteering in Quito with IVHQ?
As a volunteer gym teacher in Ecuador - Quito you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving the health and wellbeing of students through sports
- Helping students develop important life and social skills
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the - Ecuadorian culture
- Discovering Quito, Ecuador’s busy capital city
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers need to be 18 years or over to participate on this project, unless volunteering with a parent or guardian, in which case the minimum age is 3.
Volunteers aged under 18 on their program start date are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional document to the local team.
Volunteers aged under 18 on their start date, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.
All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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.
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IVHQ NGO Support project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Music volunteer project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Quito during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteer Spanish Class
IVHQ volunteer Salsa Class
Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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 $3 to $10 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 are accommodated in a cozy, well-equipped hostel just outside the city center of Split. Tucked away in a peaceful residential neighborhood, it offers a calm and pleasant environment while remaining conveniently close to the city. Public transport is just a short 5-minute walk away, and essential services like supermarkets, cafés, bakeries, pharmacies, and ATMs are all within easy reach. A scenic local beach is also nearby, ideal for relaxing after a day of volunteering.
You’ll stay in dormitory-style rooms, usually arranged by gender, with up to eight volunteers per room, ideal for making friends and sharing experiences. During busier seasons, mixed-gender dorms may be used. Each volunteer has access to a secure locker, and the building is equipped with free WiFi and air conditioning to ensure a comfortable stay.
Shared facilities include a dining area, a lounge for relaxing and socializing, and a fully equipped kitchen with fridges, microwaves, and basic cooking utensils. Bathrooms are shared and separated by gender, with Western-style toilets and hot showers. Bedding and towels are provided, and the facilities are cleaned regularly, though volunteers are expected to help maintain cleanliness in communal areas.
Looking for more privacy? Private room upgrades are available on request (subject to availability). These rooms, located just a short walk from the main accommodation, are self-catered. Lunch and dinner are provided daily at a local restaurant nearby, offering a chance to enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine, while breakfast is self-prepared.
This accommodation provides a safe and welcoming base for your volunteering experience, with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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 $3 - $15, 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.
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer lounge room
Typical volunteer toilet
IVHQ volunteers dining
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately $299), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) 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 FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 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 $299) 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 emergency 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
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Discounts on language lessons
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- 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
Enjoy a stress free ride from Quito back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport arranged by our local team.
$44
Andean Art Class
Andean Art Inspirations: The Soul of the Andes
$55
Andean Quito Landscapes & Colonial Wonders Tour
Explore some of Quito’s hidden gems, famous landmarks, and immersive nature experiences!
$150
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 = $149 (or 3 days intensive)
- 20 hours/10 days = $229 (or 5 days intensive)
- 30 hours/15 days = $329 (or 8 days intensive)
- 40 hours/10 days intensive = $429
- 60 hours/15 days intensive = $619
- 80 hours/20 days intensive = $809
Check what's required to visit Ecuador
Safety and support
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.
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.
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
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Susi Garvin
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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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Galia Harmelin
I feel that this volunteering opportunity is something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. It opened my perspective of different diverse areas of the world, and allowed me to learn what I was capable of in an impactful setting.
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Ayanna Leal
From this experience I gained the opportunity to become a part of the Ecuadorian culture. Getting to go to school everyday on the bus, going to the mall to watch fútbol on the big screen, and visiting different cities were all ways that I was able to take in the culture. Having the opportunity to work in a school has taught me so much about child development and how little it takes to be happy. This experience helped me to grow as a person and gain a better understanding of what I want to do in the future.
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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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