Patient, compassionate volunteers with an interest in education and making a difference to students who need additional learning support. You will need at least a conversational level of Spanish to join this project.

Project details

Ready to try School Support volunteering in Ecuador - Quito? International Volunteer HQ’s School Support project enables volunteers to gain experience working with students who need extra help at school. Students who may be new, have learning difficulties or are struggling with a particular topic or issue will be better able to handle these challenges if they have the close attention, helping hand and encouragement of a volunteer.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In classrooms all over the world, there are students who require additional support. Often schools in low-income communities in Quito are underfunded and poorly resourced so the kind of close, personalized attention these students need is not able to be provided.

As a School Support volunteer you will travel to different schools and centers around Quito to help small groups or individual students outside of school hours.

School Support volunteer duties can vary but usually include:

Tutoring students
Helping with homework
Boosting students’ confidence
Providing encouragement and support

Please note, this project runs from October until May each year.

Why do School Support volunteering in Quito with IVHQ?

While volunteering on the School Support project in Quito you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

Providing extra assistance to students who need it
Practicing your Spanish
Developing your communication skills
Gaining experience in an educational support role
Immersing yourself fully in the Ecuadorian culture
Discovering the ancient city of Quito

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.

Volunteers need to have at least an intermediate (B1) level of Spanish to join this program. If you don’t meet this requirement, you’re welcome to explore an alternative project in Ecuador.

Are you eligible to volunteer?

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

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.

Ecuador photo gallery

Community Development volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ Community Development project

Two IVHQ volunteers teaching farm animal names to children in a classroom at the Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Music volunteer project

IVHQ volunteers attending an orientation session with a local NGO staff member at the NGO Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ NGO Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers participating in a group activity with children at the School Break volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

School Support volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ School Support project

IVHQ volunteer serving prepared meals to shelter residents at the Shelter Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Shelter Support project

IVHQ volunteer engaging a baby in a Lego play activity at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

IVHQ volunteer engaging a baby and a young girl in a play activity with building blocks at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

A group of IVHQ volunteers and children smiling together after an English lesson at the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

Two IVHQ volunteers cutting and squeezing lemons while preparing meals at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

IVHQ volunteer sharing a group hug with children in a classroom at the Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Music volunteer project

NGO Support volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ NGO Support project

IVHQ volunteer doing a coloring and painting activity with three girls at the School Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

Two IVHQ volunteers and a local staff member celebrating after serving meals at the Shelter Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Shelter Support project

IVHQ volunteer engaging a toddler in a play activity at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

A group of children hugging an IVHQ volunteer teacher during a farewell on the last day of the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ volunteer serving a nutritious meal to children at a school through the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

Children enjoying outdoor playtime on swings at the IVHQ Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Music volunteer project

Local NGO staff members posing together at the IVHQ NGO Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ NGO Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers engaging in a coloring and painting activity with three girls at the School Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

Laundry facilities at the IVHQ Shelter Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Shelter Support project

Three IVHQ volunteers carrying children and smiling during a group photo at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

A mother and daughter volunteering together with IVHQ at the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ volunteer preparing bananas for meal service at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

IVHQ volunteer leading a farm animal learning activity with children at the Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteers and children posing together after a music lesson at the Music volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Music volunteer project

IVHQ volunteer updating project information on a whiteboard at the NGO Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ NGO Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers engaging in a group learning activity with children at the School Break volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

Shelter Support volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ Shelter Support project

A group of IVHQ volunteers and children engaging in floor play with toys and coloring sheets at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

A teacher introducing an IVHQ volunteer to a student at the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

IVHQ volunteers and placement staff posing together after a community meal service at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

Teacher leading a dance and singing activity with children at the IVHQ Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer and music teacher teaching a piano class to three students at the Music volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Music volunteer project

Local NGO staff member leading a volunteer orientation session on Ecuadorian laws and regulations at the NGO Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ NGO Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers preparing hand-drawn coloring sheets for children at the School Break volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

IVHQ Shelter Support project

Two IVHQ volunteers and a group of children participating in a group singing and clapping circle activity at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

IVHQ volunteer teaching English and writing on a whiteboard during a classroom lesson at the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

Two IVHQ volunteers painting a colorful playground game on a school courtyard floor at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

Childcare Volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ Childcare project

Two IVHQ volunteers performing a puppet show activity for children during the School Break volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

IVHQ Shelter Support project

Three IVHQ volunteers and children sitting together on stairs outside a local market during the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

IVHQ volunteer sitting and smiling with two students during a morning break at the Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

Two IVHQ volunteers cleaning and organizing a community kitchen after meal service at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

IVHQ volunteer in Ecuador on the Childcare project

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ volunteer teaching English vocabulary words to children at the School Break volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ School Break project

IVHQ Shelter Support project

A group of IVHQ volunteers and children posing together for a group photo at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

A teacher giving classroom instruction to students during a lesson at the IVHQ Teaching volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Teaching English project

Two IVHQ volunteers clearing dirty plates after a community meal service at the Community Development volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Community Development project

IVHQ volunteer in Quito, Ecuador on the Childcare project

IVHQ Childcare project

IVHQ Shelter Support project

A group of IVHQ volunteers and a group of children participating in a group singing and clapping circle activity at the Street Children Work volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Street Children Work project

Teaching English volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ Teaching English project

Inside a typical classroom at the IVHQ Childcare volunteer project in Ecuador with learning materials and children’s activities.

IVHQ Childcare project

Sleeping area with beds at the IVHQ Shelter Support volunteer project in Ecuador.

IVHQ Shelter Support project

Street Children work volunteer in Ecuador with IVHQ

IVHQ Street Children Work project

IVHQ volunteer in Quito, Ecuador on the Teaching English project

IVHQ Teaching English project

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

Recommended online TEFL course

We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.

Get TEFL certified online

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 option 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 accommodation.
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.

Please note that the schedule may occasionally change due to weather, public or school holidays, or other unforeseen events that could affect your placement. We recommend checking in advance whether your intended travel dates coincide with any public or school holidays.

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 Tours & Experiences!

Accommodation and WiFi

As a volunteer in Ecuador, you will stay with a welcoming local family in a traditional homestay, one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. You will share a room with up to two other same gender volunteers, usually with bunk beds, and enjoy a safe, comfortable home base in your host community.

Homestays give you a genuine window into everyday Ecuadorian life. You will practice Spanish naturally, learn local customs firsthand, and build real connections with your hosts.

All homes have electricity, filtered drinking water, and western style bathrooms. Ecuadorian houses are generally cozy but not heated, so pack warm layers if you are visiting during the cooler months (October to December). Bedding is provided, but please bring your own towels and toiletries.

Bathrooms are shared and modest in size. Low water pressure can be common, and showers are typically warm but not hot.

Wi Fi is available, but it may be spotty in some areas of the house.

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.

IVHQ volunteer bedroom in Quito, Ecuador

Typical volunteer bedroom

IVHQ volunteer living room in Quito, Ecuador

Typical volunteer living room

IVHQ volunteer kitchen in Quito, Ecuador

Typical volunteer kitchen

IVHQ volunteer lounge room in Quito, Ecuador

Typical volunteer lounge room

Typical volunteer toilet

IVHQ volunteers dining

IVHQ volunteer breakfast in Quito, Ecuador

Typical volunteer breakfast

Typical volunteer breakfast

IVHQ volunteer orientation

Exploring Quito during an IVHQ weekend

Explore Quito, Ecuador during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

Explore Quito, Ecuador Markets during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

Explore Quito, Ecuador buildings during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

Explore Quito, Ecuador streets during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers explore the streets of Quito, Ecuador during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteers shopping in Quito, Ecuador during an IVHQ weekend

Exploring during an IVHQ weekend

IVHQ volunteer Spanish Class

IVHQ volunteer Salsa Class

Pricing

USD
- United States Dollars - $
- Australian Dollars - AU$
- Brazilian Reals - R$
- British Pound Sterling - £
- Canadian Dollars - CA$
- Chinese Yuan - CN¥
- Euros - €
- Hong Kong Dollars - HK$
- Mexican Pesos - MX$
- New Zealand Dollars - NZ$
- Singapore Dollars - SG$
- Swiss Francs - CHF
- UAE Dirhams - AED

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 United States Dollars - $ Australian Dollars - AU$ Brazilian Reals - R$ British Pound Sterling - £ Canadian Dollars - CA$ Chinese Yuan - CN¥ Euros - € Hong Kong Dollars - HK$ Mexican Pesos - MX$ New Zealand Dollars - NZ$ Singapore Dollars - SG$ Swiss Francs - CHF UAE Dirhams - AED
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$329 (approximately $329) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

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, tours, and experiences
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 tours & experiences in Quito

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 Quito program.

Ecuador Quest (8 days, 7 nights)

Strange how a country that’s literally at the centre of the Earth can be overlooked, isn’t it? Stranger still considering how amazing Ecuador is. This eight-day trip shows off its best, rolling natural wonders (the Amazon!), stunning landscapes (the Ecuadorian highlands!), rich culture (Quito!), and active pursuits like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain-biking everywhere you look. Good on its own, this trip also makes an ideal add-on to any Galápagos trip. Trust us. It’s worth the time.

From $1249

Andean Quito Landscapes & Colonial Wonders Tour

Explore some of Quito’s hidden gems, famous landmarks, and immersive nature experiences!

$173

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

View all tours & experiences

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, 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

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

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

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

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.

...

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.

...

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.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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