Teaching English in Santa Cruz Island
Today you have the opportunity to join our volunteer program in the Galapagos Islands and help the improvement of education by teaching English as a second language to children and youth in local schools. You can participate as a volunteer and explore this natural paradise while you create an impact on education and help the future of new generations.
Make a difference in Galapagos. What are you waiting for?
Volunteer Programs
Purpose
Our volunteer program in Galapagos offers you a true cultural immersion, because you will be in direct contact with children, youth and adults who live on the island. They need to learn a second language to function in everyday life with people of other nationalities, due to high traffic of visitors arriving in the archipelago to explore each of the islands. It is important to add that tourism is the main source of income for local families. We invite you to join our team of volunteers; you can make a significant change in local schools, working with children in the improvement of the English language.
Change
A few years ago, Ecuador Volunteer Foundation made a promise to the Galapagos society to give support with volunteers who can give their help to teachers of local schools, action that contributes to the progress of the academic of the English language. So far, our activities have been successful and we want to continue this great work. Therefore, we invite you to be part of the change, to leave your mark on the Galapagos Islands and to collaborate with the strengthening of the academic plan of educational institutions.
Action
As volunteers it is important to do your best to motivate and encourage children to acquire more skills for learning and focusing on areas such as reading, writing and pronunciation. The knowledge level of children who attend schools is basic and the curriculum was designed for people who attend primary and secondary school. Thus, you will work with groups of students who are between 5 to 12 years old, for that reason it is important to put all your knowledge into practice. As an EVF volunteer you will be more than a teacher, you can become a mentor to your students.
Location
Santa Cruz , Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands are considered a natural paradise; they are located 1,050 km from continental Ecuador and they where declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1978. This archipelago is famous for having some of the most unique animal and plant species in the world, which are in danger. This place is becoming a museum and natural laboratories for researchers and hundreds of tourists who come each year to visit them. This fascinating place is where Charles Darwin was inspired to carry out his work "The Origin of Species" which explain the famous theory of evolution.
The Galapagos Islands are made up of 13 large islands, 6 medium and 215 small islands, of which only 4 are inhabited, San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana. Our volunteer program aims to strengthen education in the local population of Santa Cruz Island which is geographically located in the center of the archipelago. Through our volunteer program in the Galapagos, it is possible to make children and young people achieve better academic standards.
Quick Facts
Official Language:
Spanish
Population:
25,124
Capital:
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Land Area:
Religion:
Roman Catholic
Currency:
US Dollar
Literacy Rate:
98.8%
Program Details
Program Details
Highlights
When you arrive to the Galapagos Islands, the unique impression that you will have, is "Wow" you will be surprised with each place and most importantly you will feel that your time on the islands is valuable. Additionally, you go from being a simple tourist to becoming a person that creates significant changes in local schools. As you can see, you will have the opportunity to explore the islands during your free time and keep in contact with amazing species of animals like giant tortoises, sea lions, iguanas, albatross, blue-footed boobies and more. “Participating in our volunteer program in the Galapagos Islands means to live in one of the new Seven Wonders of the World."
A Day as a Volunteer
- 06:00 – 06:30 Delicious breakfast
- 07:00 - 12:30 Volunteer work in English classes
- 13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
- 14:00 - 16:00 Swimming with sea lions
- 16:00 - 18:00 Relax Time
- 19:00 - 20:00 Dinner
Volunteer Activities
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Grammar lessons and interactive exercises
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Emphasis on reading and writing
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Conversation and pronunciation workshops
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Assistance to local teachers
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Lesson plans
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Preparation of study material
Accomodation
During your stay in Galapagos, you will be with a host family who live near to the educational center, so every day it will be very easy the access the project. By sharing your time with the family, you will feel right at home, they will give all the necessary support during your participation as a volunteer. The rooms and bathrooms are shared by gender; the house has social areas to spend your time with other volunteers and family members. Each of the rooms can accommodate 2 to 4 people and are very comfortable. The house has electricity and the bathrooms have water all the time. Finally, it is important to remember that you will be on an island, so we recommend volunteers care for the natural resource. Near the house, you have parks where volunteers can practice sport with people from the neighborhood, which is perfect for cultural integration. If you want to wash your clothes by hand, you can do so at home, but if you prefer something more comfortable, you only need to walk about 3 or 4 blocks to find several laundry services.
Meals
The volunteer program includes 3 meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food in Galapagos is incredibly diverse but relies heavily on fresh seafood. You will have the opportunity to learn how to cook dishes like ceviche, onions, fish soup, rice with shrimp, and more, with one member of the family, while you share your time, take note of new recipes, and become an expert chef. Vegetarians can apply to this volunteer program. However, we recommend supplementing your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables of the zone, which you can find in the local markets of the islands. You can find fresh drinkable water in the house, but before leaving your volunteer program always remember to fill a water bottle or buy one for your personal consumption.
What's Included
- Pre-arrival information and support
- Coordination for Airport pick-up service in Quito
- Workshop to highlight aspects of the project
- Workshop orientation about safety, location and culture
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Long term experienced staff
- 24/7 in-country support
- Safe accommodations
- Accommodation and food
- Safe Projects
- Monitoring and regular check-ins during the volunteer program
- International phone call in EVF’s office
- Local phone calls from our office in Quito.
- Certificate of Participation
What's Not Included
- International Airline tickets or fees related passport, taxes or tips
- Cost associated with Airport pick service
- Airline tickets from Quito – Santa Cruz– Quito
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
- Visa costs and expenses related to the necessary paper work
- Travel and health insurance
- Costs associated with vaccinations and personal medications
- Land transportation within the country
- Expenses related with cultural and/or tourist activities
- Personal expenses / Items for personal use
