At a glance
- This is a volunteer opportunity with Projects Abroad. Devxchange will assist you in choosing the right fit, raising funds with your own campaign page, issuing tax receipts to donors if project meets CRA criteria as a charitable activity. Devxchange will also assist you in onboarding with Projects Abroad.
- Explore the Galapagos, do conservation volunteer work and help local communities with a group your age.
- You’ll work at the Galapagos National Park and complete light renovation work at schools and care centres in the local community. One week with conservationists and another spent renovating community buildings.
- You’ll be based on the Island of San Cristobal and stay with a local host family. You’ll work with a group and go on an exciting weekend trip together.
Details
- Work in Galapagos National Park
- Run educational workshops for the local community
- Help with basic renovation in the local community
- Explore the island and expand your horizons
Includes/Excludes
Food and accommodation
- Food (three meals a day)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Full induction and orientation by an experienced staff member on arrival
- Transport to and from your work placement
- In-country support and 24-hour back-up from our team of full-time local staff
- Emergency assistance from our international emergency response team
- Project equipment and materials, including access to our database with thousands of resources
- Training and workshops from our experienced local staff
- Regular social events and community activities with other volunteers and interns
- Access to our local office with internet connection
- Certification of project completion
- Access to our alumni services and discounts
- Visa support and advice
- Fundraising support, including your own personalized fundraising website with DevXchange
- Tax Receipts for your donors if activity meets CRA criteria for charitable activity.
- Pre-departure preparation by your own specialist Volunteer Advisor
- Personalized MyProjectsAbroad website, with all the information you need about your project, accommodation and destination
- A free cultural awareness course
- Membership to our volunteer social media groups, to share information and to get in touch
- Support to help you complete registration or internship documents, if applicable
Not Included
- Flights
- Visa Costs (where applicable)
- 10% Admin fee for donations involving tax receipts.
Itinerary
Have you always dreamed of visiting the fascinating Galapagos islands? Are you passionate about conservation and sustainability? Are you over 50? Then our Conservation & Community Work Grown-up Special is perfect for you!
You don’t need any prior experience in either conservation or community work. All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard, and an adventurous spirit.
This project was designed for volunteers over the age of 50. We have a set itinerary in place and our staff are there every step of the way for guidance and support. At the same time, there will also be enough leisure time to do some exploration on your own, or with the rest of the group.
Use your time as a volunteer in Ecuador to immerse yourself in nature and support the community. It’s sure to leave you feeling connected and rejuvenated!
Conservation work in Ecuador for seniors is divided into two parts. You will spend one week supporting our conservation initiatives in the Galapagos National Park. Another week will be spent doing basic renovation work in the local community. You’ll help with these activities:
- Work with conservationists at the Galapagos National Park
- Run educational workshops in the local community to raise awareness about conservation
- Help with basic renovation work in the local community
- Explore the island and expand your horizons
Your work will focus mainly on the following:
Work in Galapagos National Park
The Galapagos Islands are one of the most species-rich regions on earth. Due to their isolation, they are home to many unique species of flora and fauna. You will work closely with the Galapagos National Park during your conservation work, assisting on various important ongoing research projects.
The park is understaffed because of a lack of funding. Because of this, it’s difficult for staff to do a lot of the research needed by themselves. As an extra pair of helping hands, you’ll help them with collecting data during surveys. This is important work, as the results are used to advise the Ministry of Environment for policy-making.
You might get involved in removal of alien plant species, reforestation of areas with indigenous plants, and monitoring animal populations.
Run educational workshops for the local community
Another important aspect of your volunteer work is to raise awareness about the importance of conservation in the local community. You can do this through running educational workshops about the projects you’re helping out with in the national park. Alternatively, you can arrange something a little more interactive, such as a beach clean-up.
Help with basic renovation in the local community
Your main role during the community part of your placement in Ecuador will be to take part in basic renovation activities. These activities include renovating and painting classrooms, painting murals, and playground maintenance.
Explore the island and expand your horizons
You will have plenty of free time to spend with the other volunteers. To ensure you make the most of your stay, a few exciting activities have been planned for you. This includes a trip to one or two of the neighbouring islands and a tour of the various sites in the Galapagos.
Living on the island also provides a great opportunity to speak Spanish, if you’re interested in improving or picking up some language skills.
The aim of this project is for adults over 50 to support important conservation efforts and help with basic renovation work in a disadvantaged community.
Due to insufficient funding from the government, the Galapagos National Park is understaffed. This makes it difficult for staff and conservationists to do everything that’s needed. It also means that research projects get delayed. You’ll play an important role in the removal of alien species, monitoring animal populations, and assisting with beach clean-ups. By doing this, you will be helping us promote conservation and sustainability of the Galapagos.
Due to the fact that many of the local communities are disadvantaged, there aren’t always sufficient funds to keep communal areas in tip-top shape. You will be able to help fix up school classrooms, paint murals, and do playground maintenance.
Lastly, this project is also all about giving you the opportunity to travel and do something different with the support of a group of people your age. You’ll also have daily guidance from Projects Abroad staff.
Join us on a Grown-up Special in Ecuador and become part of something positive as you help people and the environment.
Food and accommodation
You’ll share accommodation with other Projects Abroad volunteers and interns during your stay in San Cristóbal. This is a great way to get to know your fellow volunteers and interns, share experiences, and explore your surroundings in your free time together. You can also request to stay with a host family in San Cristóbal.
The accommodation is safe, clean, and comfortable. Your program fees include three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
