So I arranged Ecuador (without flights) from an organization called abroaderview who are a registered 503(c) based in the USA. I paid my fees, had phone interviews, background checks and asked a bunch of questions. I include the program summary they provided at the end.

I am effectively living with a family in Ecuador, working in the mornings in the shelter, the afternoon doing Spanish lessons and then have the weekends to explore.

https://www.abroaderview.org/volunteers/ecuador

Program Summary

Arrival/Meeting: November 30 at 17:31PM CM#159 

Depart/End: December 15 at 06:15AM on CM#210 

If you should be delayed/miss a flight while traveling: Call or WhatsApp ABV US emergency line: 

XXXXX and our staff will be waiting in the arrival area. Grab your suitcases, go through customs and head to the arrival’s hall. Look for the A Broader View sign with you name on it. XXXX will take you directly to your homestay.  On Monday, you will orientation.    

LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS: November 30 – December 15, 2019 

XXXXX (and their children, son and daughter 17/19 years old) Address: 

Volunteers residing with the XXXXXXXX family should expect a family environment, and extra rooms for multiple volunteers (2 flats). The building is a high-rise with a doorman. The XXXXXX family provides 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. Volunteers need to bring personal toiletries. Bed linens are provided. Refer to your ABV guide for packing list and guidelines. Check the weather in Ecuador before packing.  

ABV guidelines suggest $150-$200 per week in spending money for buses/UBER, laundry needs, internet, souvenir shopping and food/drinks outside of the host family and sightseeing options. There are plenty of sightseeing tours to join on the weekend. XXXXX and her assistant XXXXX will provide you assistance in booking with reliable tour operators. XXXX’s home has WIFI access so bring your tablet or laptop with you.  

PROJECT SITE: December 02 – December 13, 2019 

Hogar de Asís Fundacion 

This organization offers social help located in Quito’s old town and working in benefit of the poorest persons of the city of Quito, this institution offers a service of immediate assistance according to the basic needs of the beggars of the city (feeding, clothes and bath), most of the persons who are in this institution have been abandoned by their family and they are persons who have suffered of problems of alcoholism or drug addiction. The schedule is from Monday to Friday since 08:00 AM to 13:30 PM 

To help by teaching computing – To help into the area of Social work – To give support in the area of Psychology – To give support in the workshops with the purpose of providing an occupation to this persons – To help by organizing recreational activities – To talk with them and engage in conversation.*Any lightly used donated clothing (mens and woman all sizes) would be appreciated.  

Spanish Immersion (2 weeks, 15 hours per week of afternoon instruction). XXXX will introduce you to your teacher and classes will be about 230-530pm daily.  

Uber and Whatsapp APP can be used in Quito for easy transport and communication with our local staff and your host family.  

FINAL THOUGHTS  

A Broader View cannot allow for every eventuality. Remember, you are volunteering in South America. This trip has the potential to be both exotic and unpredictable. Lifestyles and conditions will be different from those you are used to – not necessarily negative – but different. You should be prepared to cope with the unexpected. Common sense, and open mind and good humor will see you through most things!  

At the end of the program you will be asked for your written post trip survey and to conduct a video testimonial. While these require a bit of time, the video is the most credible way for you to endorse the ABV project & help us in our continuing efforts to raise awareness of these communities.  

Have a great trip to Ecuador! Please speak to XXXXX or email the ABV USA office if you need any assistance while in the program.