Jungle School Supporter

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Make a one in a life time experience living in the Amazon jungle
  • Gain Spanish fluency by working with the locals up close
  • Support the education of children who do not have access to good schooling
  • Make memories you'll never forget during free time activities and excursions with fellow volunteers
  • Learn first hand from a foreign culture, from people who have always lived in the jungle


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+

About the program

This unique volunteer teaching opportunity is located in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon - a breathtaking place! You can make a real difference in children's lives.

This unique volunteer teaching opportunity is waiting for you in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Volunteers can truly make a difference in the lives of local children, who do not have access to a proper education.

The tiny jungle school was established in 2001 in order to provide children from ...

About the program

This unique volunteer teaching opportunity is waiting for you in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Volunteers can truly make a difference in the lives of local children, who do not have access to a proper education.

The tiny jungle school was established in 2001 in order to provide children from the nearby communities with education. When it comes to education programs, the Amazon communities receive very little support from the government. Often jungle communities are marginalized or completely forgotten by authorities and society.

Approximately thirty kids in the 3–11 age range are enrolled in the school. Promoting critical thinking and languages like Spanish, Kichwa, German, and English are prioritized. The intention is that the kids will have more chances to support themselves as adults and that their jungle communities will remain robust and self-sufficient.

There are only two classes and two permanent teachers. Teaching about thirty students of varying ages is a real challenge. This situation is not ideal because the needs and requirements for education vary greatly amongst age groups. The basic infrastructure of the school consists of three classrooms, a toddler play area, a small sports field, and teacher housing.

With your volunteer work, you can contribute significantly and make a real difference! Your assistance will make it possible for the kids to get the instruction and support they require for their individual academic success as volunteers improve learning effectiveness for students of all ages by facilitating special education programs. Volunteers can assist in teaching any age group or subject, from math and language classes for older students to arts and crafts for younger ones, depending on their interests and skills.

This volunteer program offers an exceptional chance to gain knowledge about the indigenous communities as well as the great biodiversity of the Amazon. Additionally, this is a wonderful chance for you to advance both professionally and personally.

Typical day

Various tasks will be assigned to you based on your expertise and areas of strength. Naturally, the children's care and the creation and enhancement of the learning environment are the main priorities. In this volunteer project, intercultural exchange with educators, kids, and families is crucial. ..

Typical day

Various tasks will be assigned to you based on your expertise and areas of strength. Naturally, the children's care and the creation and enhancement of the learning environment are the main priorities. In this volunteer project, intercultural exchange with educators, kids, and families is crucial. It is important for volunteers to be adaptable, understanding, and actively engaged in the community.

You play a significant role as a volunteer and role model. Please never forget that you have a duty to the children. Along with a great deal of patience and empathy, important qualities are a great deal of responsibility.

Volunteer duties consist of:

  • Attend to the kids at school
  • Oversee unstructured play
  • Create a good learning environment
  • Provide specialized workshops
  • Create project tasks
  • Crafts and the arts
  • Engage the kids in sports
  • Encourage children's growth by providing them with fulfilling work
  • Supplementary courses like language, reading, writing, and math

In the jungle, daybreak coincides with sunrise, and twilight signifies bedtime. The kids are taken to school in school canoes across the jungle river at approximately 6:30 a.m. to start their school day. The first class is at 7:00 a.m. At 9:00 a.m., children, volunteers, and teachers have a half-hour breakfast break. The upcoming lessons involve sports and instructive leisure activities (learning through play) and run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The kids board the school canoes at 12:30 p.m. and head back to their families. 

Volunteers can spend the afternoons organizing workshops or school supplies for the following day, or they can take the afternoon off if nothing needs to be done.

Workdays are from Monday through Friday, with roughly thirty hours per week. Weekends are entirely free and can be used for travel and recreational pursuits.

Free-time activities

The school is situated in a stunning protected jungle reserve, right beside a river and encircled by a thick layer of evergreen rainforest. Discover the Amazon region in all its beauty right here. Animal sounds, mostly from groups of monkeys in the trees, dominate the atmosphere rather than the ...

Free-time activities

The school is situated in a stunning protected jungle reserve, right beside a river and encircled by a thick layer of evergreen rainforest. Discover the Amazon region in all its beauty right here. Animal sounds, mostly from groups of monkeys in the trees, dominate the atmosphere rather than the sounds of passing cars. A distinct sensory experience of colors, scents, and sounds!

Tena is just over an hour's drive from the volunteer project. It's situated right next to the Arajuno River.

It is anticipated that the volunteers will actively participate in the school project in the jungle and give it their all. However, we also want you to make the most of your downtime, go on trips, and explore this incredibly diverse and beautiful area.

One of the primary sources of income in the area is tourism. A range of activities are available, including hiking through forests, cultural tours to neighboring communities, healing gardens, making chocolate and coffee, engaging in outdoor sports like white-water rafting or canopy tours, and exploring caves. Tena also offers discos and karaoke bars for an enjoyable evening. 

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level) or English (intermediate level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 13:00

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

Our volunteer work at the jungle school in Ecuador includes:
  • Shared room in Volunteer House
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Advice from our experienced staff
  • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
  • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
  • Your placement in the volunteer project
  • Pre-departure information
  • Packing list
  • Country handbook
  • Intercultural guide
  • Orientation upon arrival
  • On-site volunteer coordinator
  • 24/7 emergency number
  • Advice on travel insurance
  • Certificate of participation

Accommodation

In the middle of the jungle, the volunteers reside in a comfortable volunteer home situated directly on a river. The volunteer house is shared with volunteers supporting an animal sanctuary. This fascinating coexistence is thrilling and makes your stay even more interesting.

There are single, double, and triple rooms in the volunteer house. You might have a single room or a room with one or two other volunteers; the distribution is dependent on the number of volunteers. The bathrooms feature modern sanitary facilities and cold water showers, which provide a great way to cool off during the hot weather in the rainforest.

The volunteer house is only a five-minute walk from the school. Typically, the volunteers return to the volunteer house for lunch. Delicious food is prepared by a chef for the volunteers Monday through Friday. Every day, there's also a vegetarian option. Weekend meals and dinners are made by the volunteers themselves. Shifts are split for this reason, allowing everyone to have a turn. Weekend meals and dinners are vegetarian.

The Volunteer House does not have WiFi, but the school and the administrative buildings on the Volunteer House property do have internet access.

Food & Beverages

Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner is provided

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at Mariscal Sucre International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

The volunteer program can be started year round from September to June. The month of July and August are school holidays.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 885€
5 weeks 999€
6 weeks 1,113€
7 weeks 1,228€
8 weeks 1,342€
9 weeks 1,456€
12 weeks (max. stay) 1,799€
Average fees 185€/week

Program fees

185€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

South America Inside

Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

Agency - founded in 2003

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Marion

Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

About the project

South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

Meet your organization

South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

Volunteer Work

Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

Why with us

There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

Our Insider benefits at a glance:

  Regional Experience
Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

  Multifaceted Offers
Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

  Insider Advice
Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

  Location
It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

  Independence
South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

•  Multilingual Team

Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

  Customer Service
Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

  Approved Program Places
Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

128 reviews · rating4.6

Mattia Malfanti rating5

2024 at Countryside School Assistant

Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...
Regina N. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
Nathalie K. rating5

2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
Alex S. rating5

2024 at Help Stray Dogs

Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
Stacey Garratt rating5

2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
Gabriel P. rating5

2024 at Community Worker for Children

Letzten Mittwoch bin ich in Libera gelandet. Die Reise war relativ lang und mit Verspätung. Nach 15 Stunden bin ich dann im Hostel angekommen. Ich brauchte einen Moment um mich dran zu gewöhnen. Ich blieb bis am Sonntag in Liberia und habe auch dort schon Leute kennen gelernt 🙂 Am Sonntag ...

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