Volunteer Coordinator for Cultural Exchange Centre

location
12 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 20 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Use your coordination skills to help build, maintain and run a community space where visitors and locals will work on sustainable development projects.
  • Experience traditional indigenous culture: language, clothing, markets, music, food, buildings, and ways of life!
  • Get to know the warm local people of Ecuador and improve your Spanish with them; they are always keen to chat.

Highlights

  • Use your coordination skills to help build, maintain and run a community space where visitors and locals will work on sustainable development projects.
  • Experience traditional indigenous culture: language, clothing, markets, music, food, buildings, and ways of life!
  • Get to know the warm local people of Ecuador and improve your Spanish with them; they are always keen to chat.
  • Strengthen your leadership skills and build friendships with international volunteers and interns.
  • Experience Ecuador's huge diversity in only an hour's drive - hiking in the mountains, bird watching in the jungle, and exploring colonial villages.


  • Especially good for

    Age 20+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Immerse yourself in a rural Ecuadorian community while using your coordination skills to support impactful projects happening at our cultural exchange centre.

    Want to use your coordination skills to help create something meaningful? This position is for you! Manage a volunteer programme that maintains a thriving cultural exchange centre, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Coordinate and help with the cooking and chores around the centre to create a ...

    About the program

    Want to use your coordination skills to help create something meaningful? This position is for you! Manage a volunteer programme that maintains a thriving cultural exchange centre, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Coordinate and help with the cooking and chores around the centre to create a clean and welcoming space for visitors and locals to live and work. Join us in supporting those who serve the community!


    ACTIVITIES

    • Coordinate and train new volunteers.
    • Help with cooking, cleaning & chores around the centre.
    • Work to implement strategies that will promote a clean and welcoming space.
    • Write procedures to help with the implementation of the volunteer programme.
    • Evaluate your success and add your valuable experience to your resume.


    THE REGION

    El Terreno is on a hillside in the little-known province of Bolívar, just outside of the quaint colonial town of Guaranda in central Ecuador. It's nestled in a valley surrounded by traditional farmland and indigenous communities, with a spectacular view of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano (the point on earth closest to the sun!)

    40% of the population around Guaranda live in poverty, yet it has enormous human and cultural capital, presenting a fantastic opportunity for sustainable development if unlocked. With the current systems and structures, however, the likelihood of this happening is remote. At El Terreno, we believe that cultural exchange has the potential to create a more prosperous, sustainable and meaningful world, which is why we're building a center for social innovation in one of the most unlikely places.

    The organisation was founded in mid-2021, and as with anything innovative and a multi-cultural context, it provides novel challenges that require creative solutions. We're looking for a talented, committed and forward-thinking associates to join the team here in the beautiful Ecuadorian Andes. Your efforts will be reflected in the success of an ambitious project that brings together local indigenous communities, NGOs, international volunteers, educational institutions and tourists from around the world.


    EL TERRENO: CULTURAL EXCHANGE CENTRE

    As a centre of cultural exchange and social innovation, we bring together local Ecuadorians and others from around the world through sustainable tourism, culture, education and ecology – to create a more meaningful, sustainable and prosperous world.

    We’re in the early stages - starting in July 2021 - but we have big ambitions! We aspire to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique eco & community tourism experiences, and ensure volunteers like you learn new skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.


    MEET THE FOUNDERS

    My name is Joshua and I am from the UK. I first came as a backpacker to Ecuador in 2013 and fell in love with the place - the people, the culture, the biodiversity and of course, with my Ecuadorian partner, Karina. In 2017, I returned on a one-way ticket and after time spending 3 years searching the country looking for land, we found the perfect spot to begin building a vision we had been nurturing for many years. More recently, we've been building a team of locals and international volunteers & interns to help our programme grow and thrive.



    Typical day

    For 25 hours a week (Mon-Friday) you'll dedicate your time to helping and supporting our volunteering programme. Tasks will mostly comprise of manual work. If you come to stay with us we will provide you the following:

    • Comfortable dormitory accommodation
    • Cooked Lunches Monday-Friday
    • Essential ...

    Typical day

    For 25 hours a week (Mon-Friday) you'll dedicate your time to helping and supporting our volunteering programme. Tasks will mostly comprise of manual work. If you come to stay with us we will provide you the following:

    • Comfortable dormitory accommodation
    • Cooked Lunches Monday-Friday
    • Essential amenities ( bedsheets, blankets, hand soap, bottled water, and toilet paper).
    • Access to a communal kitchen furnished with a cooker, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
    • Personal storage space for food items.
    • 20mb/s fiberoptic WiFi.
    • Dedicated hand-washing station for laundry
    • Available office amenities (desks, projector, whiteboard)
    • Recreational activities (hammock, ping pong table, guitar)
    • Free-Time Activity Recommendations
    • Cultural Immersion in Rural Community
    • Optional ability to help out with weekly English classes with local children
    • Written Personal Reference

    >>> TYPICAL WORKDAY OUTLINE <<<

    • 8am: Group warm up, check-in, and quick clean 
    • 8.30am: Coordinating and doing chores, cleaning & manual labour
    • 10.30pm: Cooking lunch or meeting with the team
    • 12.30pm: Group lunch provided by El Terreno
    • 2pm: Free Time


    Weekly Activities

    • Mon 2pm: Community meeting and deep cleaning
    • Tue 3pm: English classes, Atandahua (optional)


    >>> PROFESSIONAL SKILLS <<<

    We're looking for someone who is feels comfortable leading and willing to take responsibility for managing others. You will be a role model for other people and need to transmit the values and work ethic of the organisation. You must also value living in a clean space and feel comfortable helping to cook for a group.

    >>> ATTITUDE <<<

    It's often said that the people make the place. In creating a positive, environment, experience shows us that we're looking for people who have the following qualities:

    - Hard-workers: tasks can be very physical, often in a variety of weathers and temperatures
    - Positive: determined, solution-focused and able to take the initiative when required
    - Organised: punctual, meet deadlines, takes responsibility, and keep communal spaces clean and tidy
    - Interpersonal skills: sensitivity to others needs and good communicators
    - Contextual understanding: align with our vision and are respectful of cultural difference


    Free-time activities

    LOCAL FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

    With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savor the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food ...

    Free-time activities

    LOCAL FREE TIME ACTIVITIES

    With your time off, you can take a walk around any of the beautiful local trails around the communities, down to the river or jump in a taxi to savor the spectacular could-covered sunset. There are regular buses into town if you would like to go shopping, try the local food or learn about Guaranda’s Carnaval - the most infamous in the country.


    For a day’s outing, don’t miss hiking up to Chimborazo’s refuge and enjoying a hot chocolate at over 5,000m above sea level. Alternatively, take a tour around the salt mines and micro-businesses of the nationally renowned village of Salinas de Guaranda. If you prefer warmer climates, within an hour you can drop down to sea level and go hiking in protected virgin forests in the search of pristine rivers, tropical birds and immense waterfalls. Bolívar really has it all (minus the tourist traps!).


    CLIMATE

    We are at almost 3,000m (10,000ft) above sea level and the average temperature is 13°C (55°F). Below is a list of typical weather patterns throughout the year, though climate change is definitely throwing these off, so be ready for anything!

    • Summer (Jun - Sep, around Christmas): hot sunny days (leading to water shortages), colder cloudless nights and often a strong wind
    • Winter (Feb - Apr): Often dry mornings and heavy rain in the afternoon. Less day/night temperature change and no wind.
    • Spring/Autumn (May, Oct - Jan): Somewhere between summer and winter!

    Due to the high altitude, the sun feels cooler but will burn you more easily - so be prepared with a hat and sun screen. The temperature is cool at night and Ecuadorian houses have no insulation/central heating, we have blankets and hot water bottles to help keep you cosey. Fortunately there are no mosquitos at this elevation!


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 20 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 20 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

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

    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 08:00 - 12:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Accommodation

    As the coordinator, you will be living with other volunteers and interns. We have a total of 4 rooms with space for 20 people. We have shared hot-water showers, toilets and a communal kitchen, office and large living area. It has fiberoptic WiFi and all the basics to help you feel at home. We have a laundry room where you can wash by hand, or pay to have your clothes washed (we have had experience of people damaging machines in the past through misuse).

    Food & Beverages

    We provide lunch during your work days, which we can accommodate most dietary requirements.

    The remainder of your food you must cook yourself, you will receive a personal basket and fridge space to store food. There are basic shops in the village and nearby town (10mins bus/30 minutes walk) or supermarkets in Guaranda (30 minutes bus)

    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

    Start Date & Duration

    We receive associates for a minimum of 12 weeks, generally starting in January, May and September.

    Getting To Us

    • Guaranda is equal distance between the two international airports, Quito and Guayaquil
    • Bus travel is cheap and low-risk, $7 for a 5 hour journey
    • Shared shuttle cars are available $45 for a 4 hour journey
    • 10 minutes by bus you reach the nearest town with some food & vegetables
    • 30 minutes by bus you arrive in Guaranda with supermarkets and the large weekly market

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

    Program fees

    12 weeks (min. stay) 0€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 0€
    Average fees 0€/week

    Program fees

    0€ per week 12 - 50 weeks Age 20 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    12 - 50 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 El Terreno during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    El Terreno

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (34 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2021

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Joshua

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    Cultural Exchange Centre in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Our internships help you develop skills, make a difference to low-income communities, and travel the world.

    Meet your organization

    Nestled within the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, El Terreno is encompassed by picturesque valleys, the warmth of its people, and the richness of culture. Since 2021, El Terreno has been building a dynamic cultural exchange centre, uniting global citizens and local communities in a shared mission to foster a more meaningful, prosperous, and regenerative world. 

    We are Joshua (UK), Karina (Quito, Ecuador) and our toddler son, Liam. We have a strong passion for positive change and years of experience in social development, volunteer coordination and sustainable tourism. We chose to dedicate our lives to Atandahua due to it's amazing landscapes and people, but it's also a place with a lot of need:

    • 40% poverty
    • 48% child malnutrition
    • 75% children don't go to high school
    • 26% teenage pregnancy rate
    • >5% indigenous children speak the native language
    • 3-4 months of water shortages per year
    • 95% local forests destroyed

    With your help, we're working to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique eco & community tourism experiences, and ensure interns like you learn valuable skills, meet extraordinary people and leave with unforgettable memories.

    34 reviews · rating4.9

    I think and hope this project will have a big future. All the projects Joshua wants to implement in life sound just amazing. I stayed only one week at the place but it was totally enough to fall in love with it. I wish I could have stayed longer. If you are into sustainability, cultural ...
    Great project, i was so free to make my work and have a good space to meet people. I went to there to take photos of a indigenous people and I make a lot of contacts and recognize things about the culture of this comunite. It was amazing for my personally life. ..
    I love my time at the terreno in Guaranda, Ecuador. I needed in my life during this tough pandemic time a place where I can voluntering, not for saving money in staying or related to my benefits. If not a place where I am useful and have a social benefit and also learn from the culture, traditions ...
    during my time in el terreno i truly felt part of a big family. with the other volunteers, we cooked, worked, watched movies and went to a party un the near city Guaranda. we also worked in exciting projects within the indigenous community San Juan, 25 minutes away from the house. i learned about ...
    What an amaizing experience in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. I learned a lot about permaculture and I help to teach English to the kids of the neighborhood, it was a lot of fun and a fulfilling experience. Those beautiful kids ‘hearts are full of love and they will make every volunteer ...
    I went for one month in this little village called Atandahua, to help Karina and Joshua make their dream come true, building a very nice touristic place and restaurant in an amazing location in front of Chimborazo volcano. But it's not "just" a touristic place, it's a place where they want to share ...

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Guaranda

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    Contact Joshua
      Excellent response rate
    Spanish, English

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