Teach English in Rural and Urban Schools

Project Summary

With such a high demand for English education in Ecuador , a proper English education produces numerous opportunities for Ecuadorians. In partnership with various local schools, IFRE strives to provide English education (primarily conversational English to local schools). Volunteer English-teaching projects are located throughout Ecuador in both rural and urban communities. Volunteers usually work as teachers in either private or public schools at either the elementary or high school level – honing Ecuadorian students' English-speaking skills.

Skills/Qualifications

Although no formal teaching experience or qualifications are required, volunteers should have an enthusiastic interest in teaching English while simultaneously being a notable role model for these children. A dress code is required for all participants – no shorts or sleeveless shirts are to be worn and volunteers must maintain a presentable appearance (i.e. no excessive tattoos or piercings). Volunteers should be eager to teach and care for these children. Working with children requires patience and flexibility. Volunteers should have a basic understanding of the Spanish language in order to effectively work within these school-based projects.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

Volunteers in Ecuador 's English-teaching projects will either be teaching or assisting in the teaching of classes at various educational levels – kindergarten, elementary and high school. Other areas of education may be taught, such as: Art, Physical Education, Mathematics or other areas which volunteers have experience in (i.e. Music, Computer Skills). Volunteers are also required to assist in the organizing of extracurricular activities as well educating the children regarding issues of sanitation and personal hygiene. At IFRE, we believe education is the key to enabling this South American country to rise from the dredges of poverty. Classes will usually be held Monday through Friday. Volunteers are encouraged to use a number of methods to aide in the teaching of English, including: flash cards, singing songs, etc.

Room/Food

IFRE manages living accommodations and meals within host families throughout Ecuador for the entire duration of the volunteer program. Host families are all carefully screened, well-educated and have experience with host international volunteers. IFRE arranges clean, simply-furnished, private (occasionally shared with fellow volunteers) rooms in nearby host families. Volunteers are suggested to bring a sleeping bag and their own bed sheets. Volunteers will receive three (3) local meals each day (occasionally, if volunteers are away from their host families during lunch, they may required to pack their own ‘to go' lunches).