Volunteer Program; Biological Station and Cloud Forest Reserve

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Santo Domingo de los Colorados

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: La Hesperia Biological Station & Cloud Forest Reserve is located in Ecuador, one of the 17 Megadiverse countries. The station offers three different programs for volunteers:

(A)Conservation in the Cloud Forest Program: activities include reforestation, research, trails and botanical gardens maintenance, nursery work, collecting seeds from the forest, transplanting seedlings and opening reforestation lines with a machete.
(B)On the Way to Sustainability Program: activities include sustainable wood production, alternative animal production, organic agriculture, bio-food production, alternative energy and eco-construction.
(C)Social Development Program: activities include teaching in the local Children Nursery or Elementary School, helping in the Medical Centre and helping writing proposals for social projects and fundraising.

In addition to our programs we offer Spanish classes at USD 5,00 per hour. Daily talks and hikes will be leaded by the staff.

The fees include 3 meals a day plus lodging in cabins that are shared with other volunteers and researchers. We speak Spanish, English and French.

Be part of the change! Consult for more information of Ecuador, the reserve and the programs.

In our Traveling Volunteering Learning Program (TVL), you will have the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts that are being made at La Hesperia, as well as about the ecology of the cloud forest and the wildlife of the area. Not only will you be able to learn and ask questions, you'll also have the chance to experience conservation hands on through reforestation and eco-construction projects. In the forest, hiking and observing, you'll develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and the problems that we are working against. Trips to the town and to a local indigenous community will round out your time at La Hesperia, giving you a chance to experience the culture and traditions of Ecuador. For those looking to learn and practice Spanish, lessons will be incorporated into your time on the reserve. You will leave with new perspectives and a better understanding of life and conservation in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. This program is an amazing opportunity for individuals of all ages and groups. School groups welcome.

Highlights:
-Hikes and lectures
-Spanish classes
-Bio-food
-Organic Agriculture
-Sustainability
-Biological Conservation
-Horseback Riding
-Birdwatching
-Cloud Forest Biological Research
-Social development
-Cultural exchange
-Good atmosphere
-Community
-Reforestation

Qualifications: We are looking for volunteers that are open minded, enthusiastic and responsible. Having volunteers enable us to experiment different alternativies and methods to find the best way of living with the enviroment without damaging it. This information we shared with the local communities. The volunteer fee help us to maintain the reserve, because the station does not receive any financial support.

Cost in US$: USD 499

The TVL program costs USD 870, 00
-accommodation in shared rooms at La Hesperia's volunteer house and Tsachila Village
-three meals per day
- activities as described in the program
-transportation (Quito-La Hesperia-Quito; La Hesperia-Tsachila Community-La Hesperia)
-eight Survival Spanish classes
-educational materials
-bilingual coordination
-program leader (one or two according to the size of the group)
-rubber boots use and IVA (tax).

Salary / Pay: Depending on the position

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Open minded

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 5 -10

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

La Hesperia Biological Station and Cloud Forest Reserve's Mission Statement: The station works in natural conservation, combating deforestation, protecting existing forest, restoring degraded areas and searching for sustainable activities that enable us to support the reserve and to offer a better way of life for the local community as well as those who work and live at the reserve. La Hesperia have been open to receive volunteers, students, researchers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts since 1990.

Year Founded: 1990