Teach English in Galapagos

USD 350 per person

Weekly

18+ Age

Galapagos Islands

Community Development

Galapagos Islands Volunteer

Teach English

Description

Teach English in Galapagos

Explore Santa Cruz Island: Volunteering in the Galápagos Through English Teaching

Santa Cruz Island is a breathtaking destination in the Galápagos archipelago, renowned for its unparalleled biodiversity and stunning landscapes. As the second-largest island in the Galápagos, Santa Cruz is not only a key hub for scientists and travelers but also an ideal location for volunteers to make a meaningful impact. Volunteers in the Ecuador Eco Volunteer’s English Teaching Program get the opportunity to experience this unique environment while contributing to the local community.

Santa Cruz Island and Puerto Ayora

Santa Cruz Island is home to a rich array of natural environments, from lush highlands with mist-covered forests and volcanic craters to pristine beaches and rugged coastal areas. Puerto Ayora, the island’s largest town, is the gateway to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where groundbreaking conservation efforts are focused on preserving the Galápagos ecosystem.

Living and Exploring on Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation: Volunteers typically stay in comfortable, shared housing or dormitories. These simple but cozy accommodations offer a great base to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty.

Exploration: During their free time, volunteers can explore Santa Cruz’s extraordinary landscapes. Highlights include a visit to the Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe these iconic creatures in their natural habitat. Volunteers also have the chance to enjoy snorkeling, diving, and beachcombing along the island’s pristine shores, encountering diverse marine life like sea lions, rays, and vibrant fish.

Cultural Immersion: Volunteers have the opportunity to engage with the local community, gaining a deeper understanding of the Galápagos culture and traditions. By interacting with locals, volunteers can learn about their way of life and enjoy authentic Galápagos cuisine.

The Importance of Volunteering in the Galápagos through English Teaching

Educational Empowerment: Teaching English equips local children and youth with a critical skill that broadens their educational and professional opportunities. As tourism continues to grow in the Galápagos, English proficiency opens doors for students to access jobs in the tourism industry, a key sector in the island’s economy.

Cultural Exchange: Volunteers facilitate a rich cultural exchange, sharing their own backgrounds and learning about the unique Galápagos way of life. This mutual understanding fosters stronger bonds between volunteers and the local community, enriching both.

Conservation Through Education: By teaching English, volunteers can also educate students about environmental conservation and sustainable practices. In an area as ecologically significant as the Galápagos Islands, promoting awareness of conservation is essential for preserving the islands for future generations.

Community Development: Volunteers contribute to community development by enhancing local residents’ communication skills. English proficiency allows the community to better engage with tourists and participate in global conversations, strengthening both social and economic ties.

Sustainable Tourism: Teaching English not only supports sustainable tourism but also ensures that English-speaking locals can provide high-quality services to visitors. By bridging communication gaps, volunteers contribute to a positive experience for both tourists and the local community while minimizing the impact on the environment.

Donations Accepted:

Help support the local educational initiatives on Santa Cruz Island. Donations of educational materials are greatly appreciated, such as:

English books (to help build a library for students)
Colored pencils and paper for creative learning
Maps, books, and other educational resources

Special Volunteer Deals:

Volunteers are also eligible for special discounts on mountain climbing expeditions, including Climbing Cotopaxi and Climbing Chimborazo, as well as Yasuni Amazon Tours.

Activities

Volunteer Tasks

Teach English in Galapagos – All volunteer activities can be organized and planned before the volunteer arrives. It is important to communicate with the volunteer coordinator and director Kayla in case any ceretain type of materials need to be prepared in advance to carry out volunteer activities.

Teaching Assitant with local English teacher who teach to locals and students
If TEFL certified, will have the opportunity to teach their own class (otherwise will volunteers will be teaching assistants)
Teachers and assistants will be helping with conversation, grammar, listening skills with students.
Teachers and assistants will help with creating fun and interactive lesson plans for their classes.

All of our volunteers are also eligible to discounts in our Ecuador Adventure Tours – ask our manager about special deals you can have while you volunteer.

Map

Expectations

Volunteer Expectations

Passion for Teaching & Creativity: Volunteers should have a genuine enthusiasm for teaching and a creative approach to engaging with students.
Positive & Open-Minded: We value individuals who maintain a positive attitude and embrace new ideas with an open mind, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone.
Self-Sufficiency & Communication Skills: Volunteers should be able to work independently while maintaining effective communication with the team and local community.
Ability to Cook & Self-Cater: As volunteers must bring their own food, the ability to cook simple meals is essential. Volunteers should be comfortable with basic food preparation and self-catering during their stay.

Schedule

Volunteers arrival on Sunday at the airport Baltra on the island of Santa Cruz.
Galapagos director Jonathan will meet volunteers at their accomodation site and give a brief orientation of the Galapagos
Work Monday to Friday (weekends are free to travel)