Location:

Quito, Ecuador

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

The aim of this course is to provide a platform for service learning. This course is for the adventurous student who seeks active, participatory learning. Students will teach English as a second language to grade-school and high school students, will provide in-school and after-school exercise/activity classes for the students, and will participate in volunteer activities to refurbish the facilities at five schools (elementary through high school) in the Bahia area. Students will also receive a minimum of 5 hours per week of Spanish instruction (Spanish language skills are not mandatory, but will likely enhance this study abroad experience). Studies in the field on Ecuadorian culture, education and sport will take place through field trips to sites around Bahia and neighboring communities. Group home-stay with Ecuadorian hosts or apartment/hotel stay options. The class should be ideal for students in areas of exercise physiology, physical activity and health promotion, education, psychology, nutrition and linguistics. Any university student may apply. A 3-4 day trip to the Galapagos Islands may be added to the trip if there is sufficient interest by participants (additional cost).

Students will teach English as a second language to grade-school and high school students. Students will provide in-school and after-school exercise/activity classes for the children. Students will participate in volunteer activities to refurbish the facilities at schools (elementary through high school) in the Bahia area. Students will receive Spanish language instruction. Students will participate in side trips to other beach communities. Students will take a two-day river rafting and 1-day jungle hike in the Northern Amazon region

The program is invaluable to the students in Bahia who are helped by our volunteers. Our volunteers unanimously state that they will be forever positively affected by the experiences with helping the schoolchildren of Bahia. The teachers and students of Bahia also consider the experience invaluable and request that more of our students come to assist them.

Setting Description:

Bahia, Ecuador is a quiet coastal city on the west coast of Ecuador. The city is an Eco-city and beach town situated on the Chone River and the Pacific Ocean.

Cost:

$5100, which includes airfare from Raleigh NC or equivalent location, all excursion travel, all room, most meals, program costs.