FAQ
Payment
What is my $500 minimum donation used for? Your program fee goes directly to fund scholarships for the children you will be teaching to be able to attend high school. It costs about $200 a year to send one child, so your fee will fund two childrens’ education, plus part of a third. We never use any of these funds for overhead costs–only for students’ matriculation fees, uniforms, and school supplies.
How do I pay the $150 weekly cost? The Summer Program Director will collect this cost from you each week on a designated day. Ideally, you should pay this amount in cash, which you can withdraw each week in order to make the payment. If you feel uncomfortable paying in cash, please let me know and we can arrange a way for you to pay by card or by check.
Can you help me with fundraising? Yes! Please visit the Fundraising section of our website for help.
Health
What kinds of vaccines do I need to volunteer in Ecuador? Volunteers who have not been vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B should be vaccinated. Other than these, there are no vaccines required for travel to Quito, Otavalo or the countryside where the project takes place. There is no risk of malaria or yellow fever at or near the project site. If you plan to travel outside of the project, you may need yellow fever, malaria, typhoid, or other vaccines, depending on your plans. For more information, please visit theCenter for Disease Control’s Health Information Page for Ecuador. For more information, please visit the Health section of the website.
What do I do if I get sick? For information on common ailments, healthcare, and prevention, please visit the Center for Disease Control’s Health Information Page for Ecuador.
Life on the Project
How can I exercise while in Ecuador? Yes! If you are a runner, there is a stadium nearby that offers morning runs with music blasted through the stadium. There are also several gyms that cost about $1 per visit. While their equipment isn’t very elaborate, you will find most basic equipment there.
Will I have computer and / or internet access? Yes! The hostel where you will be staying has wireless internet, which you can access if you bring your own computer. If you don’t have a laptop or don’t feel comfortable bringing one, there are internet cafes within five minutes walking distance of the hostel, most of which will provide internet access for $1/hour.
Are there working ATMs in Otavalo? Yes! You should have no problem finding an ATM and withdrawing money.
