Summer ESL Teaching Volunteer in Ecuador

The Tandana Foundation is seeking motivated and qualified summer volunteers to develop curriculum, teach, and lead field trips and activities for local secondary school students in Quichinche, Ecuador, a region that is rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity. This opportunity is available each year from around the end of June to around the beginning of August. This year's dates are June 24th - July 28th.

Position Description:

Your primary responsibility will be to provide continuity and excellence in the curriculum and teaching for Tandana's Vacation Courses in Quichinche, Ecuador. Specifically, you will design a coherent and effective curriculum for one level of ESL classes, as well as other electives, for secondary school students. These classes will take place five days a week each morning for four weeks in July. You will plan the curriculum ahead of time, teach it, and record it in a way that is easy for future volunteers to follow. For the electives, you may plan and teach lessons in other subjects, such as art, leadership, math, health, physics, or geography, and you will help lead field trips and enrichment activities for the summer students. Finally, you will serve as a cultural ambassador and a positive representative of The Tandana Foundation. In return, you will be placed with a host family, which will allow countless opportunities to explore the indigenous cultures and subsistence lifestyles of highland Ecuador as well as the natural environment around you. You will also be given all the support you need to succeed in your work and be encouraged to accomplish your personal volunteer goals.

Requirements:

• Conversational Spanish
• Experience living in cross-cultural situations, preferably in Latin America
• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse array of people, to solve problems creatively, and to promote a positive experience for all involved
• Self-motivation, responsibility, and an ability to work independently
• Prior ESL experience or training, or demonstrated interest in teaching
• Minimum age is 19

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and record effective curriculum for ESL and electives
• Lead local students on field trips and service activities
• Collaborate with and assist Tandana’s Cursos Coordinator and Ecuador Program Manager
• Represent Tandana in a positive manner to all community members and volunteers and help to build good relationships

Benefits:

• The opportunity to participate in unique cultural activities and be a part of a dynamic, multi-cultural team
• Detailed orientation and ongoing support from Tandana's Ecuador Program Manager
• Room and board with a local family (homestay)
• Work expenses including local transportation, cell phone, and consular fees. (Volunteers pay their own airfare to Ecuador)