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"The four and a half months I spent in Ecuador were the most powerful, exciting, and enriching of my life. Through the IPSL program I experienced all facets of Ecuadorian life and I discovered a passion in hands-on learning through real life experiences. It was certainly a rush to learn and discuss topics in the classroom and step outside to see it for myself. I was definitely challenged by teaching English at a local elementary school. Working with the kids at the school were my favorite times during the week. If I had studied in Quito without this service-learning component, my time would have been much less rich. It was very important to me to be doing something positive for a group of people while I had the privileged opportunity to stay in Quito. I will always remember the kids' bursting spirit and energy.
- Rachel, Goucher College
You will serve 15–20 hours per week, directly participating in the ongoing work of a local agency. Areas of service may include:
Following are examples of agencies where IPSL students have served in the past or may be able to serve. Other service placements may be available. Your placement will be determined by community and agency needs, as well as your interests, goals, and skills (including Spanish language ability).
Private NGO working with adults and elderly people generally living on the streets. Every day they meet at FABC for recreational activities like basic art classes, baking, yoga, and others, as well as for medical assistance. Volunteers assist the teachers at each activity and help organize different social and cultural festivities with them.
Population Served: Elderly people
Areas of Service:
Elderly
/
Recreation
/
Healthcare
This private NGO runs a special art program for select public schools. The program teaches main subjects using art as teaching methodology. Volunteers collaborate by assisting the children and the artist during their classes and preparing class materials in the office. For working during the class, volunteers must have two specific days off, usually Wednesday and/or Thursday. Preparing class materials can be done during office days and office hours.
Population Served: Low-income primary school children
Areas of Service:
Education
/
Arts
/
Children & Youth
/
Teaching/tutoring
The hospital was founded in 1920. It is a public hospital, and its mission is to assist poor children of all ages. The main budget comes from the government, but the hosptial also receives donations from the local community. IPSL students can work in the area of health, or the social-work aspects of it, caring for and playing with the ill babies and children.
Population Served: Poor children of all ages
Areas of Service:
Healthcare
/
Childcare
This non-profit organization works with communities and families throughout Ecuador to help children, adolescents, and youth who are at-risk. Through education, the organization strives to develop children’s abilities and potential by offering them alternatives to better their quality of life and protect them from the negative influences of life on the street. This is accomplished through a variety of programs including educational assistance, job-skills training, recreational activities, medical attention, and shelters. Volunteers can work at the organization’s various locations throughout Quito. One site, Centro de Referencia la Marín, is an educational center serving approximately 60 children per day in the historic center of Quito. Youth come to play and learn, receive assistance with homework, and engage in recreational activities. Programs for parents and support in maintaining family relations are also provided at the center. Volunteers help children and youth with homework, play games with them, as well as teach basic English at a nearby elementary school, Escuela Mercedes Gonzalez.
Population Served: Street children
Areas of Service:
Social services
/
Education
/
Children & Youth
This is a public facility offering healthcare services for pregnant adolescents and women of all ages. Patients receive prenatal and pediatric care, psychological support, legal consultation, gynecology and family planning services, as well as health education. Free health care is provided for women throughout pregnancy and for babies up to 5 years of age. The hospital also finances the cost of medicine, vaccinations, and routine examinations for expectant mothers and their babies. Volunteers assist nurses with weighing and measuring pregnant women and babies. They also interview women on their initial visit to the hospital, documenting their health and family history, and schedule follow-up appointments.
Population Served: Low-income women and children
Areas of Service:
Healthcare
/
Counseling
/
Women's issues
This is a public municipal school for children with Down’s Syndrome. Volunteers work as teaching assistants in the classes and help with recreational activities.
Population Served: Children with Down’s Syndrome
Areas of Service:
Special education
/
Disabilities
/
Recreation
/
Teaching/tutoring
/
Children & Youth
Founded in 1992, the school strives to give children of all backgrounds and religions a well-rounded education. The students, more than 90 percent indigenous, come from families with limited economic resources, many of whom work in the surrounding streets of Quito’s historic center. Students are encouraged to develop their individual abilities, self-esteem, love for their country and for their ethnic background and also study Spanish, Quechua, and English. The school offers classes through the seventh basic grade level, preparing students to attend a variety of high schools in Quito. Classes are small with an average of 10 students per grade level. Volunteers are utilized to teach English, computer literacy, art, and music. Others serve as teacher aides.
Population Served: “Invasion” or squatter community residents
Areas of Service:
Education
/
Teaching/tutoring
This is a world-wide organization whose mission is to assist children, youth and families, providing the necessary infrastructure for the development of the community. It has nurseries, schools and medical centers located in the poorest neighborhoods of the main cities in Ecuador. Its budget comes from local and international donations. IPSL students can work in schools, nurseries, or medical/health centers.
Population Served: Children, youth, and families
Areas of Service:
Community development
/
Education
/
Childcare
/
Teaching/tutoring
