FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PREPARATIONS
SPANISH CLASSES
VOLUNTEER WORK
LIFE IN ECUADOR
TICKETS AND INSURANCES
International tickets to Ecuador and insurances can not be booked at Ecole. For best rates, please consult your local travel agency and insurance broker or consult the Internet for lowest available rates.
PAYMENTS AND RESERVATIONS AT ECOLE
You can pay at our office in cash or traveler cheques. Unfortunately we do not accept credit cards. You could also transfer the money from your account in your home country to our account in Ecuador. For this service we have to charge an extra $20.00 administration fee, as the bank charges that to us.
You could apply with us up until a week before the start of your program, but you have to take into account that your project might be available anymore. It is better to reserve one or two months before departure, to make sure your first choice is still available.
VISA
Citizens of most countries do not need a special visa for entering Ecuador and get a 3 month tourist visa upon arrival. If you would like to stay longer than 3 months, please contact the nearest Ecuadorian embassy (http://www.embassiesabroad.com/embassies-of/Ecuador) for more information
HEALTH
For updated information on recommended vaccinations and malaria, please consult your National Health Service. In general, Hepatitis A and DTP are recommended, but this also depends how long you want to stay un the country and which parts you would like to visit.
WHAT SHOULD I TAKE WITH ME?
While packing, you have to take into account that Ecuador is not as warm as you may expect. Even though the country is located at the equator, Quito is located at a height of 2850 meter above sea level and can be quite cold at night or when it is clouded. Different layers of clothes are recommended as temperatures may vary a lot during the day and between the different areas you are going to visit, but also take with you some summer clothes as it is warmer at the coast and in the jungle. Furthermore, a good flashlight, mosquito repellent with deet, a good raincoat and sun block with a high protection are highly recommended to take along. Don’t forget that electricity in Ecuador is 110 volts and plugs are US style (two flat points). Only some 4-band phones work in Ecuador, as it has its own particular network. If you would like a cell phone you can buy them cheaply here, but please take into account that some more remote areas where projects are located do not have coverage. If you need more information, or have specific questions please contact us.
SPANISH CLASSES
DO I GET A CERTIFICATE AFTER MY COURSE?
Ecole Idiomas is recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education as an official language institute and is allowed to extend certificates to students who have successfully concluded their Spanish course.
VOLUNTEER WORK
WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR VOLUNTEER WORK
You do not pay for volunteer work, but you do pay for your accommodation and your food, when included. Another part of what you pay is used to pay your inscription cost at the project (this benefits the project directly) our volunteer coordinator, promotion costs, fixed costs and a part is set aside with which we finance small needs of projects and every year we buy Christmas gifts for all the kids at our projects. Last year alone we gave away more than 1800 gifts.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH A PROJECT IN QUITO?
When you volunteer at a project in Quito, your accommodation is included, but not your meals. Furthermore, you can use all facilities that Ecole has to offer, such as the safe for all your valuables, book exchange, luggage storage, receiving mail, help and advice with the making of your travel plans and of course any doubts or questions you have about your project. Also you can come to the weekly welcome drink we offer and join the salsa lessons.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH A PROJECT OUTSIDE OF QUITO?
When you volunteer at a project outside of Quito, your accommodation and meals are included. Furthermore, you can use all facilities that Ecole has to offer, such as the safe for all your valuables, book exchange, luggage storage, receiving mail, help and advice with the making of your travel plans and of course any doubts or questions you have about your project. Also you can come to the weekly welcome drink we offer and join the salsa lessons, when you are in Quito.
WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH A PROJECT IN GALAPAGOS?
When you volunteer at a project on the Galapagos Islands, your accommodation is included but your meals not. Also your flight to and from the Galapagos Islands are included and your volunteer visa for the Galapagos. If you would like to visit other Islands than the one your project is located at, you have to pay the Galapagos National Parque entrance fee of $100.00.
Yes, this is possible. Some projects are small and could be easily combined, Or you can also choose to, for example, work 4 weeks at a project in Quito and afterwards 4 weeks at a project outside of Quito.
CAN I BRING THINGS FROM MY COUNTRY FOR MY PROJECT?
If you would like to bring things from your home country to help the project you are volunteering at, please contact our volunteer coordinator. She knows best what the needs are for the different projects.
LIFE IN ECUADOR
SAFETY
Ecuador is a relatively safe country to travel within, but you always have to be alert. Especially at busy places, such as the bus terminal, markets, and city centers. Please keep an extra eye on your hand luggage! We recommend to always take a taxi after dark and not to travel by bus at night. When traveling by public transport, keep your hand luggage on your lap and not in the compartments above your seat. Spread your money by keeping it in different places: a bit in your wallet, a bit in your shoe, and a bit in a secret compartment under your clothes. Especially in big cities, thieves are inventive and many different tricks are used. If the situation feels suspicious, keep on walking and do not accept drinks or cards from strangers.
MONEY
The easiest way to get money in Ecuador is by using your debit card to get money from the ATM. A debit card with a cirrus or maestro sign can be used in almost any ATM. Traveler cheques can be cashed at the Ecole office with a commission of 1% (lower than any bank). Credit cards are accepted at more expensive stores, hotels and restaurants. At Ecole you can not pay with a credit card.
COMMUNICATION
Virtually everywhere in Ecuador you can find internet cafés where you can send emails and make phone calls. Internet costs less than a $1.00 in most places. Mail and packages are more expensive, starting at $1.00 for a postcard to Europe, and it takes between 5 – 8 working days. Most foreign mobile phones do not have roaming here, but you can buy a local mobile phone cheaply. But take into account that some more remote areas have no access to the network. As a student or volunteer at Ecole, you can receive your mail and packages at our office.
FOOD
The main meal in Ecuador is the lunch (almuerzo) which normally consists of a soup, a main dish with rice, a dessert and a fresh fruit juice. Many small restaurants offer these meals, most of the time for no more than $2.50.
The offer of restaurants with different types of both national and international dishes is big, especially in larger cities. Ecuadorian cuisine also offers something for everybody: from roasted guinea pig and pork to shrimps with a coconut sauces. Most people go to local markets to buy the ingredients for their meals, but there are also big supermarkets in every city.
Your accomodation depends on which package you booked. At Ecole you can choose between staying with a host family, student house or hostal. All accommodations start the Saturday night before you start your classes or project. If you are arriving before that you can make a reservation with us for extra nights. If you decide to stay with a host family, they will pick you up after your first day of classes on Monday. The first nights you will stay at a hostal nearby school.
We can always pick you up from the airport, even if you arrive late at night. If you have bought and 8-week package, the transfer from the airport is included in the price. If not you can make an extra reservation for your airport transfer for an extra fee of $15.00.
Ecole has a luggage storage where you can leave all your extra luggage that you do not need at that moment, for example while traveling. Ecole also has a safety deposit box where you can leave your valuables. You can use this service during your whole stay for $2.50.
