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Practise English with Students (Ecuador)

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Practise English with Students in Ecuador | HelpStay

This small language school in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, was founded by siblings Verónica and Carlos Arciniega. The project helps students aged 12 and above develop their English skills and gain greater access to future academic and professional opportunities.

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Volunteers join a friendly learning environment where they can support students with spoken English while also sharing their own culture and experiences. Santo Domingo offers an interesting setting between Ecuador’s Pacific coast and the Andes, with a strong local culture and varied cuisine.

Tasks & Roles

The main role is to help students build confidence in spoken English. Volunteers take part in conversation practice, assist during English lessons and help students with pronunciation and participation.

They may also get involved in games, role-plays, themed discussions and other informal activities that make language learning more engaging. Sharing stories about their home country, traditions and personal experiences is another useful part of the cultural exchange.

The commitment is around 20–25 hours per week, with the daily schedule arranged around the needs of the school and the volunteer.

Living & Getting There

Volunteers stay in comfortable guest rooms on the third floor of the school, allowing them to be close to the daily activities while still having their own private space. There is a covered terrace where they can relax, read or enjoy the surroundings.

Depending on availability, accommodation is offered in either a private room with a bathroom or a double room with a bathroom, suitable for couples or friends. Fresh bed linen and towels are provided.

For a shorter five-hour working day, the school provides ingredients for volunteers to prepare their own breakfast. Those working eight hours a day also receive lunch.

The closest airport is Quito International Airport (UIO). From the airport, travellers can take public transport into Quito before continuing by bus to Santo Domingo, a journey of around three hours from Quito. The school can arrange collection from the Santo Domingo bus terminal, or a short taxi ride can be taken to the school.

A direct taxi from Quito Airport costs around US$35, while a taxi from Quito city costs around US$25. If the founders happen to be in Quito when a volunteer arrives, they may also be able to provide a pick-up by prior arrangement.

What else

The school is looking for kind, curious and open-minded people who enjoy meeting others and sharing their language and culture. The setting is relaxed, with time to socialise, enjoy the terrace or simply unwind outside working hours.

The experience is particularly suited to people who enjoy language exchange and working with students. No specific teaching qualifications or previous experience are mentioned as a requirement, but volunteers should be comfortable communicating in English and engaging with learners.

The school aims to create a balanced experience in which volunteers can contribute to the students’ learning while experiencing everyday life in Santo Domingo.

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