My volunteer trip to Quito, Ecuador in 2 words would be "life changing". I had never heard of IVHQ before and so when it started getting close to when it was time to leave I got a little bit more nervous. A week before my trip I came across a Facebook page for Ecuador IVHQ Program, so I joined it and got to reading on tips from past volunteers and even met volunteers via Facebook who were arriving the same time as me, seeing this eased my nerves. I felt more ready than ever. When I arrived in Quito, Ecuador with my boyfriend and as we walked right through the "exit doors" into the airport lobby there was a man with my boyfriend and I's name on the sign, which was super easy and comforting to see. He took us to our accommodations where our host mom Monica was there to welcome us to our new home for the next 2 weeks and to show us around. They instantly made us feel at home!! We met the volunteers that were living in the Volunteer House as well and we all clicked instantly and were laughing and sharing about ourselves in no time. Monday came along and we had orientation which was super informative and answered any questions we may have had. We also met the IVHQ staff that worked in the offices and everyone was sweet and eager to help us. Tuesday we jumped right in and started volunteering, we met the staff of the organization, UBECI, whom we would be volunteering with for the Street Children project. Everyone in this staff was so sweet and you could tell by the first day they truly cared about the kids and the difference that we were making. I fell in love with all the kids! We would wash their hands, play games with them, and have small interactive lessons with them. The connection that my boyfriend and I made with the kids, staff, and other volunteers was extraordinary. We had become one big family!! And to top it all off the meals that the host families would cook for us were delicious and I still crave them to this day. The time flew by and by the end of the trip the only regret I had was not staying longer. I would 10/10 recommend to anyone who is considering volunteering abroad or in a different country! Can't wait to go back one day! Thank you IVHQ staff and UBECI staff!

I originally went to Ecuador because I needed something to pad my resumé for PhD program admissions. What I got instead was something much more than that. During my time there, I spent most of my days in the NGO Support project, with some days spent in the Street Children project, seeking funding and logistic support for the UBECI Foundation, which seeks to better the lives of underserved and underprivileged children at risk in the capital city of Quito. Not only is the cause a good one, but the organization itself is fantastic. The team takes their charge seriously and they really do make a difference in the lives of the children they serve. It is not an exaggeration to say that they are a godsend. To have been able to work with them was truly an honor, and I expect to be going back some day very soon.

But beyond the work I did, I can happily say that I was satisfied with every aspect of my trip. I planned it through IVHQ, who partners with VCE in-country, and both of them saw to my every need. My accommodation in the Volunteer House with Monica and Byron was an excellent experience. We were well fed, warmly welcomed, and made to feel at home. On top of this, VCE provided many travel opportunities around the city and beyond for decent prices, which I took great advantage of.

All told, the relatively cheap cost of this program along with the excellent work environment and the overall good experience makes this trip ideal for everyone, regardless of your travel or volunteer experience. People of all ages and backgrounds were there, including whole families. I highly recommend you take advantage of this opportunity.

My time in Ecuador was unforgettable. The friends I made, the UBECI staff, and my host family all made my experience something that I will hold in my heart forever. The kids that I volunteered with have taught me far more than I could have ever taught them. My entire outlook on life has changed for the better. I plan on returning to the beautiful country of Ecuador. I would recommend this program to absolutely everyone.

I've just spent 7 weeks In Ecuador, volunteering in administration and working with street kids. I didn't realise how much I do would get to do that I don't get to do in England. From going to the Laundrette, jumping off a bridge, hitchhiking down an extinct volcano, taking a shower with live electric cables heating the water to meeting some amazing people, local and other volunteers! Iy was an absolutely incredible experience and I would highly recommend for anyone who is unsure to take the plunge and fully submerge yourself in the experience.

The kindergarten program is a great fit for anyone who wants to see what it's like to work as a kindergarten teacher and/or to rapidly improve Spanish from nada. The kids are so loving even though you don't speak their language, and they compliment on your progress as you speak/understand more, which is very motivating. You can have a great impact if you do speak fluent Spanish, the teachers at the kindergarten give you an option at the beginning to plan lessons if you wish.

This was a great program. I really enjoyed my time working with the children in Quito, Ecuador. The staff at VCE are the friendliest and most helpful people and you will really enjoy your time in Ecuador.

My last 24 hours in Ecuador were unforgettable. Waking up to a half-packed suitcase reminded my that the end had finally arrived. After four weeks, I was both excited to go home, while at the same time, wishing I could stay four more. I went to school for my program Friday morning, teaching English to middle schoolers at the public school. I was hanging out with the students in the school yard before class, getting ready to go into the classroom, when they proposed we "play a game." This game then involved blindfolding me and my fellow volunteers...but we all went along with it. They brought us to our classroom and removed the cloth to reveal a surprise goodbye party the students themselves had organized. They had some snacks and soda, a couple balloons, and a poster. I was so shocked I cried. I realized then just how much this program meant to me and how much I would miss it.
Later that night, I was headed to the airport with my friend. Time for another round of goodbyes, this time to my host mother and 5 other volunteer friends who I lived with. As sad as I was to leave them, the goodbye was not too tragic. We had become so close over the month I had no doubt I would see them again at some point. In fact, we already had a trip planned.
I just could not believe I had been there for a month, traveled so much, met such incredible people. Overall an amazing trip.

My husband and I taught English to 360 11 and 12 year olds for a month. We tried to help the teacher reach her goals as well as to create a stimulating and positive environment for the teaching of English. The kids were open and interested and were a pleasure to know. The program and teacher were fully supportive of our efforts. We received back much more than we gave. We were humbled and grateful for the experience. We also taught English to a group of kindergarten teachers. They were model students and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with them. They made wonderful progress.