Location
  • Ecuador
    • Amazon

Program Details

Language
Spanish
Housing
Hostel

Pricing

Price Details
For long term volunteers we provide housing and food, short-term volunteers pay a small fee to cover their costs.
Sep 26, 2016
Feb 19, 2017
4 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Sustainable Roots volunteers live in an amazing location on the eastern slope of the Andes in Ecuador. They can choose from two different branches of our work - the education and environmental branch. Work in both branches overlaps so volunteers get a taste of everything that we do.

The previous volunteer trains new volunteers. The continuity of our program lets you know that you are part of a lasting change in a community. The experience of Sustainable Roots volunteers is unmatched. We are an integral part of community life and volunteers become loved members of our small town.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 9 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 4.9
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 9 reviews
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Darragh
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Giant Jupiter

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What would you improve about this program?
I feel that sustainable roots would have the potential to grow with the support of more enthusiastic volunteers. I would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering overseas to give it a go!
110 people found this review helpful.
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Jillian
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life in the Clouds

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What would you improve about this program?
This program was overall amazing, and it just really needs some more volunteers and PR!
123 people found this review helpful.
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Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Organization

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What would you improve about this program?
Sustainable Roots works really hard and gets a lot done but they would greatly benefit from more funding and more volunteers.
121 people found this review helpful.
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Becca
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A+ Non-Profit

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What would you improve about this program?
The only thing would be to increase support and funding to help grow the organization so it could accomplish even more projects and provide even more opportunities to the people in Ecuador.
124 people found this review helpful.
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Robert
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

One of the most important experiences of my life

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What would you improve about this program?
If I could change one thing it would be the length that volunteers can stay. I don't think this is up to Sustainable Roots, but more up to the Ecuadorean Government. Travel Visas only last up to 6 months, but I am sure there is a way to get a work visa or some other type that allows for longer stays.
121 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
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Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Sustainable Roots Experience

I was a short-term volunteer and stayed for two weeks, which I quickly learned was not nearly long enough. I was able to help with English classes, greenhouse restoration, and other community enhancement projects. I was also able to explore surrounding areas, such as Quito and Tena, where I went white water rafting (so much fun!). The people of Cosanga are so welcoming and friendly that I never felt like I didn't belong. The kids are so full of life and were so enjoyable to be around; I miss them dearly. There is so much heart and passion in this program and I can't wait to watch it grow!

What would you improve about this program?
I would love to see more volunteers with this program. There are so many great ideas and plans for the future.
113 people found this review helpful.
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Joslyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sustainable Roots: All about Community and Love

There is something different about Sustainable Roots, and once you arrive in the uncomplicated, luscious green hills of Cosanga you will notice it right away. This isn't just any volunteer opportunity where the needs of the volunteer are placed above the needs of the people being served or the kind of project that falls apart once you leave. The children of Cosanga will captivate your heart and give you a higher purpose while you are there to educate them, share experiences and learn what sustainability means.

What would you improve about this program?
It would be great to start a scholarship program to aid students of Cosanga to get a higher education.
118 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Sustainable Roots

I volunteered with Sustainable Roots for 6 months and had the best time. The organization is like no other organization I know. It is made up of amazing people doing awesome things for a beautiful town. Volunteering through Sustainable Roots allows you to be immersed in the Spanish language and culture, experience cloud forest biodiversity, and be a part of something that is making a difference in peoples lives. It's a chance to spend your days teaching and playing with kids and experiencing one of the most beautiful countries in the world! The town is full of loving people who are so grateful for what the organization is doing and how it's helping the youth in town. I miss the town and the people there every day I'm not in Cosanga.

What would you improve about this program?
Honestly, all this program needs is more volunteers to make it better. The organization has great plans for the future, all it needs now are volunteers who are passionate about the organization and what it's doing.
133 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Hi! Obviously the more Spanish you know, the better. Because the town is so rural - there's hardly any English spoken except by the students who have learned it from Sustainable Roots. I went down with about 3 years of Spanish from college. I felt pretty comfortable - but obviously I learned a ton more once I got down there. However, another volunteer I was with in Ecuador hadn't studied any...