Location
  • Ecuador
    • Quito
Length
1 to 52 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Guesthouse Host Family Hostel Hotel

Pricing

Starting Price
1985
Price Details
* Host family accommodations and meals
* Devoted support from the United Planet team
* Travel insurance
* Pre-departure training
* 1-way transfer from airport to UP's partner office for briefing
* Orientation, mid-Quest check-in, final evaluation
* Language lessons
* Historical, cultural and recreational excursions
* Global Caring Award upon successful Quest completion
* United Planet t-shirt or hoodie sweatshirt
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals Transportation Travel Insurance
Jan 28, 2023
Dec 13, 2019
8 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

United Planets Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, home stays, and cultural activities. United Planet Quests are offered in more than 25 countries from 1-52 weeks.

Located east of the famous and historical Galapagos Islands, Ecuador contains within its borders a variety of landscapes and cultures! As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to stay in one of the most beautiful capital cities of South America Quito!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Tour Around Quito to Visit Monasteries, Chapels and More
  • Enjoy Some Music at El Pobre Diablo

Scholarships

United Planet Service Scholarships

Several scholarships are available for those looking to volunteer for a short or long-term period abroad with the non-profit organization United Planet, who work with communities in over 35 countries around the world.

Value
$250 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.80 Rating
based on 5 reviews
  • 5 rating 80%
  • 4 rating 20%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.4
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Default avatar
Julie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My Life Changed in the Best Possible Way!

My experience with United Planet and my month-long quest to Quito, Ecuador, was one that made an indelible impression upon my mind and heart! As cliche as it is, my life changed because of this. I was there Nov/Dec 2019. I was enriched to such an extent that I am now tentatively moving there in May 2020.

United Planet was extremely meticulous with all the arrangements and pre-departure training and information. I had some trepidation going because there was civil unrest in Quito prior to my arrival. Plus, I was the only volunteer there at that time. However, United Planet assured me that all was well. I truly believe their participants’ safety and security are of paramount importance to them.

From everything — living accommodations, assistance from the program coordinator, Patricio, the food, countless excursions, and the volunteering experience at Quintiliano Sanchez — it was all first-class. United Planet’s personalized care of their clients is unparalleled. I am so impressed by this organization, and any person interested in pursuing a quest with UP can call me for a more detailed review. 5.5 out of 5 STARS.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Chonta curo - these are fried worms I ate in the Amazon jungle
89 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chelsea
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nursing students take on Quito, Ecuador

We spent a day at a clinic in the south of Quito and it was truly a life changing experience. This clinic has an adult day program, children physio, adult physio, rehab, doctors visits and more. The didn't have very much and made do with whatever recourses they had available. They were SO very appreciative of any and all donations. We could not speak any Spanish but they will welcomed us with opened arms! The adult day program was my favorite. The people that go there so not have a lot of money but with their happy spirts and warm hearts you would never be able to tell. Truly life changing and eye opening!

What would you improve about this program?
The only thing I can think of is the pre-departure web meeting we had could be improved. The lady that did ours was never in Ecuador and she had a really hard time answering questions. I think that the meeting should be with someone that has either went down there before or one of the in country supports.
80 people found this review helpful.
Response from United Planet

Chelsea, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us. We are very excited that your Quest was a life changing experience. Also, we appreciate your feedback. We are always trying to improve our programs to provide the best experience for our volunteers.

Default avatar
Jessica
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Traveling for a Cause

Traveling to Ecuador for this service trip was the first time I have traveled out of the country and I could not have been more happy with my experience. The people, the culture, and the general attitude of Ecuador was so welcoming and fun. I would definitely recommend this service trip to pretty much anyone who wants to serve while traveling! Also, if you are not fluent in Spanish, THAT IS OKAY! I knew very little Spanish and did not fell ashamed or unwelcome because of it!

What would you improve about this program?
When we left Oregon, it was pretty confusing as to what our objective of the service trip was. We were not expecting what we got, even though we absolutely loved every second of it. It felt a little unclear and a tad disorganized.
77 people found this review helpful.
Response from United Planet

Jessica, thank you for sharing about your volunteer Quest to Ecuador with us. We are excited that you had a great experience on your trip. Also, we appreciate your feedback. We are always trying to improve our programs so that our volunteers enjoy the best experience abroad.

Default avatar
Jessica
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nursing Abroad

Getting to see the healthcare system in another country and participate in providing care there was life changing. I have brought so many lessons back to Canada with me. I thought we were going to Ecuador to help the people there, but I feel like it was really the other way around. I also feel like my life priorities and future goals changed. I now want to do more, travel further, and try nursing across the globe. I've never thought seriously about adopting a child, but after visiting an orphanage in Quito, I've realized that doing so would fit me as a person more than I ever could have known.

What would you improve about this program?
It was hard to afford as a student. I don't regret it though.
78 people found this review helpful.
Response from United Planet

Jessica, thank you for sharing your life-changing experiences with us. We are so glad that United Planet helped you determine your life priorities and future goals.

Default avatar
Rakhi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

solo traveler to a beautiful country

I took this trip as a solo travel/volunteer trip to Ecuador. United Planet had a really great support system and was very organized throughout the application process. They were all prompt with responding and the in country staff was also prompt with travel accommodations to and from the airport..

I'm a PA, certified and all, so I was hoping for more experience and exposure to the under-served areas of Quito, where healthcare is not readily accessible and where I could be of more help. However, I was placed in a private clinic to observe, which I did appreciate observing how things are done differently vs in the US. The spanish classes were great, b/c I'm not very fluent in Spanish but with my broken/basic spanish, I was able to communicate with most ppl. Most of all, I really enjoyed having the complete independence after the first day, which meant I got to explore the city of beautiful Quito. It was so fun!

Quito is actually really safe, compared to even some cities in the US. Be smart about traveling at night. The most common crime is pocket thefts in crowded spaces like the bus/trains. I would highly recommend the trip to students, but as for professionals, I would inquire about what you'd be able to assist in b/c you might be observing more.

What would you improve about this program?
For professionals, I think it would be more helpful to see what their expectations are, given that they may be setting their expectations on being hands on and really being able to help with their skills. Since I wasn't able to see what I was hoping to be exposed to, I was a little disappointed, but I also understand that Pablo wasn't available the week that I was in Ecuador. So I may have been placed in a different area if he was there.
89 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers