Break even financially, but earn so much more

I went to Ecuador with WorldTeach back in 2004-2005. My plan had been to find a program in South America so I could learn Spanish, but everything would cost me money ("volun-tourism"), even for short programs. Though WT does charge an administrative fee, this includes in-country support and I did receive a small salary while working. WT is great. It's a lot like the Peace Corps but (1) it's only a 10-12 month commitment and (2) it allows you some choice in where you're assigned. Once I settled on the program in Ecuador (my choice), I was assigned to work in Guayaquil (not my first choice). Initially I was really apprehensive about everything I had read about that city, but the Field Directors who knew the country so much better than I did, were great in making that assignment. Guayaquil was fantastic. WT set me up with a host family, whom I loved. There were a couple of other volunteers in Guayaquil with me, and when one wanted to change families (she didn't like the location), they helped her find a new residence. WT also provided another volunteer with a monetary advance when his school failed to pay him on time. The first month consisted of a country and teaching orientation and then we went out to spend the rest of the time in our host cities/schools. Some people had more remote locations (eg, the surf city of Montanita) and some, like me, were in big cities (eg, Quito, Loja, Ambato, Cuenca), or near them (eg, Vilcabamba). We had access to teaching supplies, but the level of support while actually teaching varied by school. We had 2 Field Directors in country with us who provided constant support and visited us/our schools every so often. We had mid- and end-year retreats to reconnect with our other volunteers and compare stories (and have fun). Great program. Felt supported. Totally recommended.