Teaching in "rural" school in Quito

My husband Greg and I are recently retired professionals who like to combine volunteer work (I am an educator, and Greg assisted me in the classes) with adventure travel. Our month in Ecuador enabled us to do just that. From the beginning our experiences were positive. Our coordinator Jose met us at the airport, introduced us to our homestay (in a comforable apartment), liaised with the school's administration, and was supportive and encouraging throughout. Our hosts Olga and Marcelo were among the kindest the most hospitable people we have ever met: our room was comfortable, the meals were delicious, and their patient help with our Spanish was very welcome. (We even had a friend join us for a few nights.) Our school was poor and bilingual (Spanish and Kichwa), and during our three weeks there we had the opportunity to teach English to students in Grades 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Although there were some discipline issues, these were soon overcome. The kids proved to be gregarious, friendly, curious and uninhibited. The highlights were taking part in a very special indigenous Pachamama Spring Equinox celebration, during which the Administration and staff expressed profound thanks for our volunteer efforts and the teaching materials we were able to bring to them. Finally, during our afternoons, we were able to explore the many parks, squares, museums and cathedrals of vibrant Quito; during the weekends our host drove us to volcanoes, the highlands, the Cloudforest and numerous indigenous villages; and for our fourth week we embarked on an unforgettable cruise of The Galapagos. An amazingly interesting and fulfilling combination of volunteer work and adventure travel!