Building Bridges With Ecuador

People of all ages and with all types of skills are welcome to join the team.  While we are always in need of individuals who have health care back-grounds to work on the medical team and individuals who have teaching skills to share with others on the education team, all are welcome to participate in the various service projects offered regardless of profession or skill.  All that is necessary to join the team is willingness to help others, an interest in learning about different cultures and  a desire to enhance one’s personal growth.  

Elementary through high school age participants are most welcomed but they should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  We find that generally children 6 years and older do well and enjoy using their special skills in helping the adults paint, garden, build or work with the Ecuadorian children in the school.

Team members do not need to speak Spanish.  We furnish translators on each team as needed. Nevertheless, we welcome people who speak Spanish to help their team mates with translation.  Foreign language students who are taking Spanish in school can advance their fluency and their proficiency in Spanish during this experience by working and talking with the local people.

Health Status & Immunizations:

Participants should be in relatively good health.  Health care standards are not on par with the US. There is an American hospital in Quito if needed.  

The outdoor environment at La Casa Sol is hilly.  While the ability to walk long distances is not essential, individuals should be able to ambulate given conditions of uneven terrain.

 This trip takes place at 10,000 feet in the Andes and while we have not had participants experience severe altitude sickness, it is common to feel some minor effects (headache, shortness of breath, etc) the first few days.  These symptoms generally disappear in 2-3 days.  

Throughout the trip, bottled water is consumed and care is taken with the preparation of the food.

For travel to this part of Ecuador, immunizations (tetanus & polio) should be up to date and Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots are recommended.  No malaria prophylaxis or typhoid/ yellow fever/cholera vaccines are necessary.  Because rabies is always a risk, it is strongly advised not to pet stray dogs and to keep your distance from animals.

Weather Conditions:

Team members enjoy the cool, generally dry weather conditions of Ecuador during their stay.  In the high Andes the temperatures range from a comfortable 65 – 75 F degrees when the sun is out and  50s - 60s on rainy/overcast/damp days .  The nights and evenings are chilly with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s