In this section we try to answer any question you might have prior to coming to Ecuador or Uruguay. The answers indicate how you can make a safe travel with family to Ecuador when visiting you. Also we indicate guidelines for some general health and money questions you might have. Besides we indicate about booking programs and payment policies. If you have a question and cannot find the answer here, please contact us via the contact form on the next tab!
How
do I get to Ecuador?
There are many airlines that fly directly to Ecuador from all over the
world. Check with a travel agent or Council Travel for the best prices. By
bus is easy to cross the border from Colombia or Peru.
Will
I need a Visa?
Normally interns, volunteers and tourists from the UK, Canada, Spain, Italy,
Japan, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand
and Scandinavian Countries, do not need to get visa before hand to visit
Ecuador; just upon arrival, at the Quito airport, you will get a three
months tourist visa free of charge. You can renew this visa for three more
months at low cost. For other nationalities, before you depart, we strongly
recommend checking the visa issue at the Ecuadorian Embassies or Consulates.
Should I pay in advance any cost?
50%
of the value of the program has to be paid via electronic bank transfer two
weeks before arriving to Ecuador. The other 50% has to be paid in cash upon
arriving in Ecuador.
Are
there any extra costs involved?
If
you decide to take extra Spanish or salsa classes than the ones described on
your program you have to pay for them. Besides, there are always a weekend
trips and activities and the prices depend of each activity.
You
also are responsible to pay for your own transportation from the place you
are living to the place where you work/study
There is an airport tax of $35 when leaving Ecuador.
Do I need any
special qualifications?
Our
programs are open to people who really want to have true experience in South
America. We request a Resume and application form.
Are
there any time limits for volunteering and internships?
We
require that you volunteer for a minimum of two weeks. For internships the
minimum is one month. For both there is no maximum time limit
Are
there any age limits?
For
Interns and volunteers there is a minimum age of 18 years.
Can
families / friends work together?
You
are free to choose to work together in one of our programs and stay in the
same or in a different host family/ LH residence. Our programs are flexible
in those cases.
Do I need to speak
Spanish?
Not
necessarily. However, the Spanish classes included in the Program will help
you to communicate with your host families and the people you are going to
work with / for. Beside the Spanish classes we highly recommend you to
practice your Spanish every day during your stay.
When
should I apply?
We
take participants for our programs all year-round. You should apply two
months in advance.
Should I be worried
about health insurance?
It
is really important you get an international insurance before you leave your
country. We highly recommend you to take an insurance that cover accidents,
health, and your property.
How
can I apply for one of the programs?
You
should fill out the application form which will be send to you upon
expressing your interest in one of our positions/programs.
How
can I communicate with my family and friends while in Ecuador?
There are many Internet cafes throughout the major cities, which are very
inexpensive. The price per hour cost around $1. Long distance calls between
0,10 to 0,20 cents per minute. Local calls to cellular phones and
international calls from your host family home are not recommendable as they
are quite expensive.
What
stuff should I bring with me?
Recommended items include: a Spanish dictionary, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat,
guidebook, money belt, back-up medicine, glasses and contact lenses if
applicable.
Do I
need any vaccinations?
Vaccinations (not obliged but recommended, for more information contact your
local health center)
DTP,
Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A&B, Yellow Fever (optional, only coast), Malaria
(optional, only jungle).
What
should I bring to wear?
The
clothes you use depend on your placement. In general interns go
semi-formal/casual and volunteers within the projects are very casual: jeans
and t-shirts are ok. We recommend comfortable clothes. One formal dress is
necessary as invitations to formal events (marriages, family parties, and
alike). If you plan to travel around the country we recommend you to bring a
casual clothes; light clothes for the coast and the jungle and warm jacket
and raincoat for the high lands no matter the month of the year.
How can I learn more
about Ecuador?
We
recommend you to buy a guidebook for your trip: Lonely Planet Ecuador, Lets
go travel guide Ecuador
We
also recommend check out some of the websites about Ecuador
|
|
