Ecuador -  Service learning & College Credit

Global Works is pleased to offer a unique program with an additional level of reflection on the social, cultural, and environmental issues of Ecuador and the varied ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands. Through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences and reflections, students gain a greater understanding of the region and their own self-awareness as a global citizen.  In addition to meaningful service projects, students will be expected to complete a variety of reflection activities before, during and shortly after the trip to facilitate their achievement of the three Service Learning college credits that will be offered on a pass/fail basis through Juniata College*.  Plenty of travel opportunities and adventure activities are also built into the program to make sure your summer is both a rewarding and fun experience!

Quito (3 days) - The group meets in Houston and flies directly to the colonial capital city of Quito (9,500 foot elevation) for a few days of orientation. We visit Mitad del Mundo, "middle of the world" (near Inca Empire ruins), and explore historical Old Quito .  A day long course at the University of San Francisco-Quito will give students a greater understanding of regional issues and provide a glimpse into study abroad programs offered to university students.

Community Project Yunguilla (5 days) - After a day to regroup, do laundry, and enjoy a good meal in Quito, we travel up the Andean corridor to the bustling artisan community of Otavalo. The colorful artisan markets will introduce you to the eye-catching arts and crafts of Ecuador.

Alto Choco (10 days) – For the next segment of the trip we will travel to this rural mountain community, set in the middle of a rainforest, with dramatic views of volcanoes and waterfalls as our backdrop.  While staying in the volunteer housing at Zoobreviven, a nature preserve funded by the World Wildlife Fund, we will work on service projects centered around the local community of Santa Rosa.  Our group will help construct much need housing for community members and become a part of this tight knit village.

Otavalo (2 days) -After a tough but rewarding week of work, we travel up the Andean corridor to the bustling artisan community of Otavalo. The colorful artisan markets willintroduce you to the eye-catching arts and crafts of Ecuador.

Galapagos (6 days) – We take a flight from Quito to Guayaquil and then to the Island of Baltra.  From there, it's a short ferry ride to the Island of Santa Cruz and bus ride to our beautiful accommodations at Casa Anitas. The Galapagos Islands are known as the "laboratory of evolution" and we do our best to tread lightly.  While staying just outside the town of Puerto Ayora, we will visit Charles Darwin Station for a guided explanation about the unique ecological environment of the Galapagos and a close up view of the Galapagos turtles.  From the Santa Cruz we will take two all day boat trips to explore the wildlife on the islands of Plazas and Bartolome.  These amazing boat excursions will afford us the opportunity to explore up close, with a guided naturalist,  uninhabited islands teaming with seals, iguanas, blue footed boobies, and much more! On other days we will hike to snorkel in reefs of Santa Cruz and even take a surf lesson one afternoon! White sand beaches, sunbathing seals, and lava rock backdrops await you!

Quito and Final Reflections (2 days) -  A short flight back to Quito will give us time for final reflections and closure before our group flight home the following day. Few countries are able to boast of the geographic and cultural diversity that Ecuador holds. Join us for an amazing journey as we delve beneath the surface of what we see and experience while traveling through this remarkable country! Please refer to our website for more images of Ecuador and the Galapagos, or contact us for more information!

*Juniata College, located in scenic central Pennsylvania, is an independent, coeducational college of liberal arts and sciences founded in 1876 to "prepare individuals for the useful occupations of life."  The College has a strong reputation for excellent academics, small classes, a flexible curriculum, and learning by doing through research, internships, and study abroad programs. Juniata College is accredited by the Middle State Association.  Connect to Juniata www.juniata.edu

-
Click here to see a slide show from the Global Works - Ecuador program.