SPEAK ENGLISH TO A GROUP IN ECUADOR 15 HOURS EACH WEEK AS A CONVERSATION PARTNER

Volunteer 15 hours each week in Ecuador in exchange for free room and board. 

The Need:  Volunteer 15 hours a week helping a group with Conversational English.  That's it.  Many Ecuadorian agencies and organizations want their employees to learn English or improve their English skills through conversation. 

Placements:

• Cultural Exchange Agencies.  Ecuadorians are very interested in learning languages and participating in programs such as work and travel, au pair, academic year abroad, etc.  A tutor is needed to prepare the participants with their English communication skills before the Ecuadorian goes abroad.  The tutor can also assist the cultural exchange agency staff.  (Location: Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca)
• Travel Companies.  Due to the growth of tourism in Ecuador, there are many travel companies, mostly based in Quito.  These travel companies promote tourism packages in the country and abroad.  English language skills of the sales staff is always an area of improvement.  (Location: Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Galapagos Islands)
• Ecuadorian Import/Export Business.
  • Flower companies.  Ecuador is the third largest flower exporter in the world.  The flower companies are based mostly in Quito and surrounding areas. The companies take care of exports; quality control, distribution and commercialization.   A GeoVisions Conversation Partner will help staff members to improve their communication with their international clients. (Location: Quito)
• Government Organizations.  Due to the increased number of visitors to the Galapagos Islands, staff members want to improve their English skills in order to help with the tourists, mainly at the airport.  (Location: Galapagos Islands)
• Spanish Schools. Tourism in Ecuador has been increasing annually with people coming to Quito to learn Spanish.  Spanish teachers want to improve their English conversation skills in oder to communicate better with students wanting to learn basic Spanish.  (Location: Quito)

Conversation Partner tutors can request a specific agency and location. While every effort will be made to meet these requests, placements are based on need and availability.

Benefits:

• Travel for less.
• Accomodations in a homestay or guesthouse.
• Bonuses from the individual organizations.  For example, 10 hours of Spanish lessons from the Spanish schools, Cultural Exchange agencies and flower companies.   A full day tour based on availability, from the travel company.
• You put in a couple of hours each day literally talking, and the rest of your time is spent traveling and experiencing the culture in depth.
• Do you want to learn Spanish or brush up on your language skills?  We can easily arrange optional language classes for you.  It's up to you.
• Tip the advantage to you by enhancing your resume by volunteering as a Conversation Partner. Job: "Language Tutor." References:  Global.  It just doesn't get any better than that.  Resume and cover letter services FREE for two months via Pongo Resume.
• You "meet" your group in advance through email and phone calls.  Each organization is interviewed and carefully screened by in-country staff.
• Exclusive materials written by GeoVisions staff will give you "a bag of tricks" as you engage your new "students".  Premium membership in the esl-lounge FREE to Conversation Partners.
• Join our Facebook Fan page or our Facebook Conversation Corps Group and begin the conversation now.  And when you come back, our Returnee network is a great palce to share your experiences.

This is a high-energy and really fun position.  GeoVisions provides the materials; you provide the personality to liven up an informal conversation class!  Find out first-hand how Ecuadorians live and work day-to-day.  Sometimes there are opportunities to take part in activities.  Plus, the locals can show you landmarks and hidden gems.

Conversation Partner volunteers must be native English speakers.  You need to have earned a high school (secondary school) diploma or certificate, and be in good health. Placements are available year 'round and range in duration from one to three months.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Sharing your language with the host business or organization for at least 15 hours a week Monday to Friday.
• Using GeoVisions' Bag of Tricks and the esl-lounge, provide creative, fun and informative conversation sessions. 
• Be on time to tutor your group.
• Manage your own personal expenses (telephone bills, clothing, entertainment and spending money).

What You Get For Your Program Fee:

• Personalized Volunteer Placement with a host family (or dorm, hotel, or guest house) through our Partner in Ecuador, based on your skills and interests, including all the coordination, in-person visits and communication necessary with the local organization.
• Your orientation in Quito with a half-day tour of Quito.
• A comfortable, safe place to live in Ecuador, your room, half board (Breakfast and Dinner), and transportation from the airport.
• An experienced U.S. based GeoVisions Program Manager (and former volunteer with GeoVisions) who will serve as your coordinator and liaison with our in-country staff in Ecuador.
• In-country basic language assistance and (optional) language classes at an additional cost.
• Professional, locally-based staff to provide orientation, supervision and guidance throughout your stay.
• Extensive medical, accident and dental insurance along with emergency evacuation insurance.
• Important documents, including in-depth pre-departure packs, orientation information, and all in-country informational materials.
• Country-based airport transportation.
• A toll-free 24-hour emergency hotline in the U.S.
• Our own text book plus Premium membership at the esl-lounge.
• Two-months membership at Pongo Resume.
• The President's Volunteer Service Award including a lapel pen, letter from the President of The United States and certificate.