Description:
World Horizons International is very pleased to be returning to Ecuador at the invitation of Dr. Angel Castro and his family. Dr. Castro practices in Cayambe where the group will be based.
Cayambe, a lovely town of approximately 30,000 inhabitants, is situated one and one half hours north of Quito in the Andes Mountains. Cayambe is the largest town north of Quito and located very close to the equator. A very traditional Sierran town known for its local cheese, and flower plantations, growing some of the finest roses for worldwide shipment, as well as having a colorful Sunday market.
Groups of World Horizons travelers will volunteer in small village schools, high in the Andes Mountains surrounding Cayambe. These schools serve native Ecuadorian villages and lack all the basic amenities. Enjoy breathtaking views while making a huge difference to the lives of the beautiful children. You will be bringing textbooks and educational toys for children who have none of these things and you will help to teach English in the classrooms as well as assisting with other routine activities. World Horizons students will also work on fixing leaky roofs and other structural problems. In the afternoons, you will devote your time to individual internships, such as working at INFFA, the local government facility for senior citizens and day care children. Or, you may help the local physician. Other internships may be arranged to suit your specific interests, if possible. All of these activities will help you improve your Spanish-speaking skills and your knowledge of the local area.
Cayambe is a beautiful region in the Andes. Participants will take weekend excursions to explore the area, take a hike up "El Cayambe" to see historic Inca ruins, visit Otavalo with its famous Saturday handicrafts market, take a trip to Banos to enjoy the thermal springs, and also visit the capital city of Quito.
"...Johanna had a terrific time on her trip and we are so proud of her, interacting with people in another language, sharing a house with strangers who quickly became friends, trying new foods, etc. She found it scary and exciting and definitely learned a lot about herself on this trip. She is more confident in her interactions with people she doesn't know and she really enjoyed getting to know the other students on the trip. They communicate on a regular basis and have formed lifelong friends..." -- Allison Wilcox, Michigan
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