| Are
the travel costs included in the price? |
Volunteer Galapagos provide you with the
transport from the mainland Ecuador to your accommodation in the
Galapagos Islands however you have to make your own way to Ecuador.
Please contact us if you need information on flight prices to
Ecuador, we will be more than happy to answer you questions.
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| Do
I need to have any special skills ? |
The only skills required is for you to be
flexible, understanding and eager to learn about other cultures.
Just send us your resume, the needs are very diverse on the archipelago,
and we are sure to find a vacancy to suit you.
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| Is
it necessary to speak Spanish to apply? |
No, a Spanish speaking person will have
a wider choice of vacancies but it is not compulsive to be Spanish
speaking. In some fields of work, such as: Events organiser, scientific
research, and tourist activity, English will be the main language
spoken.
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| Where
will I be staying? |
Your accommodation depends of your mission.
If you are working for the schools, or if you have an engineering
mission, it is most likely that you will live on the Ecuadorian
Navy Base, here you will have access to the tennis courts and
all other facilities that are available on site. A local family
can also be your host. Alternatively, you will be staying in an
independent house or in a Bed and Breakfast. Be aware that you
might have to share accommodation.
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| What
about food ? |
|
|
In
the Navy Base, three meals will be served daily, for those staying
at the independent house, breakfast and dinner will be served
at your local restaurant. Finally, if your accommodation is an
Inn, the breakfast will be provided.
The Ecuadorian food is rich and high in calories, totally different
from what you have been used to in Europe or in the USA, remain
open minded, and try everything before giving your opinion. Vegetarian
meals can be pre-arranged with our Partners, however, the Vegetarian
culture is not very big in the Galapagos.
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| What
hours will I be working? |
This varies from project to project, but
you should be prepared for around 2 to 6 hours a day from Monday
to Friday, this is usually in the morning giving you the sunny
afternoons to explore the Island.
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| Can
I apply with someone else? |
We encourage Couples to apply. We understand
that sharing your moments will benefit both yourselves and the
community, it is important that you complete separate forms though.
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Who
are the Volunteers?
They
tell you
They
tell you
They
tell you
They
tell you
|
Everyone can be of service. Volunteers Galapagos
has no language or professional requirements. Volunteers come
from all occupations and backgrounds, from all over the world.
Here are some of the candidates, Volunteer Galapagos has sent
to the Archipelago.
Marie
Christine, 24, Student, Quebec, Canada.
They tell you
She decided to take a 3 month break before starting her
Masters in International Economies. During her stay in the
Galapagos Islands, Marie Christine was teaching English
for Volunteer Galapagos, and at the same time she was giving
private classes to finance her clubbing nights!
Then she decided to come back to validate 3 academic credits
! Ask your university.
|
Tim,
25, Electrician, New Zealand.
He came to the Islands for 3 months to teach English and
Sports. He also contributed to an open-air cinema on the
main village’s place. Tim did not speak a word of
Spanish before his arrival to the Archipelago. He finally
stayed 10 months and he got married to a lovely resident
of the Islands. Congratulations !
|
Jenny,
63, pensioner, former nurse, Ireland.
They tell you
On a tour in South America, Jenny decided to stop by and
give her time and experiences to the local hospital. She
stayed 2 months.
|
Marc,
Marketing director, 35, London, United Kingdom.
They tell you
Marc decided to take 4 months out of his career. He was
working with the Albatross Foundation on an Educational
Cd-rom. Marc told us that this experience helped him to
see the world in a different perspective, a plus in his
career.
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|
| What
do I need to take with me ? |
We would advise you not to take valuables
with you. We do recommend that you have warm and light clothes
as well as smart clothes for cultural activities. A sleeping bag
is a must. If you plan to snorkel, take your gear with you.
Many things like cosmetics, sunscreen, film, batteries and medication
are quite expensive or rare in the archipelago, and it is advised
to stock up from the mainland.
Mastercard/ Cirrus is the only card accepted in cash dispensers.
Send
us an email and we will send you our packing list.
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| Do
I need a passport or Visa ? |
It is your responsibility to have a valid
passport and any appropriate visa. Usually, our Volunteers arrived
with a 3 months tourist visa. You can get a tourist visa on arrival
at the Airport, frontiers, or embassy. If you plan to stay longer,
extensions are usually routinely obtained by period of 30 days.
We strongly recommend that you contact the national Embassy or
Consulate of Ecuador for information regarding these requirements.
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| Do
I get academic credits ? |
Some universities give academic credits.
You have to enquire with your university.
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| Can
I apply anytime of the year ? |
Yes. The program runs all year long.
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| What
is the minimum length of stay ? |
We accept Volunteers coming for only one
month, However, we advise you to go for at least 3 months to get
a feeling of full achievement.
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| How
much does it cost and what does it include ? |
Volunteer Galapagos is one of the rare organizations
based on a “Participative Volunteering” Scheme.
The cost of the program includes a financial participation in
local educational structure.
From January 2003 until December 2003, all the Volunteers sent
to the Islands have participated in the creation of a multimedia
building equipped with 20 computers linked to the Internet, thus,
not only bringing knowledge but creating an interactive link to
the outside world.
The
cost of the program also includes :
|
- Food: all meals are provided. We ask
you to be open-minded and not to expect American or European
cuisine.
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| What
is the payment and cancellation policy ? |
Once interviewed and selected, you will
be asked to pay a US$ 250 deposit. You will be required to pay
the difference before departure, Arrangements can be made however
our volunteers usually pay the full cost in about 5 months at
no extra fees.
If for any reason you decide not to go, you may cancel at any
time, However, we ask you that you do not apply unless you are
totally confident about your decision.
It is important for you to know that cancellations are costly
to Volunteer Galapagos because we make arrangements for you and
our partners. Therefore, the deposit is non refundable.
If you cancel close to the start of the service program, you will
receive only a partial refund, cancellations of a service program
should made in writing to Volunteer Golapagos.
Refund Policies Based on Cancellation Dates:
Over 60 days: US$250 deposit is not refunded.
100 percent of balance is refunded
60 to 30 days: US$250 deposit is not refunded.
50 percent of balance is refunded
30 to 15 days: US$250 deposit is not refunded.
25 percent of balance is refunded
Less than 15 days: No refund will be accepted
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