ECUADOR SERVICE LEARNING TRIP:

BRIDGE TO BUNCHE

Faculty leader: Dr. Darlene Lake

Student leader: Erik Kahl

J-term 2010

January 10-21

INFORMATION SESSIONS: Mon., Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m. in 331 CC and

                                              Tues., Sept. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in 331 CC and 7:00 p.m. at the

                                              Spanish Club meeting

            The objective of the Bunche, Ecuador service learning trip is to provide students with a short term, affordable cultural experience while participating in community service abroad.

            The goal of working in Bunche (a small village on the west coast of Ecuador) is to help the village improve its infrastructure and living conditions, as well as to encourage the townspeople to continue with any projects UW-L students have not been able to finish during our 11-day J-term trip.

TRANSPORTATION/LODGING/MEALS

            During our time in Ecuador, we will travel via coach bus (for the trips through the Andes mountains) and by taxi (for short trips). We will stay at the Congal Biological Research Station near Bunche, a reserve situated on 270 hectares of secondary rainforest, coastal mangroves, and shrimp pools. A clubhouse for volunteers may house about 15 people in dormitory-style rooms that include mosquito nets. There is also a guesthouse that may accommodate additional students in multiple rooms.

            Unless the group is traveling, we will eat all meals at Congal. Meals are covered with the cost of the program, and will include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is extremely clean and well-prepared, thus we anticipate no stomach problems for anyone.

SOCIALIZATION WITH THE LOCAL POPULATION:

            As the station is relatively remote, it is quite safe to explore the property and experience the surroundings, go to the beach, play with the children in Bunche, visit with new friends (you will make many!) in Muisne and Bunche, and spend time with the workers and/or other volunteers from other countries at the station. There are four workers who live at the stations and who are available in case of an emergency.

ITINERARY:

Day 1: Departure from U.S. and arrival in Quito

Day 2: Bus to Muisne/Bunche; check into rooms at Congal, intro. to Congal

Day 3: Construction of park benches in Bunche

Day 4: Construction of two garbage disposal areas

Day 5: Repair soccer goals

Day 6: Assist with a shrimp harvest

Day 7: Paint classrooms and desks at Bunche Primary School

            Travel to Playa Escondida or Atacames for dinner and overnight stay

Day 8: Walk the beach and explore caves before returning to Quito

Day 9: Return to Quito by bus

Day 10: Spend day in Quito

Day 11: Return to U.S.

We anticipate the cost to be around $1,200-1,300 for the 11 days. This includes airfare, meals and ground transportation in Ecuador.

We certainly hope you will consider joining us!