Study Abroad
Service Learning in Ecuador
Faculty leader: Dr. Darlene Lake, Department of Modern
Languages
With student leaders from UW-L
J-term (from beginning to mid-January)
The objective of the 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 the villages of Bunche and Muisne (small villages on the beautiful west coast of Ecuador in Esmeraldas Province) is to help them improve their 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 12-day J-term trip.
TRANSPORTATION/LODGING/MEALS
During our time in Ecuador, students travel via coach bus
(for the trips through the Andes mountains) and by taxi (for
short trips). Lodging is at the Congal Biological Research
Station near Bunche, an ecological marine reserve situated
on 270 hectares of secondary rainforest, coastal mangroves,
and shrimp pools. A clubhouse for volunteers houses about 15
people in dormitory-style rooms that include mosquito nets.
There is also a guesthouse that accommodates additional
students in multiple rooms.
Unless the group is traveling, all meals will be eaten 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, with plenty of fresh tropical fruit and seafood.
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 three workers who
live at the station 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: | Project/get to know the community |
| Day 4: |
Project/introduction to
Bunche and surrounding area |
| Day 5: | Project |
| Day 6: | Project |
| Day 7: | Project |
| Day 8: | Project |
| Day 9: | Travel to
Playa Escondida for R & R
and overnight stay; |
| Day 10: | Return to
Quito by bus; dinner out as
a group |
| Day 11: | Spend day
in Quito; dinner out as a
group |
| Day 12: | Return to
U.S. |
The cost varies from $1,700.00 to $1,900.00 for the 12 days. This includes airfare, meals, lodging, and ground transportation in Ecuador. You will want to bring spending money for snacks and shopping.
The service-learning trip to Ecuador is open to all UW-L students. One credit is awarded for the trip (INS 450), as it includes reflections and discussions on various themes relating to the partner community and their culture.
We certainly hope you will join us!