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Excellent 4.88rating (15)
  • Quality Education

Teach English & Support Community Education

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • ​Language for Connection: A week of intensive Spanish gives you tools to talk, listen, and work effectively with our neighbors and local kids, building real relationships from the start.
  • ​Side-by-Side Support: Assistant-teach in local classrooms. Support teachers' goals and help kids find their voice in English through games and interaction. Your math skills are also invaluable here!
  • Village Soul: Experience the real rhythm of the coast—from artisanal fishing and local farms to the pulse of a surfer paradise. It’s a resilient community with a massive heart.

Highlights

  • ​Language for Connection: A week of intensive Spanish gives you tools to talk, listen, and work effectively with our neighbors and local kids, building real relationships from the start.
  • ​Side-by-Side Support: Assistant-teach in local classrooms. Support teachers' goals and help kids find their voice in English through games and interaction. Your math skills are also invaluable here!
  • Village Soul: Experience the real rhythm of the coast—from artisanal fishing and local farms to the pulse of a surfer paradise. It’s a resilient community with a massive heart.
  • Your Coastal Tribe: Forget being a tourist. Join our local school crew for sunset games and weekend BBQs. We’re a tight-knit family of kindred spirits waiting to welcome you to the village.
  • Direct Impact: Included is a donation from you going directly to local partners. This fuels homegrown food security and education initiatives—no middlemen, just straight to the source.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Support community-led initiatives in a vibrant surf village. Learn Spanish, assist local educators, and contribute to social projects while living by the ocean.

    Welcome to Montañita Spanish School! We are an internationally accredited school with a family heart. 
    Our program is designed for people who want to balance personal growth with meaningful solidarity, avoiding the "tourist bubble" to experience the real daily life of our village. We respect local ...

    About the program

    Welcome to Montañita Spanish School! We are an internationally accredited school with a family heart. 
    Our program is designed for people who want to balance personal growth with meaningful solidarity, avoiding the "tourist bubble" to experience the real daily life of our village. We respect local leadership and participate only in solutions driven by the community itself. Be part of our bridge between volunteers and community-led initiatives. 

    Week 1: Get Grounded. Start with 20 hours of Spanish. If you can’t speak the language, you can’t be an effective volunteer. Mix this with surf sessions to get you into the ocean and the local rhythm.

    ​Weeks 2, 3 & 4: Get To Work. You'll volunteer from Monday to Friday 8-12pm, assisting local educators in schools and libraries, helping kids practice English through genuine interaction. Opportunities also to share your maths and sports skills.  You might also jump in with the bi-weekly food bank, seniors shared lunch,  library literacy and computer skills. We don’t set the agenda; volunteers provide the energy local leaders need to keep their initiatives moving.

    ​Afternoons are for 2 hours of private Spanish to troubleshoot the real conversations you’re having on-site. 

    Living Environment

    You'll be staying at Montañita Cabañas, a cozy hostel just a few minutes from the beach and the town center, but far enough from the noise to chill out. The hostel has a pool, jacuzzi, equipped kitchen, and lots of green spaces, including banana trees and tropical plants, perfect for reading, relaxing, or even working remotely.

    Montañita itself is a beautiful coastal village, super safe and walkable, with tons of restaurants, local food spots, and the perfect waves to practice or improve your surfing.

    Your main volunteering will happen at the local school, where you’ll help kids with English, math, sports, and more. Occasionally, you might join other projects like the library, computer lab, food bank, or community events. Everything is within easy reach thanks to the small, walkable size of the village.

    Who we're looking for

    We welcome volunteer who are curious, open-minded, and ready to dive in. No prior experience? No problem!

    What matters most is: 

    • Caring about learning 
    • Being willing to listen 
    • Respecting local leadership 
    • Showing up with positive energy
    If you're looking for something deeper than a tourist experience, you'll feel at home here. 


    What Volunteers Can Expect

    You’ll have a coordinator to answer your questions and guide you through your journey. During volunteering, you’ll always be with a teacher or project leader, so never alone.

    There is plenty of fun too! Join activities like surf trips, cacao farm visits, yoga and salsa lessons, shared dinners, and more. The school community is lively, social, and super welcoming, you’ll make friends fast.

    What to Bring

    No special equipment is needed, just bring your energy and curiosity!

    Ecuador’s sun is strong, so sunscreen is a must, and insect repellent can come in handy. Don’t worry if you forget them, you can easily grab both locally.

    ​Volunteer Impact & What You Will Gain

    • Practical Support: Provide the extra hands local educators need to give kids more individual attention and English practice. Support local groups at the library, foodbank, kitchen and skills labs​
    • Unfiltered Perspective: See the strengths and the struggles of coastal life without the tourist filter.
    • Real-World Spanish: Nothing beats learning a language like using it to help a kid with their homework or organize a food drive.
    • Authentic Bonds: Walk away with genuine friendships and the knowledge that you played a supporting role in the community’s own success.
     

    Typical day

    Week 1 – Spanish & Surf

    • ​Mornings (8:00 am – 12:00 pm): Group Spanish classes focused on communication. Each morning includes 2 hours of class, timed with the tides so you can fit in your surf sessions.

    • ​Afternoons (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm): Group Spanish classes continue with 2 more hours. ..

    Typical day

    Week 1 – Spanish & Surf

    • ​Mornings (8:00 am – 12:00 pm): Group Spanish classes focused on communication. Each morning includes 2 hours of class, timed with the tides so you can fit in your surf sessions.

    • ​Afternoons (1:00 pm – 5:00 pm): Group Spanish classes continue with 2 more hours. Class times are flexible and adjusted depending on the tide to make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy surfing during this week.

    • ​Evenings: Family nights at the school and hostel—cooking classes, game nights, and shared dinners to get everyone connected.

    ​Week 2, 3 & 4– Volunteering + Private Spanish

    • ​Mornings (Monday-Friday) You’re in the community. Working at your placement as an assistant to local teachers and engaging with the kids or helping out with other community initiatives. Hours are 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.

    • ​Afternoons: Two hours of 1-on-1 Spanish to fast-track the fluency you’re using every morning. A new schedule is sent every Friday to plan the following week.

    • ​Evenings: Sunset volleyball, a salsa lesson, or just chilling with the rest of the crew.

    ​Weekends: Total freedom to explore the Los Frailes reserve, spot monkeys in the cloud forest, hike to waterfalls, go whale watching (Jun-Oct), or visit nearby coastal markets.

    Free-time activities

    Once the volunteer work is done, the time is yours. Whether you want to swim, master your surf pop-up, or join a casual game of sunset beach volleyball, there’s always something happening.

    • ​Stay Social: Our shared spaces are perfect for group cooking or just hanging out. We organize three ...

    Free-time activities

    Once the volunteer work is done, the time is yours. Whether you want to swim, master your surf pop-up, or join a casual game of sunset beach volleyball, there’s always something happening.

    • ​Stay Social: Our shared spaces are perfect for group cooking or just hanging out. We organize three mid-week activities and one weekend excursion—you’re always invited!

    • ​Find Your Rhythm: Some days are high-energy (think salsa or volley ball), while others are for slow coastal living. Expect hands-on cooking nights and school BBQs.

    • ​Explore Further: On weekends, grab some friends and head to the Los Frailes Natural Reserve, go whale watching (June–Oct), or check out the nearby artisanal markets.

    Ready to Join the Family?
    If you're looking for a solid balance of Spanish fluency, impactful support work, and genuine surf-town life, this is yoour spot.

    We look forward to welcoming you to the coast! 🌊

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Education Requirements

    at High School level

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    CV and motivation letter.

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 12:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    What’s Included in the Program:

    Accommodation included to make your stay comfortable and stress-free

    20 hours of lively group Spanish classes to get you speaking from day one

    10 hours (per week) of private Spanish lessons starting from your second week for a more personal experience

    5 surf lessons to catch the best waves

    1 fun cooking or BBQ class to enjoy local flavors

    Support from our Volunteer Coordinator, guiding you every step of the way

    Full access to our hostel’s chill spots: pool, jacuzzi, green areas, and hammocks—perfect for relaxing, socializing, or enjoying the view after a day full of adventures

    Accommodation

    You’ll stay in our beautiful, rustic hostel surrounded by tropical gardens, just minutes from the beach. Enjoy the swimming pool, many comfy communal spaces and the friendly vibes. You'll share a 4 bed dorm that has a private bathroom and hot water. You'll enjoy plenty of room to spread out and relax.

    How do you find Montañita Cabañas Hostel?
    - Walk 150m north from the bus stop and cross the small bridge.
    - 15m after the bridge look for a large banner with an arrow pointing to our street. 
    - Turn right onto the first street and walk 80m down - the hostel in on the right. 

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences
    Drop-off Service
    We offer a realible 24-hour Drop-off service from Montañita to Guayaquil to make your departure easy and stress-free. 
    Just let us know your ...
    $100 / once
    Pick up service
    We offer a realible 24-hour Pick Up service from Guayaquil to Montañita to make your arrival easy and stress-free. 
    Just let us know your schedule in ...
    $110 / once
    Private Cabaña
    Our private cabañas are spacious and come equipped with a private en-suite bathroom, large bed, hammock, desk, clothes storage and a fan. You have you
    $32 / per day

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Airport (GYE) in Guayaquil. We assist you to find cheap flights to Ecuador. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Ecuador provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Ecuador you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Ecuador. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Starts Dates and Your Arrival

    We're open year-round! You can start your volunteering journey any Monday.

    When local schools are on break, English lessons are temporarily on hold. During this time, volunteers take part in other community efforts, like helping at the food bank, joining shared activities with seniors, or supporting reading and basic computer use at the library.

    Our role is to support what’s already happening in the community, your time and enthusiasm help keep these projects active and growing.

    ​Most travelers fly into Guayaquil International (GYE). If you’d like a hassle-free ride to our door, airport transfers are available upon request. Once you arrive at the school hostel, our team will help you settle into your new home away from home.

    ​On your first day, we keep the orientation short and relaxed. We’ll get you up to speed with:

    • Your personalized weekly schedule.
    • Local customs and basic safety tips to help you navigate like a pro.
    • A proper introduction to our Volunteer Coordinator and the rest of the crew.
    • Maps and meeting points (all shared once you register).

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $288 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    4 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet

    4.88
    ・
    15 reviews

    Location

    Americas > South America > Ecuador > Montañita

    Meet your project coordinator

    Manuel
    15
    reviews
    4.88
    Excellent
    2006
    Founded

    Verified

      Below average response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    You might also be interested in

    Volunteer Abroad  >  Education  >  English Teaching in Ecuador
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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