Want to do something different for spring break this year? Why not fly to Ecuador with other college students and earn U.S. credit while volunteering and experiencing what this South American country has to offer?

Straddling the equator and bordered by Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and south, Ecuador is a country abundant with rich culture and natural beauty. Tropical coasts, temperate highlands and rain forests provide plenty of scope for any traveler, while carnivals and festivals provide visitors with colorful entertainment. Whether enjoying the serenity of the Guayas river in the evening, the breath taking vistas of the Andes Mountains, or the laughter of child at an orphanage, Ecuador is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Students will spend the first 4 days of this trip volunteering at local orphanages in the city of Guayaquil. Each day will be filled with service projects such as: painting, gardening, cleaning, building maintenance, etc. Students will also have plenty of opportunity to interact with the children at each location through games, crafts or other on-site activities. This is a fantastic way to make an impact on this community as well as the lives of children in this region. (The children are sure to impact the students as well!)

After morning service projects and activities with children, students will return to the hotel late afternoon. Students will meet up again at the hotel in the early evening to hear a guest lecture or brush up on their Spanish. Evening lectures generally last 1-2 hours, after which, students are free to explore the bustling city of Guayaquil.

Students will enjoying shopping at the local markets, taking a cruise down the Guayas River, walking along the Malecon (riverwalk), or sampling some of the local dishes. Students should also be sure to check out Las Penas, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Historically, this location has been home to government officials, artists, musicians and others. These colorful homes, shops and restaurants provide a fun environment for an afternoon or evening out.

Students will be housed at a local hotel in downtown Guayaquil. Students will stay in shared rooms (with the same gender). Each room has an en suite bathroom as well as refrigerator, safe for valuables, TV and air conditioning. Internet is available for use in the hotel computer lab for a small fee. (Students can also use internet at local internet cafes). A complimentary breakfast is provided each morning in the hotel restaurant and lunch will be served daily at the volunteer sites.

March 13-21, 2009

$2,500

*cost may change at any time due to the currency exchange

• Roundtrip Airfare
• Airport Pick up/Drop off
• 3 Credits
• Housing
• Most Meals
• Travel Insurance
• Excursions
• On-Site Support Services

• Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
• Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
• Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211