VOLUNTEER PREPARATION MANUAL
1
3
Preparation for Arrival (includes Packing List)
4-8
Evergreen Wish List
9
Travelling to Puyo
10
Quito and Safety
11
Life as a Volunteer
12-13
Accommodation
14
About the Region
15-18
Understanding Culture Shock
19-21
Ecuadorian Culture
22-28
Making the Most of Your Experience
29-32
Lending a Hand Post-Service
33-34
Information Sources
35
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
The Arajuno Road Project (ARP) / Proyecto Ruta del Arajuno supports healthy communities and a healthy natural environment in the Ecuadorian Amazon. ARP began its work in 2007 and was officially created in 2008 with the goal of improving the opportunities available to the children living along the road located between the small city of Puyo and the rural community of Arajuno – a culturally and ecologically diverse and unique area – in the Ecuadorian Amazon. ARP improves community capital by providing quality English instruction, improving the infrastructure and learning environment of schools, improving food security, supporting community health, and promoting forest conservation.
This manual contains all of the information you will need to know in preparation for your volunteer service or internship. If there are any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. You can reach us 8:30am - 8:30pm daily at +593(0)998511683 or +593(0)969326041 (Ecuador, in English) or via Skype at arajunoroadproject (with prior appointment notification). If you’d prefer to write to us, please email: info@arajunoroadproject.org For the most current information on the program’s activities, please refer to our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ArajunoRoadProject or follow us on Twitter: @amazonteaching
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INTRODUCTION
Introduction
Visa and Passport
Whether you are a seasoned world traveller or just embarking on your first international experience, there are several things to consider before arriving in Ecuador.
Before you leave, make sure your passport is current and will be valid beyond your return date. If not, then apply for renewal immediately, as the process can take several weeks or months depending on your country of origin. Be sure to make copies of your passport for use throughout your stay in Ecuador. This is much more convenient and secure than carrying the real thing.
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Visa and passport Booking flights Health and vaccines Travel insurance Spanish language preparation Packing list Budgeting
To enter Ecuador, it is not necessary to obtain a visa pre-arrival if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days. You can simply show up at the airport, and upon entry will be given a tourist visa. When going through customs, ensure you have the address and phone number for Arajuno Road Project readily available, in case the customs officer asks for any contact information. If you are planning on staying in Ecuador for more than 90 days, then you must either renew your tourist visa incountry or obtain a visa in advance of your arrival from your local Ecuadorian embassy.
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PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL
Check List
Health and Vaccines
Try to purchase your plane tickets early in order to get the lowest price possible. There is a small airport near Puyo, but it most economical to fly into Quito and to then take a bus for the remainder of your trip. Some volunteers have also found flights to Guayaquil that are cheaper, but please note that Guayaquil is said to be more dangerous than Quito. Depending on your travel plans, you may also want to consider purchasing a flexi-ticket with an adjustable return date; it will be more expensive, but may offer more convenience if you decide to travel for longer than expected. When you do buy your ticket, be sure that you use the exact name that is listed on your passport. This will help avoid any confusion and difficulties in the airport with customs.
Well before your departure date, visit your doctor to discuss health preparations for travel. For the Pastaza region, it is generally a good idea to have vaccines for Hepatitis A, Typhoid fever, and Yellow Fever. Refer to the Centre for Disease Control website for complete information: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ traveler/none/ecuador?s_cid=nceziddgmq-travel-single-001 While travelling, be sure to take general precautions like staying hydrated and eating regularly. Once in Puyo, there is a first aid kit at the volunteer house with basic supplies, pharmacies in town, and access to several hospitals as well; this includes English-speaking doctors for any needs you might have.
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PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL
Booking Flights
Spanish Language Preparation
Consider purchasing travel insurance that can offer protection for medical expenses, theft, flight changes, etc., as there are often unforeseen events that can occur with travelling. You may want to check if your home-owners insurance policy includes it, or your bank. If you are a student, there are sometimes discounted insurance plans offered through your college or university.
Although the ability to speak Spanish is not required of every volunteer, many find that learning the language enhances their overall experience. It is also a great skill to have down the road for your resume. If you have taken courses in school or on the side, review your lessons as a refresher, make flashcards, and try some of the many resources available to you online.
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Spanishdict.com Mangolanguages.com Duolingo.com (highly recommended) Livemocha.com Spanishpod.com Radiolingua.com Rosetta stone Babbel language learning
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PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL
Travel Insurance
School Clothing
It rains almost every day in Puyo and is fairly warm year-round, which culminates to high humidity. The average temperature is 70°F or 21°C, but also changes with the amount of rain, so layering of clothing is key. On weekends, you might end up going out or travelling to another town such as Baños, so be prepared to have a few nice outfits for those occasions.
It is respectful to wear modest clothing when teaching or working at the school. You should be prepared to get wet and dirty at any point, so sturdy shoes are a must. Clothing should be lightweight and quick drying if possible. A raincoat and umbrella are recommended as well.
Leaving Space
Puyo Availability
If you forget anything or want to save some weight for your luggage during flight, you can buy almost anything in Puyo. There are a few items however that are more difficult to obtain. Quality shower gel, suntan lotion, DEET insect spray, power adapters, razor brands/blades, tampons, raincoats, etc. are harder to locate. Clothing is also available, although you might find the styles to be a bit different.
When packing, try to leave 25% of your bag empty for souvenirs such as hammocks, wool blankets, woven items, etc. The hammocks especially take up a good portion of your suitcase, so be mindful of that if you plan on purchasing one. Leaving Space
If you can’t accept losing it, don’t take it.
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PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL – PACKING LIST
Climate
Do Not Bring
Try to pack for at least a week’s worth of outfits, maybe two if you want to be safe. There are ways to get laundry done for very cheaply in the area. • Lightweight pants that dry quickly if possible • T-shirts that dry quickly, or bring extra for when they get sweaty / wet • Solid raincoat • Sturdy umbrella • Toiletries for at least the beginning (more can be purchased in town as you run out - unless you prefer name brands, then bring enough for your time here) • Towel for the shower (quick dry is usually best) • Sturdy walking shoes or hiking shoes • Flip flops / sandals • Camera • Extra headphones or other important electronics • Insect repellent (mosquitoes are not bad in Puyo, but in some of the communities it is needed) • Sunscreen • Nicer outfits (2 or three) • A/C power converter (for 2-prong outlet) for those outside the U.S.
• Sheets / blankets • Provided in the volunteer house • Overly nice clothing • Again, a few decent outfits are good to have, but nothing too dressy • Dress is generally casual
Optional
Wellies or rain boots • These are useful in some of the communities, but there are several pairs at the volunteer house that can be used • New pairs can also be purchased in town for $6-8 Evergreen Wish List (see next page)
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PREPARATION FOR ARRIVAL – PACKING LIST
Packing List
EVERGREEN WISH LIST
Evergreen Wish List
If you have extra room in your luggage and want to bring some donations with you to Ecuador for ARP, these are the items needed throughout the year. Many of them are items you might have lying around at home that are not being used. • Basic school supplies • Pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, crayons, markers • Stickers, dry erase markers / erasers, learning aids, classroom posters • Library • Used or new children’s books in English and/or Spanish • Sporting equipment • Soccer balls, basketballs, simple games, etc. • House • Old computers that function well • Tablets • Cell phone • General office supplies • Single / double bed sheets • Durable cookware • Oven gloves • Old movies • Books • Games 9
Travelling on your own
For your convenience, we can arrange a travel service for $110 that takes care of your transportation from the airport in Quito to your arrival in Puyo. The service includes the following: • Pick-up at the airport by a transport service that takes you directly to a hotel • One night’s accommodation in the popular Mariscal area of Quito, dinner and breakfast included • Pick-up from the hotel the following morning by our partners, and transportation to the bus terminal in Quito • They purchase your ticket for you, help you board the bus, and give you a packed lunch for the road • A 5 hours bus ride from Quito to Puyo, where we will be waiting at the bus terminal to greet you
Travelling through Quito: If you choose to take a taxi from the new airport in Quito to the bus terminal, expect to pay close to $25-30. It is cheaper to take a direct city bus for about $2.50, but takes around 2 hours. Quito Bus Terminal: The Quitumbe bus terminal in Quito is located on the southern side of the city. Buses departing for Puyo leave about every 30 minutes to an hour and cost approximately $7.00. The ticketing booths are upstairs in the terminal and you want to search for the booth that says “Oriente” for a Puyo bus. The ticketing people will most likely be shouting out bus locations at you, so be listening for the right location. The preferable bus line is called San Francisco because it goes directly to the bus terminal in Puyo. Some of the other bus lines will pass through without announcing Puyo. It is advised that you tell the bus driver once on board that you need to get off in Puyo so they know to stop. The most convenient bus is the 9:30AM San Francisco bus to arrive in Puyo in the early afternoon. 10
TRAVELING TO PUYO
“Meet and Greet”
Safety and Security
If you plan on staying in Quito for any period of time before arrival to the project or afterwards, recommended accommodations are as follows: • The Backpackers Inn (Mariscal) • Casa Bambu (in between Mariscal and Old Town) • The Secret Garden (Old Town) • Andino (Mariscal) All should cost approximately $10-30 per night. Be careful taking taxis in Quito, agree on a price before taking the taxi, and make sure the meter is running.
As always, be very careful when travelling through another country. Keep your valuables locked and packed securely away, and do not keep all your money in one spot. On a piece of paper, note the name, make, serial number and value of each of your valuables in case anything is stolen. It will help for reporting it to the police later. In large cities, never walk alone at night or in a bad neighbourhood. Keep your bag in front of your body, or your wallet in your front pocket. On the bus, always keep your hand luggage on your lap, not on the floor or in the overhead bins. Be careful with money and electronics, keeping them out of sight of others. You can also choose to sit on the aisle seat if the bus is not full to ensure that no-one sits next to you. Only allow the bus driver, or assistant to the bus driver, handle your luggage that is stored below the bus.
Arriving in Puyo
Inform the ARP personnel of your expected arrival time in Puyo at least one day in advance. Someone will meet you at the bus terminal and assist you with transportation to the volunteer house.
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QUITO AND SAFETY
Accommodations in Quito
Gardens and Forest Conservation
Volunteers typically work from the early morning to early afternoon, then have time to relax or go to town in the early evening. Schools starts at 7:30AM (be prepared to wake up earlier to catch the bus) and usually ends around 12:30PM. Additionally, teaching volunteers are responsible for making lessons plans and grading tests / assignments outside of class time. The TEFL Coordinator will assist you in preparing for these tasks.
Generally, field work is carried out in the morning in coordination with the school hours, although office work may be required in the the afternoon on some days. Work hours are going to depend of the initiatives with which one is involved. The hours tend to be more flexible than the teaching program. There may be tasks or special projects that need attention in the afternoons on occasion.
Community Health
Youth Development
Community health positions vary greatly within ARP and hours will be very flexible with much of the work conducted in office. Position holders will be out in communities as needed for research and observation.
Youth development positions are quite different from others, with planning taking place in the morning and work in the community during the afternoon. Ideally, a volunteer will spend some weeks before the start of courses working on a schedule for the entirety of the course.
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LIFE AS A VOLUNTEER
Teaching
Ecuador is not a country short of talent or natural resources. However, it is a country that has historically experienced a great deal of political instability, which has influenced not only the prosperity and infrastructure of the country, but also its culture. While Ecuadorians are a very patient and kind people, flexibility and creativity are needed to work successfully as a day’s plans can often be adjusted without forewarning. Ecuadorians know how to seize the day; a trait also useful for volunteers to adhere to.
Some Considerations
• The school day will be less structured and more relaxed. There may be children running around, dogs in classrooms, and students that are unsupervised. • Ecuadorian culture is more collectivist than independent. Students may try to answer questions for each other or try to share work. • Prepare to dress appropriately as a volunteer. Pants are generally more acceptable than shorts, and do not plan to wear anything revealing. Some schools are a few kilometres from the main road, so pack shoes for walking. • Not all schools are the same; the environment varies depending on the director and the community. • The school facilities are very basic. If it is raining hard, the noise from the tin roof can make it very difficult to hear and you may have to communicate non-verbally. Conversely, if the sun is out then the classrooms can become very warm. Restroom facilities are typically basic and can be unclean, so always bring some toilet paper of your own.
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LIFE AS A VOLUNTEER
Preparing for the School Culture
The volunteer house is located on the outskirts of Puyo, 6 km out of the main town. The project is currently transitioning to move its small office and volunteer house to form a much needed community center which is under development. The site is a recently closed school due to changes in the national school system, which means that many of the smaller schools in the area have been unified and children are now being sent to the larger schools. ARP has a multi-year, successful history of community collaboration through the school that neither the community or ARP want to lose. It is a site that has a 60+ year history as the first school along Arajuno Road and also as the heart of the region, which will be lost without ARP’s intervention. The assistant coordinator lives in the house as well, so you will always have someone for assistance as needed. Most volunteers describe the house atmosphere as very communal and family-like.
Responsibilities
Volunteers in the volunteer house share responsibilities for maintaining their living environment. Basic food items are bought once a week by ARP personnel, and the coordinator is given money for purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables at the markets on the weekend. Cooking meals is a shared activity, as well as cleaning the house and rooms. The new center will have a large greenhouse and help from volunteers is greatly appreciated in producing our own food. 14
ACCOMMODATIONS
Volunteer House
About the Region
Ecuador is one of the most species-rich countries in the world • 25,000 plant species • 300 mammal species • 1500 bird species • 460 amphibian species
ARP operates in the region between the provincial capital of Puyo and the rural jungle town of Arajuno / entrance to Yasuni National Park. Puyo is a small city of roughly 40,000 people in the Pastaza province of Ecuador. The province is one of the largest in Ecuador with one of the smallest populations – a large portion is comprised of Amazonian rain forest. Puyo has been experiencing a population growth of 3.5% annually which expands the city size, but also creates the issue of providing basic public services to more people. The main ethnic groups in Pastaza are Mestizo, African Americans, and various indigenous groups. There are 7 different indigenous nationalities in the Puyo – Pastaza region: Quichwa, Shuar, Achuar, Waorani, Shiwiar, Zaparo, and Andoa. Main economics activities are construction, small business, tourism, artisanal crafts, trade, and public employment.
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ABOUT THE REGION
Ecuador
Cost of Living
Travelling within and around Puyo is very inexpensive. A taxi ride to almost anywhere in the city costs roughly $1.25-$2.00. Be careful to not allow taxi drivers to overcharge you due to liability of foreignness. There are also city buses that run regularly and cost $0.30 upon boarding. To travel by bus to nearby cities, the general rule of thumb is roughly $1.75 per hour of travel. For example, a ride to Baños costs around $3.00.
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Basic lunch / almuerzo: $2.00-$3.00 Simple restaurant meal of meat and rice: $3-4 Meal at a nicer restaurant: $7-9 Carton of milk: $1.25 Fresh bread rolls: 8 for $1.00 Ice cream cones: $1.25 Bottle of water: $0.60 Large beer: $1.25 Internet café for one hour: $0.90 Pair of leggings: $5.00 Laundry: $0.40 per pound Haircut $1.50-2.00 Fruit smoothie: $1.50
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ABOUT THE REGION
Transportation
ABOUT THE REGION
Nightlife
Safety and Security
Puyo offers a decent and enjoyable nightlife experience for those who want to go out on the weekends. The Barrio Obrero district near the river is the main centre for bars and discotecas, and there are also several good dance clubs and bars in other parts of the city. Beer is very cheap, cocktails are relatively inexpensive, and most dance clubs are either free to enter or charge a cover of $1-$2. You will find that the locals are very friendly and always want to dance. As always, use general street sense and never put yourself in a situation where you feel uncomfortable.
As a small city, Puyo is generally a very safe place to live. Violent crime is very rare, although like any other place it does occur occasionally. The most common crime is petty theft. Be very careful with your personal items, especially in crowded places and on public transportation. Be friendly, but do not feel obligated to talk to anyone whom you don’t know.
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Tips from Past Volunteers
There is a post office down-town where you can send and receive mail. ARP has a P.O. box there, and you can give the number to friends and family if they would like to send mail. To receive: Your Name Arajuno Road Project Casilla 16-01-803 Puyo-Pastaza, Ecuador
• Always bring toilet paper in your backpack – many restrooms in the schools and public areas don’t have toilet paper readily available. Being caught empty handed is no fun! • Bring recipes from home. Volunteers living in the house cook together and enjoy sharing the traditional dishes of your home. • Say hello to people in the neighbourhood that you pass frequently. It makes you feel like a part of the community and let’s others know that you are not just some 'gringo'. • Always be cautious with strangers, but remain open to making friends. There are many nice people and families in the communities. • Consider bringing earplugs / eye masks for sleeping. The animals wake up much earlier than you do! • There are many stray dogs around town – be weary of touching them or getting too close as they are not always friendly. • Take every opportunity you have to learn and experience something new.
To avoid problems with customs, DO NOT send a package that weighs over 2kg/4lbs, declare a high value of the contents, or label the contents as something desirable – used textbooks is a good choice when listing the contents of the package. Failure to observe these precautions could results in a heft fee or fine when receiving the package, the package not arriving intact, or a long delay before the package arrives. Mailing out can take 1-2 weeks and can be expensive; a postcard stamp to the U.S. is usually $2.50. Receiving can take several weeks and costs a minimum of $1.00 for packages.
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ABOUT THE REGION
The region of Puyo is very different from the more developed parts of the world. You will be living in a new place with new people, working in impoverished schools, and will likely have language and cultural barriers. Expect to experience some level of culture shock throughout your stay, and recognize that it is a normal reaction when travelling to a new country. To make your adjustment smoother, it is best to try and understand the stages of culture shock. Culture shock is phenomenon that often occurs when individuals immerse themselves into a new culture upon travelling to a new country. It is not a predictable experience; instead, is unique to every person and context. One form of describing culture shock is the Five-Stage Model (first clarified by Peter Adler in 1975)
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UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SHOCK
Introduction
When first arriving in a country, everything seems very exciting and new. A person may have lots of energy and curiosity, but still identify with their home culture. 2. Disintegration Phase After a period of time, the new culture becomes overwhelming as the differences become more apparent. A person may be challenged with language, cultural, or other barriers, and may blame themselves for difficulties. 3. Reintegration Phase
Slowly, a person becomes familiar with the culture and adapts to new social cues. However, they also may experience anger or frustration at the new culture, and feelings that it is more inadequate than their home country. 4. Autonomy Phase This stage is marked by the development of a balanced perspective that can view both the positive and negative aspects of each culture. There is increased capacity to function in the new culture. 5. Interdependence Phase Finally, a person reaches complete bi-culturalism where they accept and are able to operate in both cultures. While this stage is the ideal, it takes time and is difficult to reach. TIP: Don’t forget to prepare for reintegration into your home country upon return. You may have changed because of your experience, and may require a period of adjustment. Don’t be surprised if old customs or actions now seem unfamiliar; this is a natural reaction called “reverse culture shock”.
Information taken from: Pederson, P. (1995). The five stages of culture shock: Critical incidents around the world. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc.
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UNDERSTANDING CULTURE SHOCK
1. Honeymoon Phase
Tips
It is important to recognize that you will experience some degree of culture shock and to prepare yourself with strategies to overcome it. You may have a substantial amount of free time on the project and it is easy to fall into a “rut” or find yourself not leaving the volunteer house outside of volunteer work. Here are some suggestions for avoiding that.
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Tips
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GET OUT OF THE VOLUNTEER HOUSE. Whether you take a walk around the neighbourhood, go to town for a snack, or just socialize with the neighbours in the area, these activities will help you combat adjustment issues.
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Exercise! Whether it was a part of your routine at home or not, treating yourself to some physical activity will help stimulate your mind and body. There is a stadium not far from the volunteer house. Every week day evening at 7:00pm, the community hosts a free Latin dance aerobics class. Some volunteers stay active by choosing to walk into town, play pick-up fútbol games with others in the neighbourhood. There is also a full gym near the entrance of town that costs $1.50 for a day pass. Eat well. There are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables available. Try experimenting with new recipes for some extra fun. Make an effort to integrate yourself into the culture. Living in a different country can be lonely, but you will feel less homesick by connecting with the community here. Learn some Spanish. Most Ecuadorians do not speak English and understanding/speaking their language can create opportunities to make friends and discover new things.
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MANAGING CULTURE SHOCK
Introduction
By understanding some cultural dynamics of Puyo and Ecuador before arriving, you can help prepare yourself for adjustment. To begin, we can look at Ecuador through a general perspective. This graph depicts Ecuador’s standings compared to the United States and the United Kingdom according to Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, a widely used and accepted tool for analysing culture. (See the next page for a breakdown of each dimension.)
Graph created with information from: http://geert-hofstede.com/countries.html
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ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Culture of Ecuador
Individualism (IDV)
Defined as “the extent to which the less powerful members of institutions and organizations within a country expect and accept that power is distributed unequally.” In Ecuador, there is a distinct gap between the wealthy and the poor, and a high rating of 78 on Power Distance means this is generally accepted by society.
This measures “the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members.” Notice the very low score on this dimension for Ecuador; it is actually one of the most collectivist cultures in the world. In Ecuador, the group is valued over the individual, and building relationships takes priority over task completion. It is extremely important to be an “in-member” of the group.
This addresses Masculinity (MAS) the issue of “what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine).” Ecuador scores somewhat strongly on masculinity; people are competitive and successoriented, and status is very important. To gain status, Ecuadorians may try to earn membership in certain groups or compete against members of other groups.
Uncertainty Avoidance (UAI)
This measures “the extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these.” A high level of uncertainty avoidance means that Ecuadorians dislike ambiguity, and avoid it through creating detailed laws and political regulations, showing emotions clearly, and following traditions of religious and superstitious groups.
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ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Power Distance (PDI)
ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Common Gestures
Several gestures that are used in Ecuador are similar to those used at home. For example, people wave hello with a back and forth motion of the hand and occasionally use a thumbs up. However, there are some different ones as well. To communicate “come here”, Ecuadorians hold their arm out with palm down and use a flapping motion of the hand. (It looks like they are saying go away!). When indicating how tall a person is, be careful to hold your hand perpendicular to the floor, palm facing down is used for animals and would be rude for a person.
Note
While these cultural aspects describe Ecuador in general, it is important to not assume these characteristics in every person. Just like any other country, the people of Ecuador have a wide variety of personalities and beliefs. As a region of the rural Amazonian jungle, the area has a distinct culture of it’s own. 24
Family Life
Family is extremely important, and quality of life is largely measured by it. Typically, most men work and woman stay home as housewives to raise children, cook, and keep the house clean. Children attend school, although it is common for them not to finish because of lack of interest, the need to work, or other situations. The family name is extremely important; a person can gain status though association with their parents’ name, especially if their parents have money. In school this can earn respect from classmates. In Ecuador, everyone has two last names; one from the father and one from the mother.
To say hello to a friend or close acquaintance, it is most common to give a light hug and kiss on the cheek between female-female and male-female. The typical greeting between men is a handshake that consists of a slide of the hands followed by a fist bump. To say hello to an elder or other person of respect, it is appropriate to give a handshake. However, handshakes in Ecuador are very light, almost floppy at times. Eye contact is important though when shaking hands. In Puyo, many people say “buenos” at any time of the day; which is a shortened version of “buenos dias” or “buenas tardes”. Another common expression is "a los años!", used to greet someone you haven’t seen in a while. If you enter into a group of friends or acquaintances, it is polite to go around and greet everyone individually with a light hug and kiss. For elders, use a handshake. If you do not, you may appear rude.
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ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Greetings
In Ecuador, many men act with machismo, which is a feeling of superiority and dominance over women. While this is deeply rooted in the culture since the time of Spanish conquests, it unfortunately often manifests in negative ways. Domestic violence is common towards the wife and also the children, which has resulted in a high divorce rate for the area. However due to economics barriers, women often feel that they are not able to separate from their husband. Some husbands do not let their wives wear revealing clothes, and will go out to the bars and drink while the wife stays home. Although married, some men also have relations with several other women.
ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Machismo and Women’s Issues
Drinking
Alcohol is a large part of the culture. The most common drink by far is beer; and in Ecuador the regular labels are Pilsener and Club. In a bar or at a house party, it is custom to share one large beer among several people; the beer is poured in small amounts into cups and drank in a single sip like a shot. At a bar, men will often pour women a cup of his beer instead of buying her a drink.
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Time
It is important to people in Ecuador to gain social status and recognition from others. Just like being associated with your parents’ name gives you a leg up, status can also be achieved through possession of material items, driving a nice car, wearing nice clothes with designer labels, or having foreign friends.
In Ecuador, time is very fluid compared to some other cultures. Events often do not start on time, and do not be surprised if a friend shows up 30 minutes to an hour late for a commitment. The phrase “thank you for your time” does not translate to Spanish in Ecuador; here it is not used in the same way.
Religion
The most common religion in Ecuador is Catholicism, but there are also Evangelicals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Agnostics, as well as indigenous practices. However, going to church regularly is not very common.
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ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Status
• People beep their horns A LOT. Don’t be offended if someone honks at your while you’re walking, this is just a friendly way of saying “hello” or “heads up” if you’re in the way. • Girls, be prepared to hear a lot of catcalls and whistles from Ecuadorian men. This has improved greatly in recent years due to it now being against the law. • The most common popular music is reggaeton, which blends elements of Latin hip-hop, salsa, and electronica, among others. Salsa is probably second to reggaeton and sometimes played in restaurants and bars. • In the Ecuadorian Amazon, there is a type of fermented drink called Chicha. Different types are made from yuca, corn, or other ingredients, and it is extremely important in indigenous cultures. It is very rude not to drink Chicha if it is offered to you. However, it is made with unfiltered water, so it is advisable to take a fake sip if encountered. • In Puyo, people never tip at restaurants, so don’t worry about it!
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ECUADORIAN CULTURE
Cultural Tidbits
Options
Most volunteers find that making an effort to learn some Spanish greatly improves their experience. Besides interacting with other community members, there are several opportunities for your to increase your language abilities while working with the Arajuno Road Project.
• Language exchange – Depending on your availability, we can help you arrange a language exchange with a community member interested in trading Spanish for English lessons. • Spanish classes on Skype: We partner with the Simon Bolivar School in Quito, and they provide one-on-one Spanish courses over Skype. These can be arranged through ARP for around $8-10 per hour depending on the number of lessons. • Spanish Resources – At the volunteer house, there are several online textbooks available for use by volunteers that cover Spanish topics in grammar, vocabulary, sentence formation, and more. • Lessons - On occasion, local instruction is available for a fee.
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
Spanish Language
Examples
Your contribution to the project are by no means constrained to hours spent in the schools and communities. Many volunteers have unique skills that they choose to utilize to make a bigger impact. Some past examples are listed to the right.
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Painting a world map on the walls of a classroom to promote global awareness Starting a compost pile for the volunteer house Spending extra time working in the house garden or at the schools Completing small organization tasks in the office Donating technical skills for social media account and organizing file systems Conducting an assessment survey by collecting socioeconomic data about the schools and students Participating in language exchanges with Ecuadorian English teachers Arranging an international art exchange or pen pals Making a video or contributing photos to the project Contributing favorite recipes into a project cookbook
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
Special Projects
Puyo
Ecuador is a beautiful country, rich with opportunities to explore. Using your free time to explore the culture will create a more memorable experience. Puyo and the surrounding cities offer many opportunities to do so.
Compared to other destinations in Ecuador, Puyo is not a touristy town and you will not see many foreigners besides the others volunteers. However, it is a beautiful region and there are many activities for the afternoons and weekends. • Visit various zoos, ethno-botanical, and orchid gardens. Entrance costs between $2-$5 and there will be knowledgeable tour guides to show you around. • Hike the river walk that winds along the river in town. • Stop at Km 3 along the Arajuno road to visit a monkey rescue centre. • For a $5 taxi ride, visit the 11 story Casa del Arbol tree house for a wonderful view of the canopy, then take a relaxing swim in the pool afterwards. • Swim in the river or waterfalls at various places in the area.
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
Tourist Attractions
Tena
Known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, Baños is a small city nestled in the eastern Andes Mountains. It is a popular spot for hikers, bikers, and other adventure enthusiasts travelling through Ecuador. Tickets for the two hour bus ride from Puyo to Baños cost roughly $3. Some popular activities are: • Biking the road from Baños to Puyo. Bikes are available to rent for $5.00 a day from many places in town. • White water rafting - $30 for a half day including lunch and transportation • Hiking one of the many trails in the nearby mountains • Relaxing at one of the many spas in the city. Services are inexpensive; a massage costs roughly $25. They have manicures, facials, waxing and more. • Visiting one of two natural hot spring pools. Entrance costs $2-$3 and is a popular activity for locals, not to mention the soothing heat on tired muscles. • Other adventures include paragliding, zip lining, canyoning, rock climbing, and more.
Tena is a small city located just two hours north of Puyo. They are known for their white water rafting and tubing. There is also a local town called Misahualli, just 45 minutes outside of Tena by bus. They have monkeys that run around in the park, boat tours on the river to indigenous communities, and more.
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE
Baños
Micro-Volunteer from Home
As a non-profit organization, we try to put as much of our funds as possible towards the improvement of the schools and community. Donations are always accepted with gratitude. To be even more active post-service, you could help us by organizing a fundraiser in your home town for the project. We would be happy to supply you with electronic copies of outreach materials and other support as needed.
Being back in your country does not mean you can’t still contribute to ARP. We provide several opportunities for you to help out from any place in the world. If you haven’t already, join our Facebook group to stay connected and updated on projects that could use assistance. To locate the group, follow the information section of the ARP Facebook Page or send our director a direct message. You might also be interested in becoming a program committee member and staying involved longer-term. We also appreciate any time that volunteers can spare for grant writing. Thank you!
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LENDING A HAND POST-SERVICE
Fundraise and Donate
Keep in Touch
Arajuno Road Project thrives in the world by our volunteers and we are always looking to bring in more passionate individuals who would like to make a difference. Help us recruit by passing on the volunteer opportunities to friends and colleagues.
Volunteers tend to want to keep in touch post-departure to stay up to date on the project’s progress. The best way to do this is to “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ArajunoRoadProject.
Ideas include: • Distribute the ARP informational flyer in your home town • Invite friends and colleagues to view our website and Facebook page • Ask your university’s study abroad office to include Arajuno Road Project in their listings • Write an article for your local media outlet
You can also be included in our email mailing list, where we send out a yearly annual report and other updates. Follow the link below to sign up! http://bit.ly/ARPupdates
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LENDING A HAND POST-SERVICE
Share the Opportunity with Others
Information Sources
This Volunteer Manual was recreated by Justin Nedell, the ARP Volunteer Coordinator of Summer 2015, using information from the original work done by Katie Lasco , ARP Intern of Summer 2013. Updates to the Manual have since been completed by Bethan Crisp, ARP Operations Associate in November 2015.
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