Overview
- Location – Loja
- Host – Andrea
- Duration: 15 day
- Minimum Age – 18+
- Available Spots – 4 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 20 hours
- Room Type – Single Private
- Meals – Breakfast
- Nearest Airport – Camilo Ponce Enríquez Airport (LOH)
Volunteers are invited to join a team in Loja, a city celebrated for its art and culture.
Known for its stunning landscapes, Loja is one of the cleanest and safest cities in Ecuador, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and historic towns rich in culture. The local gastronomy is also a highlight that shouldn’t be missed.
The academy welcomes volunteers to practice English conversation with students. The main task is straightforward—engage in conversations to help students aged 12 and up improve their listening and speaking skills, with a focus on pronunciation. Students’ English levels range from beginner to advanced.
Tasks
Volunteers play a crucial role by providing students with the opportunity to practice English conversation. Students will learn about the volunteer’s culture, country, and hobbies, and in turn, share their own. Volunteers are expected to contribute 4 hours from Monday to Friday, with a flexible, rotating schedule.
Additionally, volunteers are asked to assist for 3 hours on 2 Saturdays each month. The role involves engaging in one-on-one conversations with students, with each session lasting about 10 minutes.
Accommodation
Volunteers are provided with a private room in an apartment exclusively for them, located just a block and a half from the academy. The apartment includes access to a living room, dining area, kitchen, bathroom, and shared Wi-Fi.
Location
To reach Loja, volunteers can either fly to Catamayo from the Mariscal Sucre airport in Quito, followed by a 40-minute taxi ride to Loja, which will be covered by the host.
Alternatively, they can take a bus from the terrestrial terminal in Quito, with the journey taking approximately 12 hours. The bus will arrive at the Loja terminal, where the host will be waiting to pick up the volunteers.
More Information
Loja, Ecuador, is a hidden gem in the country’s southern Andes, known for its vibrant cultural scene and stunning natural surroundings. As the “Music and Cultural Capital” of Ecuador, Loja boasts a rich artistic heritage, with music, dance, and festivals deeply ingrained in local life.
The city’s picturesque setting is framed by mountains, offering breathtaking views and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Parque Nacional Podocarpus, just a short drive away, is a must-visit for nature lovers, featuring diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and rare bird species.
Loja’s colonial architecture and charming plazas invite leisurely strolls, while its museums and galleries provide insights into the region’s history and artistic traditions. The city’s cathedral, a striking example of colonial architecture, is a central landmark.
The local cuisine is a delightful experience, with traditional dishes like tamales, humitas, and the local specialty, “repe lojano,” a creamy green banana soup. Street markets and small eateries offer authentic flavors that shouldn’t be missed.
For those looking to explore further, Loja serves as a gateway to nearby towns like Vilcabamba, known for its relaxed atmosphere and reputedly long-lived residents, and Saraguro, where visitors can experience indigenous culture.
Getting around Loja is easy, with a well-organized public transport system and plenty of taxis. The city’s compact size makes it walkable, and its friendly residents are always willing to help visitors navigate.
Whether you’re drawn by the cultural richness, natural beauty, or simply the laid-back vibe, Loja offers a unique and rewarding experience for travelers seeking an authentic Ecuadorian adventure.
