Scholarships

Summer 2020 Ecuador Volunteer Scholarship

Spirit is currently offering two merit-based scholarships to take part in a 2-4 week volunteering project in Ecuador through Fundación Bolivar Education Volunteer Program.  
 
The scholarship program includes the following:
  • Accommodation with a host family including three meals per day
  • Housing security deposit
  • Volunteer project in child or elderly welfare or environmental conservation fields
  • 1 week (20 hours) of private Spanish lessons
  • Personal advisor in Ecuador who follows your progress
  • Orientation session upon arrival
  • A coordinator who accompanies you to your volunteer site on the first visit
  • 24-hour emergency assistance in Quito
  • Activities offered at Simon Bolivar Spanish School including Salsa and cooking lessons
  • Project donation
  • Program fees to cover operating costs of Ecuador program
  • Roundtrip airport transfer in Quito
  • Travel insurance to supplement participant’s current personal medical insurance policy
 

Eligibility Requirements

  • Application submission window is January 1-March 27, 2020
  • 18 years or older
  • Intermediate Spanish abilities or higher
  • Available to travel for 2-4 weeks during May-December 2020
  • Able to write a blog with photos while in Ecuador at least 3 times per week and complete a post-program evaluation
  • Available for a Skype interview spring 2020
  • Spirit Cultural Exchange employees and their immediate family members are not eligible
 

Responsibilities 

Selected scholarship winner will cover round-trip flights to Ecuador and any domestic flights in the US or Ecuador.
Submit blog entries with photos while in Ecuador at least 3 times per week and complete a post-program evaluation
 

How to apply

Email your resume and a 300-500 word essay that answers the following questions to Chelsea Scarnegie at cscarnegie@spiritexchange.com. No phone calls, please.
  1. What are your reasons for pursuing this volunteer experience?
  2. How will this experience enhance your future personal or professional development?
 
Deadline for submission: March 27th, 2020