ECUADOR National Profile 2014-2015

Capital

San Francisco de Quito

Official languages

Spanish and Kichwa

Recognised regional languages

Kichwa (Quichua),Shuar & others "are in official use for indigenous peoples"

Ethnic groups

71.9% Mestizo 7.4% Montubio 7.2% Afroecuadoria

n 7.0% Amerindian 6.1% White 0.4% others

Government

Unitary presidential constitutional republic

- President

Rafael Correa

Legislature

National Assembly

Currency

United States dollar

•

3. Fundación VASE – ICYE

Ecuador

4. VASE´s mission

5. Ecuador´s location

6. Ecuador´s regions

7. Climate

8. Culture & Society

10. Reality

11. Religion

12. Public holidays

13. Economy

14. Government

16. Common phrases & sayings

17. Let’s Eat

18. The fruit bowl

19. Daily Meals

20. Volunteer profile

21. Special programs

22. Accommodation

23. Money

24. Volunteer Work Projects

25. Excursions

26. Cultural Activities

27. Transportation

28. Visa Information

29. Health and Insurance

30. Rules and Regulations

32. Packing List

33. Arrival in Quito

34. Resources

35. Contact Information

Fundación VASE ICYE Ecuador

Fundación Voluntariado para la Ayuda Social del

Ecuador (VASE) is a non-profit, non-

governmental, non-religious organization

dedicated to provide intercultural education and

volunteer community service. VASE is an

Ecuadorian organization, officially

recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of

Economic and Social Inclusion,

resolution #0872 in July 2008.

VASE’s office is located in the heart of

Quito, the capital of Ecuador. UNESCO

declared the historic center as the first

site in the world of “Cultural Heritage

of Mankind” for its rich architectural

beauty, which can be seen in its

churches, convents, parks, and

streets.

VASE’S MISSION JUMP INTO A NEW EXPERIENCE!

Provide volunteer service support for the elderly, children,

women, indigenous groups, human rights organizations,

hospitals, schools, and community centers.

Implement intercultural education and inspire global

citizenship through international cultural exchange

programs.

Proclaim peace, solidarity, friendship, tolerance and mutual

understanding as basic values for mankind.

Promote understanding and appreciation of cultural

diversity.

Create sustainable community projects in order to promote

social and economic development of the disadvantaged

communities in Ecuador.

Straddling the equator in

western South America,

Ecuador has land in both the

Northern and the Southern

hemispheres. It borders

Colombia in the north and

Peru in the South and the

East. The Pacific Ocean is

Ecuador’s western border.

The land area totals 283.560 km²,

including the Galapagos Islands. The

border with Colombia is 590 kms. and

with Peru is 1.420 kms. It has coastline

of 2.237 kms.

At Mitad del Mundo – Center of the

world, where the equator crosses

Ecuador at latitude 0°0°0°

ECUADOR’S REGIONS

The Coast (6 provinces) The Sierra

(11 provinces)

The Amazon (6 provinces) Galapagos (1 province)

Ecuador is divided into four natural regions:

.

CLIMATE

Ecuador has very different

climates and microclimates. All

regions experience wet and dry

seasons.

Coast and Amazon: tropical

weather (23-36 degrees).

Sierra: Cool and “spring-like”

(10 to 18 degrees)

Galapagos: (22 to 32 degrees).

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Ecuador is a

multiethnic

and

multicultural

country with a

population of

about 14.5

million people.

Ecuador's mainstream

culture is defined by

Ecuador's “mestizo”

majority, which is a

mixture of European

and Amerindian

influences infused

with African elements

inherited from slave

ancestors.

Although Ecuador’s

official language is

Spanish, 11 other

indigenous languages

are spoken. The

principle indigenous

language of the

highlands is Quichua.

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Gender

Gender roles are different than

in Europe, placing an

emphasis on the woman´s role

in the household, which some

people identify as a

“machismo” mentality.

Family

Ecuadorians are known as family- people : the

family life plays an important role and children

normally live with their parents until they are married.

Families most often spend the weekends together.

Children

Primary education is obligatory in Ecuador, however

only about 50% of the population goes on to study

in high school. Also, many children work on the

street as vendors, shoe shiners, or performers.

REALITY Political instability in the past, the

continuous economic crises, as well as

the weather catastrophe “El Niño”

forced about 3 million Ecuadorians to

migrate to other countries such as

Spain, USA, and Italy. On the other hand,

instability in neighboring countries of

Colombia and Peru (and political

agreements with countries, such as

Cuba) has caused much immigration

into Ecuador.

Foreigners are generally welcomed and

respected by the population. Ecuadorians

are curious to get to know the “gringos”

(general name for foreigners).

RELIGION • Religion in Ecuador is an expression of

the different cultural heritages in the Ecuadorian culture including the Spanish colonization, the Native Amerindian and the Afro-Ecuadorian.

• Since Spanish colonization, Ecuador became a Roman Catholic

• country. The Catholic Church still

• has an important place in

• Ecuadorian society.

La Basilica del Voto Nacional

Religion in Ecuador (2008):

87.5% Catholics

10.8% Other Christian

1,5% Atheists and Agnostics

0,2% Traditional Religions

• 01.01 New Year

• 20.02 – 21.02 Carnival

• 06.04 Good Friday

• 01.05 Labor Day

• 24.05 Battle of Pichincha

• 10.08 First Shout of Independence

• 09.10 Independence of Guayaquil

• 02.11 Day of the Dead

• 03.11 Independence of Cuenca, Azuay

• 06.12 Quito Foundation Day

• 25.12 Christmas

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2014

ECONOMY

Deteriorating economic performance in 1997-98 culminated in a severe economic and financial crisis in 1999. The crisis was precipitated by a number of external shocks, including the El Niño weather phenomenon in 1997, a sharp drop in global oil prices in 1997-98, and international emerging market instability in 1997-98.

Ecuador has varied natural ecosystems that allow the growth of many plants, fruits, vegetables and crops. The main products are oil, bananas, flowers and shrimp.

In 2000 the government announced the adoption of United States dollar as the national currency. While debatable, it has helped the country gain economic stability as well as a better image for foreign investors. Nevertheless, Ecuador now depends on the monetary policy of the USA due to its currency.

In 2011 28,6% of the population lived below the poverty line (less than USD $2,47 daily); however, the situation is improving rapidly and general poverty has decreased significantly over the last years, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC). But there are still big differences between rural and urban poverty rates as well as between different minorities.

President Rafael Correa

GOVERNMENT Ecuador has been a democracy since 1979. The political situation in the late

1990s and early 2000s was very unstable, a condition which sparked three

presidents’ ousting. However, there has been an increase in stability in the past

years, since the election of Rafael Correa, who was officially declared president

of Ecuador on December 4, 2006 and sworn in on January 15, 2007 as the 56th

president of Ecuador. President Correa is the 9th to occupy the post since 1996.

Correa was reelected for a second term in February 2013.

Since Correa assumed office, his main goal was to transform

the Ecuadorian political system through a Citizen Revolution

(“Revolución Ciudadana”) .

On April 15th, 2007 Correa called for a national referendum and

81.7% of voters supported the establishment of a Constitutional

Assembly, whose aim was to create a new National

Constitution. The new Constitution was approved by more

than 63 % of the population.

GOVERNMENT Some of the most important political reforms that Correa’s government have

done are:

HUMAN RIGHTS: Rafael Correa created a Truth commission that

investigates State Crimes against human rights.

FTA: Correa did not continue with the Free Trade

Agreement negotiation with the United States,

arguing that this process would destroy

thousands of agricultural jobs.

OIL: The reformed laws establish a major

participation of the State in the revenue of the oil.

SECURITY AND DEFENSE: One of the most

serious challenges that this government has

faced is lowering the rates of delinquency. To

control this problem, the government started a

Weapon Control, and provided police with more

and better arms.

President Correa giving a speech on

his office balcony (Palacio Carondelet)

COMMON PHRASES AND SAYINGS Canguil Popcorn.

Parar bola To pay attention.

Gringo An American or European person.

Man Guy/Person. From the English word "man". It is used in both genders

Ñaño/a Brother-sister. It is also used for "great friend".

Mande What? Do you need something? Literally the word means "order me".

Mucha Kiss.

Pelado/a Boyfriend or girlfriend. It also means kid.

Cuy Guinea pig. (Typical food in the Andean region).

Cachar To understand.

Chuta! Shoot!

Dele nomás! Go ahead.

Chévere Fun, cool, interesting.

De ley For sure.

Achachai It’s so cold.

Guagua Little kid.

Pana Great friend.

Farrear To party.

LET’S EAT!

Potato Soup (served with cheese and

avocado)

Shrimp Ceviche

Cheese Empanada

Hornado (pork, corn, plantain, avocado)

THE FRUIT BOWL

Ecuador is a paradise of fruits- let your taste buds travel!

Tuna Mango Guanábana Pitahaya

Taxo Granadilla Tomate de árbol Naranjilla

DAILY MEALS Breakfast: Bread, jam or cheese, fresh juice, and tea or coffee.

Lunch: the biggest meal of the day--soup, rice, meat, vegetables, and juice.

Dinner: Different options, but much smaller than lunch—

Soup, bread, yoghurt, sandwhich, and tea or coffee.

Volunteer eating soup at lunch Host family making bread

Character

You must be enthusiastic and

motivated to work with people

that need your assistance.

You must be flexible, honest,

patient, communicative,

compassionate, proactive,

show solidarity and empathy

with underprivileged people.

Age Volunteers must be older than 18.

Language Volunteers do not have to be proficient in

Spanish before coming to Ecuador. You

shouldn’t have any problems conversing

after having practiced Spanish at work, in

your family and with friends for 2 months.

However, it is advisable to either take some

classes or study independently before

arrival as it will help with integration into the

host family and project!

SEMINARS

Mid-term Meeting VASE will take you on a

retreat for 5 days, during

which you will evaluate and

reflect on your living and

work situation during the first

months. You will be prepared

for the second half of your

stay in Ecuador!

Orientation

You will be taken directly to

the orientation venue upon

arrival to Quito. You will have

an intense, 5 day orientation

which covers the following

topics: volunteering,

intercultural learning, safety

and Ecuador’s culture. You

will also be taken on trips to

the historic center of Quito

and indigenous villages. After

the orientation, you will have 2

weeks (30 hours) of Spanish

classes before starting in the

project.

Final Evaluation The final evaluation

will consist of a 3 day

retreat where all the

volunteers and VASE

staff will unite to

debrief on their time in

Ecuador, reflect their

experiences, and

prepare for departure

to home country.

ACCOMMODATION You will be hosted in one of the following ways

1. Living in a family: Host families are different, so be prepared to adapt to a

variety of circumstances (such as number of people in the house, income

level, etc).

2. Living in the project: if you work at the Working Boys Center or FBU, you will

live in a volunteer house.

Information about your accommodation will be sent to you about 1 month

before coming to Ecuador

MONEY $

MANDATORY EXPENSES

Volunteers have to pay $ 4 for their

passport registration. In addition,

volunteers will spend around $50 USD

on a cell phone.

POCKET MONEY

Volunteers will be given pocket money

monthly to cover basic expenses.

ITEM USD

Hamburger Combo From 2.50

Bus Ride 0.25

Coca Cola (1 liter) 0.80

Letter to Europe 2.25

Bottle of Water From 0.25

Cinema Ticket 2.00-6.00

Beer From 0.75

Entrance to a Discoteca Free-15.00

DVD Movie 1.50

Hour of Internet 0.40-1.00

Newspaper From 0.35

Shampoo From 2.50

Phone call to Germany

(minute) From 0.15

Ecuador currency is the

US dollar (since 2000)

Average Costs:

VOLUNTEER WORK & PROJECTS

VASE volunteers support a variety of projects in areas

such as: education, disabled people, elderly,

gender, health, and environment. All the

projects available can be found in the VASE Work

Profile.

EXCURSIONS

OTAVALO

Visit Ecuador’s

most famous

crafts market

where you can

purchase

whatever you

like… time for

shoppers!!! Also,

you will see how

Ecuadorian

musical

instruments are

made and how to

play them and

take a boat ride in

Laguna Cuicocha.

MINDO

During this trip you

will canopy in the

cloud forest, tube

down wild rivers,

swim under

beautiful waterfalls,

and prepare your

own chocolate.

VASE offers several excursions that help you to get to know Ecuador’s

cultural and environmental diversity*. Here are some examples:

TONSUPA

Relax in the sun,

learn salsa at nice

bars directly on the

beach and enjoy

delicious coconut

milkshakes, all

while learning

about the Afro-

Ecuadorian

community.

COTOPAXI

Experience the

breathtaking Cotopaxi , the

highest active volcano in

the world. Hike up to the

first refuge, play in the

snow and bike down.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Salsa Dancing:

Salsa classes and then

a night out on the town

visiting the famous

salsotecas of Quito. A

great chance to show

off your newly learned

moves!

VASE also organizes many cultural events

Social projects:

Every few months the

volunteers have the

chance to organize

celebrations to benefit

those most in need.

Theater:

There are many

exciting

presentations in

Quito, ranging from

the Indigenous

Ballet to historical

theater.

TRANSPORTATION The projects are all close to your living arrangements, however, in most

cases you will need to ride the bus to your project. You will be given

transportation money from VASE for this purpose.

Taxis are fairly cheap in Ecuador($1 USD for a short ride of approximately 2

km).

To cover longer distances (for example

to Guayaquil or Cuenca), you should

use a well-known bus company, for

instance “PanAmericana” or

“TransEsmeraldas”. These buses run

several times a day.

Ecuadorian transportation system is

generally good, but crowded. Taxis run

24 hours, and buses run from 5 o’clock

in the morning until 10 o’clock at night. Ecovia bus in Quito

VISA INFORMATION 0-90 Days: Nationals from US, Canada and most European countries do not need visas for stays less than 90 days. Your passport will be stamped with a tourist visa(T-III) upon arrival. 90-120 Days: If you are planning to stay more that 90 days in Ecuador, you will be required to have a 12-VII Visa for Volunteers. For the application you will need the following documents: • A passport valid a least for 6 months after your planned return to home country. • An application with photos. • A letter or certificate issued by the host organization in Ecuador describing the tasks and

duration of the volunteer service. • A copy of the document that states the name and address of the legal representative of the organization. • A copy of the Official Registry and Statutes of the organization. • Police Record (Depending on home country) • Health Certificate including HIV test (Depending on home country) • Fees: Application $30, Visa: $150

You should generally start the visa process 3 weeks before your departure, since the process can take from 1-10 working days. It is your responsibility to contact the nearest consulate and ask for any specific requirements that they might have.

During orientation, you will receive

information regarding your health in

Ecuador. You will have easy access to

Ecuador’s top doctors, clinics and hospitals.

Health insurance is provided by ICYE.

Volunteers pay for doctor’s visits, keep their

receipts, and will get reimbursed in their home

country. For more information, please read the

Health Insurance Brochure.

HEALTH & INSURANCE

RULES & REGULATIONS

• I have read and accepted all the information in the VASE National Profile and VASE Work Profile.

• I have read and accepted all the information in the VASE National Profile and VASE Work Profile.

• I understand that I have come to Ecuador with Fundación VASE and I am officially a VASE volunteer. VASE requires ethical, responsible and motivated volunteers. I will perform my service in accordance with these requirements.

• I understand that I will be living with an Ecuadorian host family or in an Ecuadorian host project and will be flexible to accommodate to their Ecuadorian way of life/guidelines.

• I will proactively integrate into the host family and social project´s daily life.

• I will be responsible in my work project, following the project´s rules, working an average of 30-40 hours per week, arriving and leaving according to the established schedule, and only taking vacations when my project is not in session.

• A change of work project will not be made in the first three months. Changes can only be made based on valid reasons (transportation problems, unsupportive environment, etc) after talking to VASE and taking the necessary measures to try to solve the problems.

• I shall not seek or accept paid employment during my voluntary service program in Ecuador.

• I understand that I will receive transportation money only if my project is not within walking distance. I will only receive transportation money for the time I am working in my project.

• I accept that VASE is not responsible for providing me with food, accommodation or travel money when away from my work location during personal/vacation days.

RULES & REGULATIONS • I will actively participate in the orientation, mid term camp, and final evaluation camp

as planned and organized by VASE and fill out the three ICYE Evaluations (at orientation, mid term camp, and final evaluation camp) as well as a final report.

• I understand that I have 25 days (five weeks) of vacation time (1 year volunteers) or 12 days (6 month volunteers). I will take these vacation days when my project is closed (generally during summer months of July and August). If it is necessary that I take travel time when my project is still in session, I need to receive written permission from VASE and my project to do so.

• If I am sick and cannot go to my host project, I will call my contact person in the project to inform them of my absence. If I am sick form more than two days, I must visit a doctor and bring the doctors note to my host project.

• I will not use illegal drugs.

• I will make a strong effort to learn Spanish.

• I will always inform VASE and my host family of my personal traveling. I am required to sign the VASE TRAVEL FORM, including my travel destination and departure and arrival dates, if I am traveling outside of Ecuador.

• I agree that VASE has the right to send me back to my home country if I violate any article of this agreement and/or Ecuadorian laws.

PACKING LIST

• A Passport valid for 6 months after your arrival back in home country • All your pre-departure papers, including a printed version of this document. • Small gifts from your country to give to people in your project, host family, and

friends. • Some information about your country to share: for example pictures, brochures,

maps, food, music, books, coins, recipes, etc. • Clothes for layering (as Quito can experience four ¨seasons¨ in one day).

Wearing shorts is not common in the mainland, leggings should be worn underneath

• An adaptor (Ecuador uses 110V, 60Hz. Plugs have two flat prongs) • Debit Card (if you bring US Dollars please change your dollars into small bills

$1, $5, $10 or $20 before arrival. During the orientation you will need maximum $70)

• A credit card in case of an emergency (i.e. to leave as a guarantee at a hospital) • A rain jacket/ umbrella • A journal • A flash-light • Towel and Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and sunscreen—

for the first few days— please be aware that you can buy more of these cosmetic products at the pharmacies in Quito)

• Bathing suit • Sandals • Any medication that you take regularly (enough to last your entire stay)

• Rubber boots (only for volunteers in the project FBU—you can also buy them in Ecuador for $8 USD)

Please do not over pack. Travel lightly, so that you can move around easily. Many toiletries such as soap, toothpaste and tampons , as well as products such as writing materials, clothes and sports articles, can be purchased in the modern shopping centers and supermarkets.

ARRIVAL IN QUITO Arrival airport: Quito Mariscal Sucre, This has the same name as the old airport located in

the city center but Quito’s new airport is now about 1,5 hour outside of Quito.

During the flight: You will have to fill out the immigration and customs cards.

For the ¨Purpose of travel¨ and/or ¨Occupation¨ section, check off ¨other¨ and put Volunteer.

For the ¨Address in Arrival Country¨ please put the VASE office address and phone number:

Antonio Navarro N32-247 y Pablo Suarez, Quito / Phone # 222 7828

Immigration:

If you are staying for 0-90 days: You will be entering Ecuador on a tourist visa (TIII) that is

valid for your stay in Ecuador with multiple exits and entries. You will not need to do anything

beforehand, your passport will be stamped accordingly upon arrival.

If you are staying for 90-365 days: You will be entering Ecuador on a volunteer visa (12-VII)

that is valid for your stay in Ecuador with multiple exits and entries. When you enter through

immigration at the airport, please double check that they have stamped your passport

accordingly (the bottom left hand corner of the stamp should say “12-VII”). If they have

stamped it wrong (most common is for 12-VIII or T-III stamps) please tell the immigration

agent immediately.

Pick up: Once you have picked up your luggage, gone through customs, and exited the

secure area, you will see VASE representatives. They will be waiting with a VASE sign so

that you can easily find them and will take you to the on-arrival orientation. Due to the new

airport location it could be a different arrangement and also depends on the time and date of

arrival of volunteers. We’ll be in contact regarding this before arrival.

Orientation: You will have an orientation meeting at the VASE office the day after you arrive.

INTERNET RESOURCES

Interesting Websites

• http://www.ecuador.travel/en/

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador

• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador

• www.quitocultura.com

Official Websites

• City Hall of Quito: www.quito.gov.ec

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs : http://www.mmrree.gob.ec/

• Ministry of Tourism: http://www.turismo.gob.ec/

FUNDACION VASE

Antonio Navarro N32-247 y Pablo Suárez Quito, Ecuador

Phone: (593) 2222 7828 (office) (593) 999201000(cell)

E-mail: info@volunteervase.org

Website: www.volunteervase.org