Ecuador Volunteer Research Project
Apply
Applications are now being accepted for expeditions through August, 2008. Applications should be completed at least a month before any particular trip, but many trips may be full well before this time. If there is still space available within 30 days of the trip, consideration may be given to late applicants. But, the sooner you turn in your application, the better your chances for acceptance into the program. Make sure you have read through the expedition information on this site before applying. You may contact us for any questions before applying.
When you are ready, you can apply here.
Program Fees
Our current prices are as follows:
June-August 2008, 14 Days: $1,150
June-August 2008, 30 Days: $2,300*
June-August 2008, 45 Days: $3,400*
A 15% discount is available for previous participants, residents of Latin American companies, and groups of four or more.
*includes 2 days expense paid vacation between terms.
Qualifications
We evaluate applicants on a variety of criteria, but the most important qualifications that you can bring to the project are enthusiasm and a good work ethic. Participants 18 years and younger need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. We will work long hours and workdays can sometimes last up to 14 hours or even more on the go. There will be relatively short periods of difficult exertion on rough terrain, notably including a 3-hour backpacking trip through slippery mud slopes to get to our most remote field site. However, most of the physical work is relatively low-exertion, as finding animals in the forest is very slow-paced. There will also be some challenging living conditions, and participants need to be prepared to be wet for many hours, or even days, in a row. You will have to be prepared for
Important
Travel InformationA valid passport will be needed and should be applied for as soon as possible if you don’t already have one. For participants with non-US passports, you may need to apply for a Visa as well, contact your government as well as the Ecuadorian consulate. Important: passport regulations for travelers from certain countries to Ecuador require that you passport must not expire before six months prior to travel. Verify that your passport is valid for the exact dates of travel.
You will need to purchase airline tickets for roundtrip flights to Quito (via Houston, Miami, or Panama City), to arrive in Quito before the starting day of your project, and leaving after the last day. We also recommend spending extra time in Ecuador, as there is much to see apart from the coast. Ask us about advice for travel opportunities in Ecuador before or after the trip. For all participants, a $41 airport exit fee must be paid upon leaving the country, and is not an included cost. Ecuadorian currency is the U.S. dollar, so you do not need to change currency before traveling.
For most points of departure in the US, flights can generally be purchased for $1000 or less, and sometimes as low as $600. After landing, you will be met at the airport and brought to our hotel in Quito. You will then be escorted throughout the trip by your group leaders, although there will be some opportunities to explore the areas independently or in groups away from the main study areas.
You also need to consult a physician about traveling to Ecuador, and acquire traveler's insurance. You will be required to sign an affidavit to confirm these steps one month prior to departure. Your traveler's insurance must have a medical evacuation clause; we recommend at least $50,000 medical evacuation coverage. Basic insurance for travelers under age 30 can be found at www.TripPlus.com, which starts at $25. More complete coverage can be found at www.insuremytrip.com, which is an agent site which will let you choose from many options.
Some references that might come in handy for traveling and working in Ecuador are:
- The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site for travel to Ecuador: wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationEcuador.aspx. A good place to research on your own, and be prepared when you consult with a physician prior to travel.
- Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: the Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide by Pearson and Beletsky, 1999. This is a good, but very general, traveling guide to Ecuador’s flora and fauna.
- Birds of Ecuador by Ridgely and Greenfield, 2001. This book is an excellent, important, but huge, addition if you are interested in Ornithology.
- Wikitravel Ecuador page:
http://wikitravel.org/en/Ecuador
This site
compiles some great travel advice about the country, its
people, geography, history and climate. It is especially good for
independent travelers.
Non-discrimination Statement
Reptile Research is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications. It is our policy to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. Reptile Research prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status. Although some of our activities may be restricted to those of certain abilities, we make every attempt at reasonable accommodations.