San Jorge Volunteers and Students

We believe that Ecuadorian and international volunteers and students are an integral part of the success of San Jorge! We believe that the volunteer experience can greatly benefit both you and San Jorge. We want you to enjoy Ecuador and we enjoy learning from the skills and experiences that our volunteers can offer.

We are looking for volunteers that are creative, outgoing, rugged (able to deal with minor discomfort and surprises) and independent with an interest or experience in ecotourism, conservation, nature, biology, bird watching, ecology or hotel services.

Please e-mail us your resume to info@eco-lodgesanjorge.com and info@hostsanjorge.com.ec and tell us in your email or cover letter how your previous experience or interests can make for a good volunteer experience.

Here are some general details of our volunteer and student programs (Ecuador volunteer program):

• We prefer a minimum one to two month commitment but we are open to discussing smaller time periods if a specific, concrete project can be decided upon ahead of time
• We do not have a large volunteer program so volunteers should expect to work with a small number of other volunteers, and possibly no other volunteers, depending on the time of year
• Two free days are given per week, these may need to be taken together or separately depending on the schedule of San Jorge
• A $200 fee is charged per month for lodging, food, limited internet access, some rides, and a few tours with guests
• Accommodations are provided in either a small dormitory style building or in private rooms depending on room availability at San Jorge. All rooms have hot baths and toilets
• Meals are provided, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian, either cooked by the staff, or free food will be provided for you to cook depending on guest numbers at San Jorge
• Bedding, towels and soap are provided free

Here are some types of volunteer work that may be available at San Jorge

• Reforestation work - Planting native trees and plants, removing non-native plants
• Maintenance work - Helping improve San Jorge through maintenance of trails, and the physical grounds, repainting, gardening, or minor construction of doors, steps, birdfeeders, etc.
• Research projects - both San Jorge research projects and individual research projects you may have yourself or through a university professor. Some research projects may need authorization through the ministry of the Environment in Ecuador (examples include helping identify bird species, and cataloguing the native plants and trees)
• Assisting with general administration and the web site
• Assisting in teaching the local staff English
• Organic gardening
• Helping guide guests in cultural, natural and historical tours. These may be at San Jorge or in the areas in and around Quito - a good way to work on your English and Spanish
• Helping to develop and implement eco tourism improvements and other conservation related projects
• Helping to develop and implement process and efficiency improvements
• Assisting with the hospitality of the guests - a good way to work on your English and Spanish
• Any other ideas you may have! Projects can be developed with the skills of the volunteer and the time they can offer

Thank you for your interest & please contact me if you need any more information.

All the best, George Cruz