High School Study Abroad in Ecuador

Peru and Ecuador are two countries in South America that are both rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Join us on this 22-day adventure as we discover what makes each country so vibrant and unique! In addition to exploring majestic volcanos, gorgeous islands, sacred sites, and vibrant markets, we will visit the jewels of each country as we take in the splendor of the sacred Machu Picchu and view the world-famous wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. We will also have the opportunity to volunteer and give back to several communities throughout our adventures for a total of 60 hours of community service. In Peru, we will be welcomed into a community where we’ll form bonds with the families and children, teach English, and help out with light maintenance projects and farming. In the Galápagos we will help out with a variety of projects at a local daycare, elementary school, and sustainable farm.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare knowledge with International Medical Aid's Pre-Med and Health Fellowships. Crafted for pre-med undergraduates, medical students, and high school students, these fellowships offer a unique chance to engage deeply with global health care in East Africa, South America, and the Caribbean. Shadow doctors in underserved communities, and immerse yourself in diverse healthcare systems through our extensive network of public and private hospitals. IMA, a nonprofit organization, is deeply invested in the communities we serve, focusing on sustainable health solutions and ethical care practices. You'll be involved in community medical clinics, public health education, and first responder training, addressing the root causes of disease and illness alongside local community leaders. Beyond clinical experience, explore the beauty of your host country through cultural excursions and adventure programs during your free time. Join IMA's fellowships developed at Johns Hopkins University and step into a role that transcends traditional healthcare learning, blending clinical excellence with meaningful community service.

Strengthen your Spanish skills and experience life in both the Andean highlands and the Galápagos Islands on this language immersion and service program. Join a welcoming host community outside Quito to support agriculture and construction projects while learning Spanish through daily interaction and guided language activities. Live with a local family, share meals, and participate in community traditions that deepen your connection and cultural understanding. Explore the cloud forest and visit Cotopaxi National Park for breathtaking hikes and horseback riding across the páramo. Then fly to the Galápagos to snorkel with sea lions, observe giant tortoises and iguanas up close, and learn how conservation efforts protect fragile ecosystems unique to these volcanic islands.

On the Ecuador: Galapagos & Andean Service Adventure program, immerse yourself in a meaningful homestay with local families on mainland Ecuador. Participate in impactful community service and cultural exchange. Work alongside community members, as well as visiting and learning from an indigenous community. Then, explore the biodiverse and historic Galapagos Island. Snorkel with penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, and colorful tropical fish. Learn about the conservation efforts of a unique ecosystem! Hike one of the largest volcanic craters on earth at Isabella Island. Visit and interact with a giant tortoise breeding center. Traveling to Ecuador is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

Embark on a transformative 19-day service-learning program in Ecuador, where we delve into the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon and the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands. Our adventure kicks off with hands-on conservation efforts, including participating in an Amazonian reforestation project aimed at restoring critical habitats. We’ll gain firsthand experience in wildlife rescue, collaborating with local NGOs to rehabilitate endangered species and contribute to vital environmental initiatives. As we explore the lush landscapes, we’ll whitewater raft down the Río Napo and zipline through the Mindo Cloud Forest, soaking in the natural beauty around us. Our time in the Galápagos will be extraordinary, as we snorkel alongside sea lions and other marine life, while engaging in essential land rehabilitation projects to combat invasive species and preserve native flora. With 25 hours of community service dedicated to protecting Ecuador’s ecosystems, we will develop practical conservation skills and cultivate a deeper appreciation for biodiversity. Join us for this unforgettable journey filled with adventure, learning, and meaningful contributions to the environment!

At Projects Abroad, we’re passionate about travel with a purpose. Since being founded in 1992, more than 130,000 volunteers have traveled to over 20 destinations around the world. Our programs will make you step out of your comfort zone and engage with your new friends from around the world. These are long-term projects, led by local people and aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By taking part in our programs, even for a short time, you will be contributing towards a sustained effort to support the communities that host us! We believe no other provider offers the safety and security to their volunteers and interns that we do. You'll receive 24-hour staff support from our trained staff, alongside a gold standard of safety planning of your trip - so you don't have to worry about a thing. Choose a project you are passionate about from working with children to medical internship, conservation, and wildlife volunteering. We offer projects starting at one week in over 20 stunning destinations across Asia, Africa, Latin America & The Caribbean, South Pacific & Europe. Ready to make a difference? Follow the link to visit our website!

This program goes beyond ordinary high school travel programs and build cross-cultural community service summer trips perfectly geared to your interests and curiosities. Whether you’re looking to contribute to authentic service projects, experience exhilarating adventure, or develop your language skills, GoBeyond will immerse you in a new culture where you can make a meaningful difference while on the journey of a lifetime. Our high school community service summer programs proudly serve in many under-resourced communities and environments throughout the world. Explore our journeys in the British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Galapagos & Ecuador, Peru, Iceland, Spain, China, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Beyond experiencing the adventure of a lifetime and creating lasting memories, we believe our community service summer trips enable lasting positive change in the world. For over forty years, we’ve been transforming communities, environments, and students’ lives through meaningful, collaborative adventures and service that develop skills and a more sophisticated worldly outlook—ultimately shaping the person you become.

Experience South America's natural beauty and cultural richness in this summer volunteer program. Work on diverse community service projects alongside locals in Quito and the Amazon Rainforest and unwind in the spectacular Galapagos Islands. When not volunteering, explore Quito – the first city declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Straddle the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time. Be one of the privileged travelers to visit the Galapagos Islands, where we explore the home of Darwin’s theory of evolution and observe many endemic species of animals, including the giant land tortoise. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the dense rainforest and rushing waterfalls in Baños. This program will awaken your sense of adventure as we whitewater raft and snorkel past stingrays, sea lions, sea stars, and more in crystal blue waters! Please note that a limited number of participants depart on day 12, while teens on the 18-day program continue to the Galapagos Islands.

Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates and rainforest ecology in the Amazon. Then get ready to explore the Galápagos, one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, on this 20-day adventure for high school students 16 and up. Tropical ecosystems exhibit an amazing degree of biodiversity and species richness, and this program brings you into the heart of it all - the Andes Mountains, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands. Conduct biological surveys while you track Andean mountain bears, jaguars, and the elusive tapir. Head into a remote part of the Amazon jungle where the world's most biodiverse region is right at your fingertips. Snorkel and explore the pristine islands of the Galápagos Archipelago, home to the widest array of flora and fauna on the planet. We are offering two sessions for 2026 (while space lasts): June 22 - July 11, 2026 July 13 - August 1, 2026

Visit the center of the earth! Ecuador’s capital is Quito, the closest major city to the Equator line on the planet! Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and discover the country’s essence amidst its stunning landscapes. Whether you’re engaging in sustainable initiatives or connecting with locals, our travel programs provide impactful adventures in the heart of South America. Wild Galápagos Eco-Service: Come face-to-face with the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution on the Galápagos Islands. Join this adventure that combines wildlife conservation and cultural immersion, plus explore the breathtaking capital, Quito!

Discover Ecuador’s natural wonders, from the majestic Andes mountains to the lush Cloud Forest and the Galápagos archipelago. Encounter seals in their natural habitat, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, hike volcanic landscapes, and immerse yourself in the country’s vast biodiversity. Begin your journey in Quito, Ecuador’s vibrant capital, exploring gold-adorned churches, colonial architecture, and the equator line, where you can stand between hemispheres. Discover the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest in the Chocó Andino region, home to 600+ bird species, and join local conservation efforts by planting native trees and maintaining forest habitats. Immerse yourself in Andean culture during a week-long homestay in Riobamba, where you’ll practice Spanish, cook traditional Ecuadorian dishes, and support local community projects. Then, explore the legendary Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, learn about ongoing biodiversity and conservation initiatives. Enjoy unforgettable experiences such as snorkeling, swimming in lava grottoes, visiting turtle-hatching sites, and observing rare tropical wildlife.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.