On December 22nd, I am leaving my job and embarking on a 10-week trip to Ecuador and Peru. While there, I am going to study Spanish and volunteer at two separate organizations. Most of you reading this already know about my plans, but I thought that a blog would force me to write about my travel experiences as they happen and make it easier to share pictures, anecdotes, and tidbits of wisdom with my friends and family.
Below is a bit of background about the programs where I will be volunteering/studying and links to their websites. This is purely logistics; I promise that my postings will be more exciting from here on out.
Stop 1: Simon Bolivar Spanish School, Cuenca, Ecuador
For the first 4 weeks of my trip, I will be in Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador. Cuenca is located in the sierra of the Andes and is 8,366 ft above sea level at its highest point. While in Cuenca, I will be living with a family and attending school 5 days per week at the Simon Bolivar Spanish School.
http://www.bolivar2.com/
Below is a picture of the main square in downtown Cuenca.
In addition to taking Spanish classes, I am volunteering with CDI San Francisco, an after school program located near Simon Bolivar. I will work mostly with older children on their homework, organize activities, and help the staff with their daily tasks.
http://www.cuencavolunteers.org/ecuador-volunteer-programs/children-youth-volunteering-ecuador/children-youth-volunteering-12.html
Stop 2: Espaanglisch Language School, Trujillo, Peru
Upon completion of my program in Cuenca, I'm heading south to Trujillo, Peru to teach English at Espaanglisch Language School. Trujillo is Peru's third largest city located approximately 20 miles inland from the country's north coast. I will live at the school with other volunteers and have the opportunity to work with both children and adults on basic English conversation and grammar.
http://www.espaanglisch.com/about
Below is a picture of Espaanglisch's "campus":
Stop 3: Southern Peru and The Inca Trail
TBD
