This guest blog post is brought to OSSO by recent Ecuador volunteer, Jacob Schvaneveldt.
My experience down here in Cuenca has been nothing but fantastic. If you have been thinking of maybe doing it, just do it. Even if it is only for a couple of weeks, you won't regret it.
1. What OSSO Orphanage Volunteers Do
Let's start out by what you'll be doing down here. You're going to be working with children and teenagers of all ages, some with disabilities, some without. You tend to work around 45 hours a week.
Now, I know that sounds insane, but its actually not bad at all. I can tell you that working 45 hours down here seems a whole lot shorter than when I worked 35 hours at my job back at home.
2. How New Volunteers Will Feel
The next thing you should know is you're probably going to hate it the first couple of days. I did. But, just stick with it, and you'll grow to love the work and the kids.
3. Why You'll Love the Weather and Culture
The weather down here is perfect. It's sunny almost every single day, and rains almost every single day. The temperature is around 50-70 degrees.
When you're down here, you get to experience a fantastic culture. Words can't do it justice, but just know you will be working with very nice and hard working people.
Overall, my experience with OSSO has been nothing but pure joy. I couldn't recommend it enough. If you have even kind of thought about doing it, just pull the freaking trigger and do it.
Pictured: Jacob Schvaneveldt (right) with other Ecuador volunteers
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Learn more about a past volunteer's experience HERE!