I have more questions!
If you have a question about the volunteer experience, check out our list of frequently asked questions below.
If you can’t find an answer to your question below or elsewhere on our website, feel free to send us an email at info@orphanagesupport.org
+ What immunizations do I need before traveling?
We ask that you are up to date with your immunizations and the CDC regulations. We also suggest getting hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, and flu shots.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster shots are no longer required to volunteer, although some orphanages still ask volunteers to wear masks.
+ What is the volunteer work like?
OSSO volunteer work consists of loving and caring for children and youth who live in orphanages. You’re there to give a helping hand to the orphanage workers and to plan daily activities for the children. You will also perform tasks like cleaning, feeding, bathing and dressing, helping with physical therapies, and other basic care tasks. You will likely also have the opportunity to serve in our OSSO-founded orphanage for youth and young adults with disabilities.
Most importantly, you are there to provide love and emotional support to the children! Children need to recieve love in order to develop properly. While the basic care tasks are important, the love and affection you show the children is what will impact their lives the most.
The work can be demanding but also very rewarding, so come prepared to serve.
+ What donations do the orphanages need?
The types of donations needed fluctuate often. After you are accepted as a volunteer, you will be provided with a list of current needed items that you can opt to bring in your suitcase.
+ Who can volunteer?
Anyone! We welcome individuals, families, couples,teens and organized groups to volunteer with us. The majority of our volunteers come from the U.S. and Canada, although we have had past volunteers from Europe and more.
Our volunteers vary in experience and professions. While experience in childcare, international travel, Spanish, or other related fields is helpful, no specific experience is required! As long as you come prepared to serve and have a clean background check, you can volunteer.
+ What activities should I prepare to do with the children?
Be prepared to do many activities with children of all ages and abilities! We have a large supply of games, arts and crafts supplies, and other fun equipment at the volunteer house that you can use for activitities with the kids.
You will also recieve weekly support from our International Education Director to help plan educational activities for the children!
We strongly recommend that you come to Ecuador prepared with a list of ideas for possible activities. Doing this will help your transition into the volunteer work be much smoother! You'll want to think of a variety of activities geared towards different ability groups: toddlers, children, teens, and young adults with disabilities (many of whom are wheelchair users).
+ Do I need a visa?
Ecuador currently requires a visa for anyone who will be in the country for over 90 days. Volunteers who are serving for less than 90 days will not need a visa.
Please note - This is subject to change.
+ Can I attend church services while volunteering with OSSO?
Yes! Volunteers always have Sunday mornings off that can be used to attend church services, if desired. (Volunteers do have shifts at the orphanages on Sunday afternoons).
OSSO is based in Utah, and many of our staff members and volunteers belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are very familiar with the meeting times and locations for LDS church services.
If you wish to attend a different church or religious service, we will do our best to find a local congregation in the city where you are volunteering. Please don't hesitate to ask!
+ Is Spanish required?
Nope! Although knowing the language is very helpful, it is not required for our volunteers.
The majority of our volunteers do not speak Spanish. There are directors and coordinators who speak English. See our helpful Spanish Study Guide, tailored to vocabulary with children and orphanage workers. For those wanting to practice their Spanish, we recommend the free "Duolingo" app.
+ Is there running water and electricity?
Yes, the volunteer housing and orphanages all have running water and electricity. While you cannot drink the tap water in Ecuador, clean drinking water is provided separately and will always be available.
That being said, please note that Ecuador is a third-world country. Electricity is not always as reliable as what you're used to and hot water is sometimes limited (we recommend taking quick showers!). This is all part of the experience of volunteering abroad!
+ Is there internet service where I'll be staying?
Yes, all of our volunteer housing has free Wi-Fi! You will be able to communicate with your friends and family back home via social media, WhatsApp, or other platforms.
+ What currency do they use in Ecuador? How do you recommend I get money while I am there?
Ecuador uses the American Dollar!
We recommend you take at least $30 cash with you while traveling. DO NOT bring large amount of cash with you, as this is risky and creates a safety issue.
Once you arrive in country, there are safe and reliable ATMs to withdraw money from. Be sure to contact your bank to let them know you will be traveling or they will block your account and not allow you to withdraw money. Depending on the bank, each time you withdraw money, they usually charge a few dollars.
We strongly recommend bringing small bills as it is difficult to get change in the markets.
+ What is the food like in Ecuador?
You'll love the food in Ecuador! Traditional Ecuadorian food includes empanadas, locro de papa, quinoa, rice and beans, natural fruit juices, hot chocolate made from local cacao, and so much more. For volunteers who are interested in trying traditional food, there will be plenty of opportunities!
Volunteers are responsible to prepare their own breakfast, dinner, and snacks with the food we provide them with. Our Volunteer Directors help coordinate or provide lunches for the volunteers.
Every week, the Volunteer Directors or volunteers go grocery shopping and keep the house stocked with baking and cooking supplies, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, tortillas, eggs, milk, yogurt, rice, pasta, flour, oatmeal, sugar, etc.
There are also plenty of restaurants with food you're more familiar with (pizza, burgers, pasta, tacos, etc).
+ Is travel insurance required to participate with OSSO?
Yes, you are required to obtain travel insurance prior to arrving in Ecuador to make sure you are covered in case of any unexpected events. You are welcome to choose any travel insurance you'd like, but we've listed a few suggestions below: