Would you like to work in South America? Find seasonal, summer, travel, temporary and short term jobs for foreigners and English speakers in Ecuador. View our guide how to find a job in as a foreigner, search employers and apply today.
Ecuador is the smallest of the Andean nations located in South America. It is bordered by Colombia to the North and Northeast, and by Peru to the South and Southeast. With its array of vibrant indigenous cultures and well-preserved colonial architecture, Ecuador is among the most rewarding travel destinations in South America.
Ecuador has four diverse regions: the Amazon rain forest, western coastal lowlands, the highland Andes, and the Galapagos Archipelago. These four regions are subdivided into 22 provinces. The central highlands are composed of two volcanic ranges separated by a central valley which is where much of Ecuador’s population lives. Quito is the capital of Ecuador and it is the second highest capital in the world at an elevation of 2,850 meters (La Paz in Bolivia is the highest at over 12,000 ft). Quito is being considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Quito is a modern city with every comfort and convenience readily available, yet it retains a large historic district which has been designated a UNESCO cultural heritage site.
Ecuador is one of the countries with highest biodiversity in the world in relationship with its size. It is an extraordinary destination full of adventure, diversity, cuisines, art, and a unique contact with ancestral cultures and nature. Ecuador is a country with a happy and generous spirit.
In a few words, Ecuador is definitively an unexplored country, rich in culture and architecture due to its Spanish and Inca heritage, vast indigenous population and broad ethnic diversity. Whatever your interest may be, Ecuador has something to offer to you!
Ecuador Facts
• Population: 13 million
• Capital: Quito
• Major languages: Spanish, Quichua
• Life expectancy: 70 years (men), 75 years (women)
• Monetary unit: USD
• Main exports: Bananas, Flowers , Fish and shrimp, crude petroleum and by-products, coffee, sugar, cotton
• Average annual income: US $2,100
• Internet domain: .ec
• International dialing code: +593
Education and Literacy
Ecuador has an educational system that is a three-level, eleven-year education system based on various reforms. The first pre-primary level is for children of 3 – 5 years old. The six-year primary education is for children between 6 – 12 years old. Six-year secondary education begins at age 12 –18 years old. In 2005, only 66 % percent of school-age children attended school. At this time, Ecuador has 5 public and 15 private universities. The estimated literacy rate in Ecuador is 85%.
Religion
When the first conquistador planted a cross in honor of God and the King of Spain, Roman Catholicism became a hallmark of Latin American culture. Aside from Mass and annual festivals, the influence of Catholicism is still felt in education, social services, and important occasions such as marriage, funerals, baptisms, and quinceañeras, a girl’s coming-out celebration on her 15th birthday. Protestantism continues to establish itself in Ecuador, especially evangelical sects in the more remote areas of the country. Indigenous religions are also still present, although usually mixed with Catholicism, creating a diverse combination of various religions. Other religions such as Mormonism and Judaism are also present among small groups of people.
Ethnics Groups
The population is ethnically mixed: 55% Mestizo (mixed Spanish and Indigenous), 25% Indigenous, 10% Caucasian, 9% African, and 1% other
Money
The national currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar. You can find ATM machines on every street corner which are MasterCard and Cirrus compatible. Besides we do recommend bringing one of the following credit cards only: Master Card, Visa Card and American Express Card. It is possible to bring travel checks, but remember that you have to pay a commission of 1-2% when you want to change them. Public transportation in the city costs US$ 0.25 one-way regardless of distance, a regular meal $5, drinks at bars from $1, 50 to $5 each. There are many interested places to visit in Ecuador, the average price if you take a private one day tour are between $30 – $50. If you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands you are going to spend around $1300 for 5-8 days depending of the boat. The public transportation between the main cities in Ecuador cost between US$ 5 and 12 one way. The airplane tickets for a flight between Quito-Guayaqui-Cuenca or the jungle cost approximately between $60 to $110 round trip including taxes.
Best Places to Find Jobs
The largest cities in Ecuador include Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Santo Domingo, Machala, Manta, Portoviejo, Eloy and Alfaro. These are where most companies are based and where most people are employed in the country.
Jobs for Foreigners and English Speakers in Ecuador
Whether you are a professional seeking to move abroad, are going backpacking and looking for temporary work, or just interested in living and working in Latin America, there are lots of options in Ecuador.
These are the most popular industries where foreigners from employment:
• Education and Teaching
• Travel and Tourism
Working in Ecuador FAQ
How do I get to Ecuador?
There are many airlines that fly directly to Ecuador from all over the world. Check with a travel agent or Council Travel for the best prices. By bus is easy to cross the border from Colombia or Peru.
Will I need a Visa?
Normally interns, volunteers and tourists from the UK, Canada, Spain, Italy, Japan, USA, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavian Countries, do not need to get visa before hand to visit Ecuador; just upon arrival, at the Quito airport, you will get a three months tourist visa free of charge. You can renew this visa for three more months at low cost. For other nationalities, before you depart, we strongly recommend checking the visa issue at the Ecuadorian Embassies or Consulates.
Do I need any special qualifications?
Most voluntary programs are open to people who really want to have true experience in South America. We request a Resume and application form.
Are there any time limits for volunteering and internships?
We require that you volunteer for a minimum of two weeks. For internships the minimum is one month. For both there is no maximum time limit
Are there any age limits?
For job seekers, interns and volunteers there is a minimum age of 18 years.
Can families / friends work together?
You are free to choose to work together in one of our programs and stay in the same or in a different host family/ LH residence. Our programs are flexible in those cases.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not necessarily. However, the Spanish classes are available and will help you to communicate with the people you are going to work with / for. Beside the Spanish classes we highly recommend you to practice your Spanish every day during your stay.
When should I apply?
You can find jobs all year-round. You should apply at least two months in advance.
Should I be worried about health insurance?
It is really important you get an international insurance before you leave your country. We highly recommend you to take an insurance that cover accidents, health, and your property.
How can I apply for one of the programs?
You should fill out the application form which will be send to you upon expressing your interest in one of our positions/programs.
How can I communicate with my family and friends while in Ecuador?
There are many Internet cafes throughout the major cities, which are very inexpensive. The price per hour cost around $1. Long distance calls between 0,10 to 0,20 cents per minute. Local calls to cellular phones and international calls from your host family home are not recommendable as they are quite expensive.
What stuff should I bring with me?
Recommended items include: a Spanish dictionary, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, guidebook, money belt, back-up medicine, glasses and contact lenses if applicable.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Vaccinations (not obliged but recommended, for more information contact your local health center)
DTP, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis A&B, Yellow Fever (optional, only coast), Malaria (optional, only jungle).
What should I bring to wear?
The clothes you use depend on your placement. In general interns go semi-formal/casual and volunteers within the projects are very casual: jeans and t-shirts are ok. We recommend comfortable clothes. One formal dress is necessary as invitations to formal events (marriages, family parties, and alike). If you plan to travel around the country we recommend you to bring a casual clothes; light clothes for the coast and the jungle and warm jacket and raincoat for the high lands no matter the month of the year.
How can I learn more about Ecuador?
We recommend you to buy a guidebook for your trip: Lonely Planet Ecuador, Lets go travel guide Ecuador