Internships Details

About the Organization

The CDI Hobbiton (Centro de Desarrollo Infantil Hobbiton) is a preschool/kindergarten with 8 years of existence. They are a dynamic and empowered organization. They educate children to give them a sense of Ecuadorian culture, arts, and social competencies, such as human rights, women's rights, and children's rights. Their mission is to educate the children of Ecuador in a new conception of citizenship. This conception includes a modern sense of democracy and social inclusion. Ecuador is a multicultural country with many ethnic groups. Each of them has a particular way to express and live their culture. This cultural knowledge is very valuable for childhood education because to really know one's own country is the most valuable experience that a person can have for himself or herself.

The nation of Ecuador is home to 13 indigenous nationalities, each of which maintain their traditional customs, way of life, and world vision. The Eastern Quichua, Huaorani, Achuar, Shuar, Cofan, Siona-Secoya, Shiwiar, and Zaparo all live in the Amazon region. In the Andes, live the highland Quichua such as the Cañaris and the Saraguros. The coastal region is home to the AWA, Chachis, Cayapas, Tsachilas, and Huancavilcas. The urban areas are inhabited mainly by mestizos (mixed race), whites, and Afro-Ecuadorians.

The CDI Hobbiton is located in the center of Quito, the capitol of Ecuador. The organization is located close to a children's park and the Central University of Quito. Their main activites are education in the arts, culture and gender equality. They consider the teaching and learning of a second language as a valuable form of learning about another culture and a valuable tool for their children's future.

Job Description

• Search for ways to develop and improve the English language program at the school

• Teach English to the local teachers and help to develop their English level

• Assist the teachers with English pronunciation

• Assist teachers to choose a methodology to teach English

• Teach and explain the culture of English-speaking countries to the children

The intern will gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Learn about Ecuadorian culture and way of life

• New teaching methodologies

• Places of interest for children in Ecuador

• Some experiences with Indian and Afro-Ecuadorian culture

• Improved level of Spanish language ability

# of Positions per term

1

Start Dates

At the beginning of any academic term (the school has a break for 2 weeks in July and a break in December). September is an ideal month to start an internship.

Duration of Internship

3 months to 12 months

Qualifications

Academic Background

Early childhood education, education, English, or similar major

Skills/Experience

some experience working with children, strong English grammar, flexible and dynamic person

Language Ability

Completion of 3rd year university level Spanish preferred (or the equivalent). It may be possible to participate with completion of 2nd year Spanish if the intern can demostrate a strong willingness to learn the language and work in a Spanish language environment.

Other Requirements

Internship Costs

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
International Travel	$1100-$1400
Visa Fees	$0-$220
Recommended Immunizations

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	$200-$250
Food	$200
Local Transportation	$120
Recreation	$75
Personal Expenses	$75

Compensation

CDI Hobbiton can reimburse the intern for $120/month for local transportation expenses

Additional Expense Information

If a student plans to stay for more than 90 days, it is required to obtain a volunteer visa through the Ecuadorian Consulate prior to departure for Ecuador.

Additional Information

The dress code is casual with occasional events that would call for business casual attire. Interns should bring trekking shoes, beach clothes, summer clothes, clothes for rainy weather.

Welcome in Ecuador! It is a place of spectacular diversity, having 4 natural geographical regions: the coast, the highlands, the jungle, and the enchanted Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is a country with endless natural richness. The geographic and climatic diversity of its four regions have given rise to thousands of unique species of flora and fauna. The geographical diversity of Ecuador means that there are a number of different climates and microclimates in the country's four regions. Temperatures vary according to elevation and the location of the cities and towns.Ecologically, Ecuador is one of the richest countries on the planet. The amazing biodiversity throughout the nation's various regions means that there are thousands of unique species of flora and fauna in Ecuador.

Then main tourist attractions and destinations of Ecuador are the Galapagos Islands, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi in the Andean region, the Ecuadorian Coast, Guayaquil and the Sunshine Route, the Amazon region, and the colonial churches of Quito and Cuenca are all highlight destinations of this beautiful. There are hundred of places that will leave you in awe. Ecuador is a relatively cheap country compared to other countries in the region. Here, you will find all kinds of high quality services offered for a wide range of prices.

Quito (Ecuador) - Things to See:

The old town – named a cultural heritage site by UNESCO in 1978. Central plaza with the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, and Government Palaces. Casa de Benalcazar and Casa de Sucre – famous adobe houses with central plazas

Located in the Andes mountain range 2.800 meters above sea level, Quito occupies a plateau of 12.000 square kilometers. Its environmental temperature oscillates between 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 25 centigrade degrees). The climatic contrasts that are presented during the course of a day, allows one to enjoy the four seasons of the year around the clock - as if having eternal spring. Also, the city is surrounded by the Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Antizana and Cayambe volcanoes that make up the majestic Andean contour.

The colonial Center of Quito has a multitude of churches whose entrances are generally free. The San Francisco Church is called to be the first church constructed by the Spaniards in South America directly after the city's foundation in 1534. La Compañía (1605 to 1763) is considered as Quito's most decorated and richest church. The Basilica Nacional is constructed since the 20th century. From its steeple you enjoy a fantastic view over the city.

There are some very beautiful vantage points in Quito. The best known one is the "Panecillo". The "Mirador del Itchimbía" is less known but just as impressive.