Gap year case study - Genevieve teaches in Ecuador


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To find out more about what to expect from volunteering, read our case studies and interviews of previous volunteers. Genevieve lived with a local family and taught English in Ecuador - read what she has to say.

Teaching in Penaherrera, Ecuador with MondoChallenge

Genevieve Coombe graduated from Southampton University before working in the Foreign Rights Department of Lonely Planet. At 23 she got itchy feet as a result of being surrounded by guidebooks and decided to go off to explore the world for herself!


"I read about MondoChallenge in the Lonely Planet Career Break Book and after my interview their flexibility meant I was able to start a teaching placement in Ecuador within 6 weeks.


"I was placed in Peñaherrera on the slopes of the Western Andes. I lived in the community with a local family, it was basic but comfortable and ideally located. The atmosphere in the house was relaxed but the family was quite protective of me!


"I taught 70 children in total, aged from 5 to 12 years old and all with an extremely basic prior knowledge of English The children were enthusiastic and seemed to enjoy their English lessons. Outside of the classroom they were keen to get their revenge on me for being English and therefore responsible for knocking Ecuador out of the World Cup!


"Whilst the placement was essentially teaching, there were many other aspects to it. I was very involved in the preparation of the local fiestas, which the school hosted. I helped make decorations for the election of the school queen and we made a float for the parades that opened the town fiestas. I also assisted the head with preparation for the sports day and helped out with athletics training in the afternoons.


"During the school holidays I worked at the nursery school and every Monday to Thursday afternoon I did a radio show with the president’s wife, during which we taught basic English vocabulary. I also played lots of volleyball and basketball with the kids, plus the occasional game of football.


"Needless to say it has been fairly tough coming back down to earth since returning to London where I am completing a traineeship with Price Waterhouse and Cooper, but I’m already planning my next trip to South America!”