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- Tasks: Immerse yourself in Ecuador's Amazon, learning about medicinal plants and traditional healing.
- Company: Global Nomadic, dedicated to cultural exchange and environmental sustainability.
- Benefits: Unique cultural experience, meals included, and 24/7 support during your stay.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while exploring the vibrant culture and biodiversity of the Amazon.
- Qualifications: Open to all; passion for nature and culture is key.
- Other info: Live with host families and engage in local activities for a true cultural experience.
Overview
Volunteer: Plants, People, and Healing: Discovering Ecuador\’s Amazonian Ethnobotany — a volunteer program hosted by Global Nomadic. The program offers immersive experience in the Ecuadorian Amazon, focusing on medicinal plants used by the Kichwa and local communities, ethnobotany, and traditional medicine. We offer a unique and transformative opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich biodiversity of the Amazon.
Experience / Responsibilities
- Work with traditional healers, medicine men, and local specialists to learn about medicinal plants, pharmacopoeias, and how they reflect local epidemiological concerns.
- Study the medicinal plants used by the Kichwa people and understand their cultural significance.
- Explore benefits of cultivating medicinal plants in home gardens and understand knowledge determinants within Shuar and mestizo communities.
- Contribute to projects that support local medicine men and healers in education and cultural preservation.
- Daily activities include working at agroforestry farms, cultivating medicinal plants, and participating in plant inventories to gain practical ethnobotany experience.
- Live with host families to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Evenings/weekends include activities like sports, teaching English, and exploring local destinations to enhance cultural exchange.
Logistics & Duration
- Duration: Minimum 2 weeks (cost: 1000 per week; minimum booking 2 weeks, including travel time).
- Location/Transport: Fly into Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito; we arrange transport to Tena (about a 4-hour drive).
- Accommodation: Stay with a host family in a private room, with option to arrange a local hotel if you prefer.
- Support: Airport pickup and transfer to the project; all project-related activities included; Premium Support Package with 24/7 support.
Costs, Inclusions & Exclusions
- Includes: Private accommodation, all meals, airport pickup and transfer to project, all project activities, Premium Support Package with 24/7 assistance.
- Not included: Flights, visas (if applicable), vaccinations, travel insurance, personal spending and any extra activities.
Notes
Please note: all information above is subject to change. Please check the Global Nomadic website for the most up-to-date information when applying. Simply follow the link on the Apply Button above.
Qualifications
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Job function: Training, Other, and Health Care Provider
- Industries: Non-profit Organizations, Medical Practices, and Philanthropic Fundraising Services
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Volunteer: Plants, People, and Healing: Discovering Ecuador s Amazonian Ethnobotany employer: Global Nomadic
Contact Detail:
Global Nomadic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer: Plants, People, and Healing: Discovering Ecuador s Amazonian Ethnobotany
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local culture before you arrive! Research the Kichwa and Shuar communities, their traditions, and the medicinal plants they use. This will not only impress your hosts but also help you connect better during your volunteer experience.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to past volunteers or join online forums related to ethnobotany and volunteering in Ecuador. They can provide insider tips and might even connect you with opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive once you’re there! Engage with local healers and ask questions about their practices. Showing genuine interest can lead to deeper learning experiences and possibly more responsibilities within the project.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to document your journey! Keep a journal or blog about your experiences with medicinal plants and cultural exchanges. This not only helps you reflect but can also be a great way to share your adventure with others when you return.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer: Plants, People, and Healing: Discovering Ecuador s Amazonian Ethnobotany
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic: When you're writing your application, let your true self shine through! We want to see your passion for ethnobotany and the Amazon. Share your personal experiences and why this opportunity excites you.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and interests align with the programme. Mention specific aspects of the Kichwa culture or medicinal plants that intrigue you, so we know you’ve done your homework!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for volunteers who are genuinely committed to learning and contributing. In your application, express your willingness to engage with local communities and support traditional healers in their work.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised. Plus, you’ll find all the latest info about the programme there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Global Nomadic
✨Know Your Ethnobotany
Familiarise yourself with the medicinal plants used by the Kichwa and local communities. Research their cultural significance and how they relate to local health concerns. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the programme.
✨Show Your Passion for Cultural Exchange
Be prepared to discuss why you want to immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture. Share any previous experiences that highlight your commitment to cultural exchange, whether through travel, volunteering, or learning about different traditions.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Think about any skills that could be beneficial for this role, such as teamwork, adaptability, or experience in agriculture. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences, especially in volunteer or community settings.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the specific projects you'll be involved in or how the programme supports local healers. It shows you're engaged and eager to learn more about the opportunity.
