Galapagos ICE

Galapagos

Volunteers

Jean-Alex, Health & Education Volunteer (Canada)

[Galapagos ICE’s volunteer program] was a very independent program which allowed me to help out in which ever way I liked. I was let alone and didn’t have to follow the same schedule as others. I was also able to switch from volunteering at the hospital to volunteering in a school. It didn’t have a huge participation fee as does many other international programs. In all, I enjoyed Galapagos ICE because it really wasn’t about making money off of volunteers but really more about making a difference in the Galapagos. 

Through the breadth and depth of your community network, you [Emily Pozo] satisfied not only the logistical considerations of my project [Galapagos Words and Sounds], but also put into place an opportunity for authentic exchange with the local community in Puerto Ayora. In many respects, this project would not have gone forward had it not been for you – not only by connecting us with the teachers and students at Collegio Nacional Galapagos, but also in your willingness to serve as a project advocate, chaperone and translator. Our work with the students was an exercise in finding forms of meaningful exchange during our brief visit. You were a critical connection across language and culture, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local community to an extent that would not have been possible without your assistance and expertise.

Galapagos ICE rocks out…!!! Emily is genuinely fired up about what she is doing and her enthusiasm inspires one to put their heart into whatever project they might be working on. There are clearly many areas in education, and healthcare that could be vastly improved for the residents of the Galapagos, and Emily seems to work tirelessly with that aim in mind. A major part of the appeal of this NGO, is that Emily and the volunteers attempt to empower and inspire members of the community via knowledge, information, skills learning, experience, and hands-on projects, so that they can become the solution themselves to improved health, education, and ultimately quality of life. 

I liked the opportunity to identify special areas of need in the community and then address those needs with your own specialty skill set. It was also great that the volunteering hours were relatively flexible allowing time to explore the magic of Galapagos.

The fact that I had to send two letters of recommendation gave me the instant impression that this was a serious organization. I actually appreciated the fact that i needed to send a copy of my travel insurance, passport etc., ensured me that i was in good hands with someone who knew what she was doing. Emily was extremely helpful and answered all my emails (with all my millions of questions..) instantly which also made me feel very comfortable already from the beginning. My parents were fairly suspicious towards the idea of volunteering abroad (horror stories of huge fees for basically nothing) so i let them read the emails emily sent me and the volunteer package and they also agreed that this seemed reliable and professionaly handled. Cant think of anything that needs to be improved, it worked out really well for me!

Barbara, Public Health (USA)

I most enjoyed being involved in several projects and getting to know many aspects of community life in Santa Cruz. I was able to experience first-hand both the joys and frustrations associated with being a foreign volunteer and it made for the best 6 weeks of my life. 

Patrick, Medical Doctor (Scotland)

As a volunteer on the Galapagos I was able to live with a family on Santa Cruz, work in the city and fully immerse myself in the archipelago. This meant that the contagious pace of Galapagos life was fully experienced as I got under the skin of the island and became not ‘just another gringo’ – it was this that I most enjoyed. 

Share your comments on your experience volunteering with Galapagos ICE by e-mailing volunteer@galapagosice.org.