International Outreach Initiative - Ecuador

IOI projects are designed so that a volunteer from any background can join and support work on Isabela Island in The Galapagos. 

Application deadline:

Thursday 10th April at 3pm

When: 

Flexible start dates from September 24-August 25 for 28 days.

4-week programme must be completed by 31st August 2025 to be eligible for Turing funding.

Spaces available for this project: 

There are 10 spaces available for this project.  

 

Funding available: 

There are three grants available for students who meet any of the widening participation criteria:

Living cost grant: £588

Travel grant: up to £905

Additional costs: up to £80 this supports payment towards buying/renewing a passport, travel insurance and vaccinations 

For those who do not meet any of the criteria there is a grant of £476 available.

 

Programme fee: 

The programme cost is $2,700, including a deposit of $200.

 

What does the programme fee include? 

• Homestay accommodation- includes a private room and bathroom with a bed, desk, chair, fan or AC, and will be within walking distance of IOI and the project.
• Meals- breakfast and dinner are with your family and students can choose where to eat lunch from one of the participating restaurants in town using a charting system.
• Galapagos transient visa (which waives the $100 USD Galapagos National Park entrance fee
• Ferry ticket to (and from) Puerto Ayora pier to Isabela Island
• Project training and any necessary resources to complete the work
• Daily placement follow-up sessions
  
  
  

What additional costs should be considered?* 

• Vaccinations
• Flights to/from Galapagos (Seymour Airport)
• Overnight lodging on Mainland Ecuador and on Santa Cruz if one chooses to arrive early
• Transportation from Baltra airport to Isabela Island (buses, canal ferry, water taxis)
• Personal items
• Tourism-related activities
• Obligatory $20 USD visitor fee to be paid at flight check-in to Galapagos
• Travel Insurance- emergency medical repatriation must be included. Any travel insurance can be chosen but IOI also has an agreement with World Nomads that offers a small discount*please note this list is not exhaustive, you must research potential costs yourself.
  
  
  

*Please note this list is not exhaustive, you must research potential costs yourself