Volunteering and Internships in Quito

While the SAE has always been a primarily volunteer organization, over the last several years interns have become an integral part of the SAE. Internships last at least 15 weeks and the longer time frame affords interns the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to the club. Volunteers must be willing to volunteer, full-time for at least a 6 weeks. Beyond the amazing experience of working and living in Ecuador a Volunteer/Intern has the chance to:

• Develop professional skills with diverse and expanding programs
• Work with an international staff
• Develop language skills
• Develop interpersonal communications
• Work with resource and project management
• Develop self-proposed initiatives
• Work face-to-face with a diverse cliental

Responsibilities of an Intern/Volunteer

An intern/volunteer at the SAE has responsibilities in multiple areas. They assist members with their itineraries and travel plans, sell club merchandise, manage clubhouse resources, plan events, and perform general office tasks. In addition, each intern in collaboration with other staff and volunteers works on special projects that help the club adapt to the members changing needs as well as follow current trends within travel, research and exploration. In addition to learning valuable project management skills, past interns have been able to earn university credit for their work.

Clubhouse/Member Services

• Update current recommended lists, brochures and info sheets
• Solicit trip reports from members and manage trip report database
• Schedule, promote and manage clubhouse events including classes, talks, parties, fundraisers, etc
• Maintain lending library, book exchange and clubhouse bookstore
• Welcome and provide trip planning assistance to visiting members and respond to email requests

Internship Specialty Areas

Examples of past special Intern projects include a needs assessment of local non-profit/non-governmental organizations, the expansion of SAE’s volunteer resources, writing area information packets, fundraising campaigns and club promotions. Each intern will collaborate with the clubhouse staff to design a special project that compliments and expands upon the individual intern’s personal skills and professional strengths.

Intern responsibilities are divided into several areas and internships can focus on any one or a combination of the following:

Volunteer Resources Management

• Meet with humanitarian, socially and ecologically oriented non-profits and establish lasting relationships with them
• Maintain and update Volunteering information for Ecuador
• Advise members on volunteering opportunities in Ecuador
• Organize community service projects and fundraisers with local organizations

Event planning

• Organizing events and trips for our members
• Creating and distributing flyers, posters, general club advertising
• Updating weekly email newsletter

How to Apply: Please fill out an application and attach a CV or resume. via email to quitoclub@saexplorers.org

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to write or call us at the clubhouse.

Benefits for interns and volunteers:

Unfortunately we are unable to pay our interns a stipend, however SAE strives to provide its interns and volunteers with other benefits in appreciation for the work they will do for the Club. Benefits include but are not limited to:

• Opportunity to live and work in a different culture.
• Excellent networking opportunities with other NGO’s, schools, tour operators, academics, etc.
• Develop new skills, i.e organizational, marketing, I.T.
• Opportunities to organize your own trips with updated information.
• Free lunch and hot drinks
• Free internet access
• Discounted Spanish classes (available to volunteers who are contracted for longer than 3 month)
• Flexible work schedule – this will allow the volunteer time to travel or take Spanish lessons
• Free membership for volunteers contracted for over 2 month
• Meet new people and make lifelong friends- Quito SAE office is a very relaxed & social environment in which to work.