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1) Where are the Galapagos Islands?
Organizational and Program Information
2) What is the New Era Galapagos Foundation?
3) What is the relationship between NEGF and La Fundación Nueva Era Galápagos (FNEG)?
4) What programs are offered?
5) What is the schedule of classes?
6) Is the NEGF a registered 501(c)(3) organization?
7) If a local resident approaches me about giving English lessons on a private basis, is it all right to go ahead with this?
Volunteering for New Era Galapagos
8) Is it possible to volunteer with the NEGF?
9) How many hours does a typical volunteer work?
10) What kind of volunteer makes a good fit with New Era?
11) Does NEGF offer any paid positions?
12) How much does it cost to volunteer with the NEGF?
13) I am interested in volunteering with NEGF, but I can't stay for three months. Is this OK?
14) Does NEGF require volunteers to speak Spanish?
15) Do volunteers have the opportunity to travel to other Galapagos Islands?
16) What is the contact information for the New Era Galapagos Foundation?
17) Is there a standard English curriculum in place? Are there standard textbooks that I will be using?
18) What kind of educational supports and technology are available at New Era Galapagos?
19) Are there things that I can bring to help out New Era Galapagos?
20) What should I bring to San Cristobal?
Travel Information
21) Are there options to travel between the islands within the Galapagos?
22) Do I need to get a special visa?
23) I understand that there is a $100 National Park entrance fee to be paid upon arrival in the Galapagos, but that as a volunteer, I can get it waived. How do I go about doing this?
24) What is the difference between San Cristobal and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?
25) What is the weather like on San Cristobal?
26) In which time zone is San Cristobal?
27) What is daily life like in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?
28) What kind of transportation is available on the island?
29) What kind of housing and eating accommodations are available?
30) What if I don't have accommodations lined up when I arrive? Where can I stay upon arrival?
31) What health and safety precautions should I be aware of?
32) What kind of medical care is available on the island?
33) What is the typical food eaten on the islands?
34) Can I drink the water on the island?
35) What kind of banking facilities are available on the island?
36) What kind of currency does Ecuador use?
37) Can I use a credit card on the island?
38) What are some typical food prices on the island:
39) Can I get access to the Internet on San Cristobal?
40) How do I make international calls from the island and how much does it cost?
41) What do I do about laundry?
42) What is there to do in my free time on San Cristobal?
43) If I have extra time or want to learn more about other organizations and issues on the island, are there opportunities for additional volunteer work in other organizations?
44) Are there past volunteers that I can contact who will share their experiences with me and give me advice?
1) Where are the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 1,000 km (625 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. They are comprised of thirteen islands and over forty islets. Some 18,000 humans inhabit five of the islands (San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, and Baltra), and 97% of the islands' total area is designated as National Park land. San Cristobal Island, the easternmost island and home to the New Era Galapagos Foundation, has roughly 5,000 residents.
New Era Galapagos Foundation - Organizational and Program Information
2) What is the New Era Galapagos Foundation?
The New Era Galapagos Foundation (NEGF) is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands through the empowerment of local residents via educational programs and environmental action projects.
3) What is the relationship between NEGF and La Fundación Nueva Era Galápagos (FNEG)?
The NEGF and FNEG are partner organizations, each based in the United States and Ecuador, respectively. FNEG, a registered non-profit organization under the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Ecuador, provides all of the educational and conservation programs to the residents of San Cristobal, Galapagos. NEGF, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona, supports the mission and goals of FNEG through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and general organizational support.
4) What programs are offered?
NEGF offers educational programs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to children of all ages and adults. In addition, it offers special programs and activities in outdoor education, environmental education, art, and Scouts.
5) What is the schedule of classes ?
New Era Galapagos runs an educational program parallel to the school year. Whereas in much of mainland Ecuador the regular school year runs from approximately late September to the end of June, in the Galapagos and some of the other coastal regions, it runs from April to January. New Era classes are held in three 3-month cycles: April-June, July-September, October-December. A summer camp program is held for 4-5 weeks, mid-February to mid-March. Adult classes continue in the evenings during the mid-January to March period.
English classes are held four afternoons a week (Mon.-Thurs., one hour each) for children, during three time blocks, 3-4 p.m., 4-5 p.m., and 5-6 p.m. Fri. afternoons no regular classes are held, but the children come to watch movies or participate in special activities. English classes are held four evenings a week (Mon.-Thurs., one hour each) for adults and older youth during two time blocks, 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.
Students are divided into classes for beginning, elementary, or intermediate levels. There are also a few advanced students. The majority of the students are at the beginning or elementary levels.
Most of the beginning and elementary classes have between 8 and 25 students. In the larger
classes, there may be two teachers sharing the teaching responsibilities.
6) Is the NEGF a registered 501(c)(3) organization?
Yes, the NEGF is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Services. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.
7) If a local resident approaches me about giving English lessons on a private basis, is it all right to go ahead with this?
It's best to talk with William Puga first, to ensure that locals aren't taking advantage of volunteers and that we give a relatively consistent response. Some volunteers have bartered the giving of English lessons in exchange for drawing lessons, reduced Internet fees, use of a bicycle, etc. But it's best to negotiate these arrangements with William's knowledge.
Volunteering for New Era Galapagos
8) Is it possible to volunteer with the NEGF?
As a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, the NEGF is always recruiting individuals for volunteer placements on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Volunteers should be prepared to commit a minimum of three months in one (or more) of the following program areas: English as a Foreign Language, Environmental Education, Art, and/or Admin/Management/ Development. Most volunteers teach English. Some combine that with involvement in one or more of the other areas. Interested candidates should send their resumes to volunteer@neweragalapagos.org no later than two months prior to the start date of the session they are interested in.
9) How many hours does a typical volunteer work?
Though volunteer schedules vary depending on the area to which they are assigned, most volunteers work approximately 20-25 hours per week. For example, English teachers typically provide 4 hours of classroom instruction daily (Monday-Friday), not including lesson plans and general classroom preparation. Those volunteers involved with environmental education or art activities usually are involved in these activities Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, as well as several hours each day Monday-Thursday.
10) What kind of volunteer makes a good fit with New Era?
If you are looking for an interesting island experience, in a friendly and low-key community, with incredible wildlife all around you, San Cristobal may be the location for you. If you are looking to party, in a location with serious nightlife, the New Era Galapagos Foundation, and San Cristobal Island, will not be a good fit.
An intermediate level of Spanish is desirable...while it is not necessary, you will get more out of the experience and be able to interact more effectively with local people if your Spanish skills are at this level.
You will need to bring a positive attitude, a sense of humor and a very flexible state of mind. The Galapaguenian way of life is laid back, people are frequently late, and apparent commitments can be somewhat fluid.
11) Does NEGF offer any paid positions?
Due to extremely limited financial resources, the NEGF does not offer any paid staff positions at this time.
12) How much does it cost to volunteer with the NEGF?
All NEGF volunteers must pay for all transportation costs to and from the Galapagos Islands, as well as general living expenses while in the Islands. NEGF provides all volunteers with a waiver for the $100 entrance fee charged upon arrival to all visitors of the Galapagos. There are no additional charges.
13) I am interested in volunteering with NEGF, but I can't stay for three months. Is this OK?
Normally, volunteers are expected to commit to at least a three-month stay. During some periods of the year, for example, the children's camp program, held during February and March, a shorter commitment will be considered.
14) Does NEGF require volunteers to speak Spanish?
Volunteers interested in teaching EFL do not need to be Spanish speakers, though some basic Spanish knowledge is recommended. Volunteers interested in all other program areas must possess conversational Spanish at the intermediate level or higher.
15) Do volunteers have the opportunity to travel to other Galapagos Islands?
During their service, all volunteers are expected to fulfil their duties assigned them. However, all volunteers are encouraged to explore the island of San Cristobal to its fullest. Due to the distance between islands and the time associated with boat travel between each island (4 1/2 hours to the closest inhabited island, Santa Cruz), volunteers are recommended to visit other islands either before or after their service begins. Having said that, virtually every volunteer has travelled both by car and/or panga, local motor boats, to visit the many unique and spectacular areas of San Cristobal Island, including Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Playa Ochoa, La Galapaguera, and other designated tourist sites.
16) What is the contact information for the New Era Galapagos Foundation?
It is located on Hernan Malville, just around the corner from Avenida Charles Darwin and directly up the street from the pier where passenger boats load and unload. The phone number is 593-05-2520-489 (there is currently no fax at New Era Galapagos).
17) Is there a standard English curriculum in place? Are there standard textbooks that I will be using?
At this point, there is no established curriculum. That is one of our goals, and we are currently seeking a volunteer who will focus on this, writing/organizing a curriculum, with defined learning objectives for each class level. There are many educational resources available at New Era Galapagos - grammar textbooks, workbooks, supplementary materials for different levels and appropriate for different ages. These have been organized and catalogued, with an annotated resource list available, to help volunteers gain easy access to the available resources.
18) What kind of educational supports and technology are available at New Era Galapagos?
There are two classrooms and a makeshift classroom that are used. All three have white boards. Additional equipment includes a television, VCR and audio tape/CD player. There are two computers in the office available for use by volunteers for preparing materials (Internet is not available in the office).
19) Are there things that I can bring to help out New Era Galapagos?
Basic educational supplies are always needed. If you are willing to bring along boxes of crayons, erasable markers (for whiteboards), pencils, colored pencils, they will be much appreciated and well used. We use these supplies on a regular basis and can always use more. Other supplies that would be helpful to bring include colored paper (construction paper), paints, erasers, small pencil sharpeners. Additional instructional materials would be helpful, especially a complete or advanced grammar text.
20) What should I bring to San Cristobal?
See the list of things to bring - available on this web site.
There are also a number of things that you can bring that will enhance your personal experience here on the island. Past volunteers have set up a small lending library of paperback novels and other books for pleasure reading...rather than take them home when they leave, they have chosen to leave them behind for the benefit of other volunteers. Also, if you want to bring a soccer ball (futbol), volleyball, basketball, or frisbee, there will be many opportunities to use them for recreational purposes. And any of these, or snorkeling equipment, that you want to leave behind when you go home, will be well appreciated by other volunteers.
Travel Information
21) Are there options to travel between the islands within the Galapagos?
There are two options, a twice-a-week boat, and a daily (normally) small plane, between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.
Boat:
INGALA, the organization that provides all the infrastructure on San Cristobal, operates a boat between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. The schedule is as follows:
Mon. & Thurs., 12 noon - boat departs San Cristobal from the pier just below New Era, arrives in Santa Cruz approximately 4 p.m. (arrival depends on weather and the seas). Tickets are sold 9-11 a.m. the morning of departure just inside New Era. You should be at the pier by 11:30 a.m. at the latest. Note that occasionally (not often, but occasionally) the boat leaves on an earlier or different schedule, so be sure to check the morning of the previous departure day and again around 9 a.m. the day of departure.
Tues. & Fri., 12 noon - boat departs Santa Cruz, arrives in San Cristobal approximately 4 p.m.
Approximately once a month, boat travels from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz on Thurs., travels from Santa Cruz to Isabela and Floreana on Fri., and returns to Santa Cruz and San Cristobal on Sat. There does not appear to be a published schedule for this exception. You need to check with the INGALA agent on one of the departure days.
The cost for the boat is $50 one way.
Plane:
Emetebe Airline flies a small plane daily (as long as there are passengers), usually in the morning, between San Cristobal and Baltra and sometimes goes to Isabela as well. The office is located at the airport in San Cristobal. The cost for the plane is a lot higher than the boat.
22) Do I need to get a special visa?
Although the Ecuadorian law says that if you will be in the country for more than 90 days, you need to get a special visa, we do not recommend that you do this. Previous volunteers have had considerable difficulty when they have gotten a special visa...information is inconsistent among consulates, not infrequently the wrong visa is issued, paperwork required is extensive, to change or renew a special visa requires traveling back to Quito, and it is costly to obtain a special visa.
We recommend that you come to Ecuador without a visa. You will be issued a tourist visa upon your arrival in the country. When passing through customs, it is best to simply say that you are a tourist and not to mention that you will be doing volunteer work. If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you can easily get your visa renewed in the local police station/immigration office in San Cristobal.
23) I understand that there is a $100 National Park entrance fee to be paid upon arrival in the Galapagos, but that as a volunteer, I can get it waived. How do I go about doing this?
Someone from New Era, either William Puga, the Program Director, or another volunteer, should meet you at the airport. A letter from William should have been sent to the National Park, and they should have it in hand. It is best to have William email you a copy to carry with you in your possession as well. If they cannot locate that paperwork, tell them that they should have received such a letter from William.
Life on San Cristobal Island
24) What is the difference between San Cristobal and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?
San Cristobal is the name of the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the name of the principal town on the island, a port on the ocean where New Era Galapagos is located. The population of the whole island is approximately 5,000, most of whom live in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
25) What is the weather like on San Cristobal?
There are two seasons in the Galapagos, a dry season and a wet season. Surprisingly, the "dry season", from June to November, tends to be cloudier and cooler and frequently there is a mist in the air, called the garúa, more so in the highlands than in town. While real rain is infrequent, it does occur during the dry season. When the sun is out, it can be quite warm, even hot, and evenings are quite cool. The "wet season", from December to May, tends to be much hotter, with more frequent rain and also more intense sun.
26) In which time zone is San Cristobal?
The Galapagos are one hour behind Quito. They are parallel to MDT (mountain daylight time) or CST (central standard time) in the U.S.
27) What is daily life like in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?
The pace of life in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and on San Cristobal is laid back and casual. While many people have emigrated here from mainland Ecuador, many others have lived here all their lives. They live here for the tranquility and peaceful lifestyle of the island. The local people are very friendly and helpful. Dress and customs are informal.
28) What kind of transportation is available on the island?
While a few people in town have private cars or trucks, you will notice white taxi/trucks available everywhere. For $1, you can ride anywhere in town, and for a couple dollars you can get a ride to El Progresso.
29) What kind of housing and eating accommodations are available?
Several different types of housing are available. The most common arrangement is to rent a room in the home of a local family or small apartment. Some arrangements have access to kitchen facilities; others do not. Occasionally, it is possible to both live and eat meals with a family, but this is not common. Some volunteers cook their own meals; others eat in local restaurants, some with a contracted arrangement to eat all their meals there.
Costs for accommodations (in late 2003) range from $90 per month per person for a shared simple apartment with minimal kitchen facilities and hot water ($180 per month for the apartment), to a bedroom in a private house with no meals provided for $150 per month, to a cabaña near the beach, which sleeps 3 and includes a kitchen and hot water, for $230 per month. None of these prices includes meals. Most are negotiated prices for volunteers. Food costs for simple standard meals on a contracted basis are approximately $150 per month - this is a minimal cost for eating at a very basic restaurant...standard, ample quantities of food, but nothing fancy. Eating in different restaurants can be done still relatively inexpensively but at a higher cost than this. Cooking for yourself can cut the cost down. Most people who do this end up combining cooking and eating out.
30) What if I don't have accommodations lined up when I arrive? Where can I stay upon arrival?
There are several relatively inexpensive hotels in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Among them are Hotel Chatham and Mar Azul, located just a couple blocks from the airport and also a couple blocks from the center of town. Others, including Hotel San Francisco, are in the center of town. You can arrange a room in one of these hotels for $10-15 a night.
31) What health and safety precautions should I be aware of?
You should either buy and drink only bottled water or you should boil water before drinking it.
With food, be sure to wash well all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them. With packaged food, look for expiration dates before you purchase them...the health department frequently has to confiscate food because stores sell food beyond the expiration dates.
If you drink alcohol, it´s best to stick to beer and wine and not to drink hard liquor. Not infrequently bottled liquor has been tampered with, with ethyl alcohol or some other toxic kind of alcohol being substituted.
Relatively speaking, San Cristobal is very safe. Unlike the mainland, there is very little theft and little concern for crime. However, normal precautions should be taken.
32) What kind of medical care is available on the island?
Minimal medical care is available, including minimal surgery, on the island. Major problems or accidents require transport to the mainland for care.
33) What is the typical food eaten on the islands?
Almuerzo is eaten in early afternoon and is the largest meal of the day. Typically, it consists of two plates, soup, and some kind of fish, chicken or meat (often fried), rice and/or potatoes, and vegetables. Merienda, the evening meal, is similar, but usually on a lighter scale. There are many fresh fruits available on the island, many grown locally. There are also many vegetables available, some grown locally, but many transported from the main land.
34) Can I drink the water on the island?
You cannot drink the water on the island. Bottled water can easily be purchased, at a relatively low cost. Sometimes the local hospital makes available a water tap in its courtyard. When this occurs, you can fill jugs of water for free...this water is fine to drink.
35) What kind of banking facilities are available on the island?
There is only one bank on the island, Banco del Pacifico, located on the waterfront, just around the corner from New Era. Hours are Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-12 noon.
The ATM/cash machine is outside, is open 24 hours and accepts the following cards: Mastercard, Cirrus, and Maestro. Check on the back of your ATM card to see if it has one of these symbols.
Visa card holders can get a cash advance inside the bank. Ask the person sitting at the desk on the right as you enter, and be sure to bring along your passport.
Travelers' checks can be cashed at the bank, but a $5 administrative charge is added every time you cash them, regardless of the amount. Again, you will need your passport.
36) What kind of currency does Ecuador use?
Ecuadorian currency was discontinued several years ago. U.S. currency is now the standard and used regularly, both bills and coins. Occasionally, you will receive Ecuadorian coins in change, but their value is equivalent to U.S. currency. However, there is a shortage of change on the island. Don't bring any bills larger than $20, and it's often difficult to get change for a $20 bill. The bank usually will change bills, but sometimes it runs short of change also. It's a good idea to bring a quantity of small bills along with you. (Note: the same change situation is the case on mainland Ecuador as well.)
37) Can I use a credit card on the island?
You can use a credit card for nice restaurants, but you are unlikely to want to count on using one. Any place that accepts them will charge you a significant additional fee for its use. Most stores, markets, hotels, and small restaurants (the majority) will accept only cash.
38) What are some typical food prices on the island:
In a variety of small markets (there is no real supermarket), you can purchase a variety of food items. Some typical prices include the following: loaf of bread - $1.25; individual rolls/buns - $.10-$.40; package of milk - $1.10; beer - $1.10 per liter bottle; colas - $1 per 1/2 liter bottle, $1.50 per liter bottle; small bottle of water - $.50, large bottle of water - $1.25; tomatoes - $.50 per pound; whole pineapple - $2; whole papaya - $1; eggs - $.10 each; toothpaste - $1.50, soap - $.50.
39) Can I get access to the Internet on San Cristobal?
Yes, there are a number of Internet cafés on the island. However, the cost is more expensive than on the main land. They currently charge $2-3 per hour. Currently, the least expensive option is the Easynet Internet Cafè, in the Pacifictel building.
40) How do I make international calls from the island and how much does it cost?
There are two different telephone companies on the island, Pacifictel and Bell South. You can make all calls from these offices, local, national and international. This is the cheapest and most efficient way of calling. Pacifictel is best for calling England ($.52 per minute), Canada ($.53 per minute), Australia ($.66 per minute). Bell South is best for calling the U.S. ($.25 per minute) and Germany ($.42 per minute). Pacifictel is in the same building as the Easynet Internet Café and Bell South is on the waterfront, directly opposite New Era Galapagos.
Another option to look into before you leave home is to find out from your personal long distance phone company what toll-free number to use from Ecuador to use to call back to your country in order to make collect calls.
41) What do I do about laundry?
There is one laundromat on the island that will wash and dry your clothes for a fee. Turn around time is generally within a couple hours.
42) What is there to do in my free time on San Cristobal?
The options for evening entertainment are pretty limited. There is one disco in town...it tends to attract a young local crowd. There are several bars, where volunteers hang out, drink a beer or two, and play pool.
There are many more options for daytime activities, taking advantage of the natural environment of the island. Such activities include swimming, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, biking and wildlife watching.
San Cristobal is also home to an excellent interpretation center just at the edge of town near Playa Mann. It provides an excellent history and overview of the development of the islands and of some of the issues the island faces today.
Additional places to visit:
- La Lobería - approximately a half hour walk from the airport (along the dirt road that passes the airport) - many sea lions live on this beach...great place to watch them, take photos, etc. Continuing to walk along the rocks to the point, you will see iguanas and many sea birds long the rocks.
- El Progreso - located up the hill up the main road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno...a small village, with the original settlement on the island...easily accessibly by bike (as long as your gears work, as it is uphill!), or a sturdy walk or an inexpensive cab/truck ride.
- La Soledad - a very small settlement not too far beyond El Progreso...not much there except a nice mirador (view point) up above a little church, looking out onto the sea on the southwestern side of the island.
- El Junco - a lake on the island, formed within the remains of an old crater...near the highest point on the island...a bit beyond El Progresso.
- La Galapaguera - a protected area where large tortoises are cared for, fed, and raised.
- Puerto Chino - a lovely little beach on the southeastern side of the island, with fine white sand, good swimming, seabirds...accessible via taxi/truck to the end of the road, then approximately a 30-minute walk from there.
- Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock - only available by boat (about a 1-hr. ride from town)...great place for snorkeling, wildlife watching (sea lions, masked boobies, frigate birds, sharks).
43) If I have extra time or want to learn more about other organizations and issues on the island, are there opportunities for additional volunteer work in other organizations?
There are a number of other organizations that can sometimes utilize volunteer assistance. These include the national park, CIMEI (an organization that is working to eradicate introduced species), a coffee plantation, and INGALA (the organization responsible for the island´s infrastructure). Arrangements for contacting one of these or other organizations can be worked out with the assistance of William Puga.
44) Are there past volunteers that I can contact who will share their experiences with me and give me advice?
Yes, a number of past volunteers are available for that purpose. Please email Matt Garlick at mgarlick@neweragalapagos.org, and he will put you in contact with a current and/or alumni volunteer.
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