Well I have now reached my two week marker in Ecuador. It’s been an interesting experience but one that is not necessarily what I had imagined.
The most important thing to remember when volunteering is to remain flexible. When I arrived, it was apparent that the organization didn’t really know I was coming, nor did they have any idea what to do with me. I was put in the information office, where essentially, there was no work to be done.
It can be frustrating when you want to be helpful, and you find yourself unable to contribute. In larger organizations like government agencies, you have to put yourself out there, just like a job. Continue to ask if you can help and try to get acquainted with everyone in the office.
After a week of sitting in an office playing sudoku on my Ecuadorian phone, I met a lawyer who was applying for a scholarship to study in the United States. He needed some help editing his essay in English. This became my salvation from becoming the worlds fastest sudoku player. He has attempted to help me understand the legal process for reporting domestic abuse. It is frustrating work because the language barrier is more challenging than I expected, but at least I am doing more of what I came here to do, and that feels better.
A lot of countries don’t have quite as organized of volunteering/interning programs as the United States does. You have to find a way to be helpful, because sometimes nobody will be there to guide you.
Important lessons learned here in Quito, even if I’m not exactly doing what I wanted to.
