A volunteer program was implemented in order to achieve Alandaluz’s and Cantalapiedra’s objectives and to improve the agri-ecological, tourist, educational, health, and other projects. Through this program, students and professionals--whether Ecuadorians or foreigners--become important collaborators.
Through the volunteer experience, these collaborators become personally enriched and professionally trained.

Volunteers who live in Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra should possess certain values such as: honesty, friendliness, initiative, responsibility, environmental concern, an interest in conservation, and a respectful and collaborative attitude towards the local communities. When you come to work with us, you will be compensated with practical knowledge in eco-tourism, the hotel industry, gastronomy, native plant research, reforestation, trail-building, bio-architecture, agri-ecology, landscaping, etc. Additionally, you will be able to count on an inviting, respectful, creative, and caring work environment.

Financing:
Considering that Alandaluz and Cantalapiedra do not receive donations from any entity, but instead depend on their own production and tourism, we are obligated to charge volunteers a small fee while working at our facilities. The amount is fourteen dollars per day (14.00 USD) for foreign volunteers and ten dollars per day (10.00 USD) for Ecuadorian volunteers. (This charge includes lodging and three meals daily.)

Conditions:
Alandaluz and Cantalapiedra have a limited amount of bed space. Depending on the number of tourists and volunteers, each volunteer might receive his or her own room. However, in some instances the rooms will be shared.

Transportation:
For Cantalapiedra volunteers, Alandaluz Hostel can provide transportation to and from Cantalapiedra.

Volunteer Coordination:
Each volunteer will have a coordinator who will orient him or her during the volunteer process. In addition, he or she will always receive support from our entire team of staff.

Work Plan:
The work plan that you will be executing will be agreed upon by email (voluntariado@alandaluzhosteria.com) before your arrival to Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra. Your coordinator will establish your daily activities. Each volunteer and coordinator should meet once a week with the Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra Administrator to evaluate and adjust the work plan. At the end of your work and stay, your participation will be evaluated.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER?

Write to us:

Initial contact should be made by e-mail at: voluntariado@alandaluzhosteria.com

Following the initial contact, you will be given an interview appointment with the General Manager or President of Alandaluz.

Volunteer Requirements:
• Resume
• Minimum stay: 1 month
• University certificate, if applicant is a student
• Life and/or health insurance
• Good level of Spanish-speaking ability
• Police record (Ecuadorian volunteers)
• Passport copy (foreign volunteers)
• Copy of citizenship ID (Ecuadorian or resident volunteers)
 • Present a letter of application that should include:
- Education
- Reasons for applying
- Starting date and preferred activity to participate in

Note: In special cases, the costs of food and lodging can be partially or fully sponsored.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The purpose of this program is to unify efforts with educational institutions to mold future professionals in a practical manner. We have a wide variety of areas in which students can exercise their knowledge. This fusion between education and field experience will provide experience and develop each student's abilities.

Requirements for Project Development

• Resume
• Minimum stay: 3 months
• University certificate, if applicant is a student
• Students should present projects that are relevant to and necessary for their academic development and that are useful for Alandaluz, Cantalapiedra or the local communities
• Projects should be presented one month in advance
• Life and/or health insurance
• Good level of Spanish-speaking ability
• Police record (Ecuadorian volunteers)
• Passport copy (foreign volunteers)
• Copy of citizenship ID (Ecuadorian and resident volunteers)

Note: For special projects, food and lodging can be partially or fully sponsored.

Possible Topics for Project Elaboration:
• Eco-tourism
- Trail-building throughout the Ecological Village
- Trail-building throughout Cantalapiedra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Personnel and community training programs

• Bio-architecture
- New proposals for construction utilizing bio-architectural characteristics

• Community Work
- Marketing plan for the artisan's center
- Training potential guides regarding Cantalapiedra, the birding route along the Ayampe River, and agri-ecological communities
- Development and construction of Puerto Rico's Civic Center

• Environment
- Plan and develop a tropical dry forest Botanical Garden in the Ecological Village
- Implement appropriate irrigation technology
- Inventory Cantalapiedra's flora and fauna
- Develop new landscaping and gardening proposals
- Mix up natural insecticides and fungicides to control the most common plagues in the area
ALANDALUZ'S AND CANTALAPIEDRA'S REGULATIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS AND PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

• All applicants should submit the established requirements one month before arrival.
• The minimum stay at Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra is one month for volunteers and three months for those who are developing projects.
• Days off with be defined according to the institutional requirements.
• For the duration of the stay, the individual must fulfill the work schedule as previously agreed upon.

• 100% of the individual's stay must be paid in full upon arrival to Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra.
• If the person decides to withdraw before the previously established date, he or she is responsible to pay for the entire agreed-upon length of stay at Alandaluz or Cantalapiedra.
• Alandaluz and Cantalapiedra reserve the right to terminate the internship when the volunteer does not fulfill the established work agreement, for unlawful conduct or any action that goes against the institution's principles. In this case, neither Alandaluz nor Cantalapiedra will pay a reimbursement.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages and narcotics is strictly prohibited on the grounds of Alandaluz and Cantalapiedra.
• For those who work at the facilities, it is required to receive prior authorization before bringing guests onto the grounds.
• All volunteers should be open to collaborating in Alandaluz's and Cantalapiedra's different activities as the need arises.

Alándaluz and Cantalapiedra hold themselves responsible for:

• Assigning a coordinator who will help, orient, and evaluate the volunteer.
• Developing a work plan taking into account the individual's interests, capabilities, and aspirations.
• Creating a positive work atmosphere.
• Providing a certificate of completion for the internship.