love. be loved.

Looking for an affordable volunteer abroad program? You've found it! OSSO is top-rated nonprofit that has been providing volunteer abroad opportunities in Ecuador for over 25 years! OSSO offers a range of volunteer abroad opportunities at unbeatable prices. Explore our different program options below to discover which is the best fit for you!

When you volunteer abroad with OSSO, your main focus is to support the emotional needs of children in orphanages. Volunteers typically serve 2 shifts a day in the orphanages. Your daily activities may include playing soccer, reading books, doing crafts, wiping tears, and giving hugs. While orphanage staff meet the children's basic needs, there's often not enough time to give each child the individual attention they need. As a volunteer, you'll help ensure every child feels loved, which is crucial for their development. You may also assist with basic tasks like feeding, and have the opportunity to work with children of all ages across various orphanages. Wednesdays are excursion days! Volunteers get the opportunity to explore the beautiful country of Ecuador by participating in various cultural adventures. This could include a day of ziplining, hiking, cable car rides, petting llamas, and more!

Cuenca, Ecuador: Cuenca is located in the southern region of the country. Cuenca is known as one of the most beautiful cities in Ecuador! The city is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Between the beautiful landscape and the European-inspired architecture, Cuenca is a wonderful option for your trip. Quito: Quito is the capital city of Ecuador. The city is situated right on the equator! Quito's ‘Mitad del Mundo’ (Middle of the World) monument marks the equatorial line and attracts tourists from around the world. Quito has a rich and beautiful history that contributes to the vibrant culture it is known for today. There are endless cathedrals and incredible architecture that make this a bucket list city for many travelers. Tepoztlán, Mexico: Tepoztlán, Mexico is a designated ‘magical town’ in central Mexico, with a strong Indigenous identity and a relaxed, local feel. The streets are lined with simple markets, food stalls, and shops run by longtime residents. The town sits below Tepozteco Mountain, which gives the area its distinctive look and character.

Volunteers in both cities live in gated, secure housing compounds. There are men's and women's dorms, as well as family accommodations. We take pride in keeping our volunteer housing in great condition.

While familiarity with the Spanish language is helpful, it is not required to be an OSSO volunteer! We believe that love is a universal language and that there are so many ways to communicate other than with words.

The safety of the volunteers that serve with us is our #1 priority. We have gated and secure housing to ensure our volunteers are safe and comfortable. We also have trusted drivers that take the volunteers to and from their shifts. We also have rules and a code of conduct meant to keep our volunteers safe! For more information regarding volunteer safety view our Safety Page.

Volunteers should purchase travel insurance that covers both their flights and their health while abroad. We also recommend choosing a plan that includes coverage for more active or adventurous activities, since some of our excursions involve a higher level of physical activity than basic medical policies typically cover. We don't endorse any specific companies, but a comprehensive plan with both travel and activity coverage is strongly advised.

All of your training will be done before your first shift in the orphanages. We have an education direct who meets with each and every volunteer to prepare them for their OSSO experience.

Can volunteer but still want to join our mission? Here are two ways that can be done! Donate! Any donations collected for the orphanages goes directly to the orphanages! We currently send donations to 9 different orphanages and fully fund 3 of them. Donations go towards things like food, medical expenses, repairs, orphanage staff and more. Share! If you cant work an OSSO trip into your budget or schedule right now, maybe you know someone who can! We are so grateful when members of our community share our vision and mission with the people around them.

We love when families come down and volunteer together! Spending a few weeks totally devoted to serving others is a great opportunity for families to bond and grow closer together. If you would like to volunteer with your family, we recommend applying ASAP! Family spots are filling very fast. You can check out our Family Volunteer Page for more info!

We recommend that you are up to date on any standard immunizations, although they are not required. There are no extra vaccines required to serve. Find CDC recommended vaccines here.