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Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that has the unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country still remains wild and uncharted.

Performing arts has been a part of Ecuadorian life for much of history, telling stories of the Ecuadorian people, their struggles, and their successes. The capital city of Quito is home to the Teatro Nacional, several ballet companies that specialize in folkloric dance, the National Symphony, and hundreds of other performing arts groups.

Bordering the Pacific Ocean and home to roughly 14.5 million people, this country is roughly the size of the state of Wyoming. Marked by its diversity, Ecuador is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and virgin tropical rainforests as well as ancient Incan history.

Our Ecuador Programs

Dance Internship in Ecuador

Connect with the culture of Ecuador through the universal language of dance and movement. Intern with a dance organization that promotes folkloric dance of the Andes region, or a foundation offering dance therapy and education to people with disabilities.

Dance Therapy and Education in Ecuador

The language of dance and movement transcend cultural borders. Find out for yourself as you collaborate with locals in Ecuador, using the power of dance for social change.

Music Internship in Ecuador

Rediscover your musical passion as you intern abroad with a foundation in Quito offering music therapy and education to people with disabilities.

Music Therapy and Education in Ecuador

Experience the awesome power of music to create social change as you volunteer abroad with a foundation offering music therapy and education to people with disabilities.

“I truly believe my experience in Ecuador not only gave me life-long friends and memories, but it also gave me a much clearer picture of what I wanted to do and a huge boost into my career.”

“The family I stayed with for the 3 months were wonderful and very patient with me and my Spanish. My placement was great; I was doing music with special needs which is exactly what i’d wanted to do. I also got to see some amazing places in Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands and the Rainforest. I had a really great 3 months and I wish I could go back and do it again!”

“The spring before my senior year of college I learned that I had taken enough credits to graduate a semester early. I decided to look for experiences abroad and found an experience in Quito, Ecuador sponsored by Performing Arts Abroad. I spent two months in Quito, Ecuador volunteering at a school for people with mental disabilities. It was an excellent opportunity to gain experience teaching dance and also learning about a different culture. PAA arranged my accommodations and project. I never felt alone throughout my experience and I am grateful for all the support I received both from in country directors and directors in the United States. The Ecuadorians are very kind and curious, which makes for great conversations. I took Spanish in high school as well as in college and have been able to form sentences for a long time. After two months in Ecuador I have never felt so comfortable conversing in the language. I made friends at dance classes, my project and church from all over the world (Ecuador, England, Germany, Switzerland, the USA). Before departing, I had some expectations for my experience in Ecuador. I did not expect to have been this inspired by the people, and to have friends from all over the world. One expectation I had was to have a better sense of where I am going and who I want to become. After my two month experience, I have new goals for my future.”

“Working with the students in Ecuador through PAA was incredible. My spanish wasn’t the best, and their English wasn’t great either, but through music we could communicate and grow.”

“I was extremely pleased to be able to use dance in working with people with disabilities in Quito. The one-on-one classes were invaluable to my learning and cultural immersion. My family was welcoming and respectful. I was appreciative to have times on the weekends to travel around the country. All in all, this program was great. I felt safe, supported and that I had a remarkably unique experience unattainable without PAA.”

From the blog

Music

Music Therapy and Spanish Immersion in Quito

Volunteer abroad with a foundation in Quito, Ecuador using music and the arts as means of providing therapy and education to youth and adults with disabilities. An intermediate level of Spanish is suggested, but all music volunteers will receive one-on-one…

Music

To Ecuador...and Beyond

Volunteer abroad with a foundation in Quito, Ecuador using music and the arts as means of providing therapy and education to youth and adults with disabilities. An intermediate level of Spanish is suggested, but all music volunteers will receive one-on-one…

Music

Worst thing about me was fixed in Ecuador, OLEY!

Volunteer abroad with a foundation in Quito, Ecuador using music and the arts as means of providing therapy and education to youth and adults with disabilities. An intermediate level of Spanish is suggested, but all music volunteers will receive one-on-one…

Memories That I Will Cherish Forever, stories from Quito

Volunteer abroad with a foundation in Quito, Ecuador using music and the arts as means of providing therapy and education to youth and adults with disabilities. An intermediate level of Spanish is suggested, but all music volunteers will receive one-on-one…

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