Name: John

Hometown: Oxford

Destination: Ecuador

Project type: Conservation

Organisation: The Leap

What were your impressions of your destination?

Ecuador is the most amazing place. I had heard so much about South America from friends that I had to go, and Ecuador didn't disappoint. The people are some of the most kind, genuine and welcoming I have ever met. The country itself has so much to offer, whether it be beautiful beaches, amazing mountains, or thick jungle. The Spanish they speak is one of the easiest to understand in South America, and you don't have to worry about the Spanish lisp!!

Was the work interesting and challenging?

The work I did whilst with The Leap was hugely interesting and challenging. It was everything they said it would be and more. The Leap offers a placement which involves three separate 3 week projects, all of which were brilliant. The first phase was working with a community up in the mountains. We cleared trails and made steps in this fantastic forest, and also started the construction of a shower block. The second project was in the jungle, and involved constructing a bus shelter, as well as maintenance work in the community. Finally the placement by the coast involved planting and trail construction.

What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?

The accommodation was nothing luxurious but that certainly wasn't what I would have wanted. It was however comfortable and clean. To be honest we spent very little time in our rooms, except to sleep! Every community we stayed with were hugely welcoming, and I always felt that they really appreciated us being there. The children at the communities were wicked fun, and the adults were so kind and also had an awesome sense of humour.

Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?

I felt really happy with The Leap, and couldn't really have asked for anything more from them. Back in England they were in contact with my parents more than I was to tell them what I was doing and everything was ok, which the parents really appreciated. In Ecuador for the first 2 phases we had a translator who was from Ecuador himself. He was such a great person, so much fun and he really helped us integrate with the communities we stayed with. After each phase the next phase was always clearly explained to us, and if we had any problems the in country help we had made everything much easier. Before each phase started we had a few days in the capital Quito, and the office would take us out for meals, give us Spanish lessons, let us use their internet, and really try and involve us with life in Ecuador.

Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?

Yes, I really do. All these gap year companies are expensive, there's no getting away from that, but I feel really happy with what I spent. Looking back, I would 100% do it again, and wouldn't have changed a thing, so that's pretty good isn't it! I have many incredible memories, have made some great friends, and feel I really helped the communities I stayed with- and I couldn't have asked for more than that!

Would you recommend the project to others?

Yes