The Language Collaborative is a direct response to the call of our indigenous brothers and sisters residing in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Their aspiration is to master the English language, enabling them to attain independence and assert control over their communication with the outside world, free from dependence on non-indigenous translators. The Achuar people are renowned for their warrior spirit, fearlessly confronting challenges and conflicts. They excel in cooperation and are determined to achieve mastery in their interactions with the broader world, demonstrating a readiness to adapt and acquire the essential skills for full engagement. As an English teacher, you will play a crucial role in helping them attain this independence.
Our program spans an immersive 7 weeks and offers participants more than just a teaching opportunity. While imparting English as an Additional Language is the goal, it’s the connection of cultures, the exchange of wisdom, and the intertwining of ancient traditions with modern pedagogies that truly define the experience.
Highlights:
Join us at the Amazing Rainforest Language Institute, where every lesson taught echoes through the dense canopies and every story shared adds a leaf to the vast tapestry of the Amazonian narrative. Come, teach, learn, and co-create a legacy.
This is a 7-week commitment to teach a specific module. Below are the available 2023/24 dates:
Apr 18, 2024
May 25, 2024
Jul 6, 2024
Aug 10, 2024
Sep 21, 2024
Nov 2, 2024
Given the depth and intensity of this experience, it is important that we learn more about you to see if there is an appropriate match between you and this particular journey. To fill out the application, click here.
Steve Torneten, Journeys Director
Leading transformative journeys in the Amazon has been a profound passion of mine ever since I received a calling years ago to journey in to the enchanting magic of the Amazon rainforest and connect with our indigenous brothers and sisters who call it their home. I have cultivated a relationship with these indigenous communities grounded in principles of respect and reciprocity, and for over 27 years, they have consistently upheld their commitment to this partnership.
I believe there are few journeys as impactful as the ones we offer. It serves as a transformational experience for our guests, while simultaneously providing a valuable and empowering experience for the indigenous people who generously share their ancient wisdom with the world, contributing to the creation of a new worldview.
My personal journey has been an adventurous one, spanning from serving 8 years as a helicopter pilot in the Marine Corps to establishing a successful real estate business. This was followed by years of exploration into human consciousness through practices like meditation, yoga, fasting, and, ultimately, letting go of it ALL during my first journey in the Amazon.
We recognize that this is a significant commitment, and we are here to assist you in your decision-making process. If it would be beneficial, we would be delighted to arrange a Zoom call with you to ensure that this journey aligns with your aspirations, our mission, and the indigenous communities we serve. Please click here to access our calendar and schedule a Zoom call. During the call, we will provide a more comprehensive overview of the journey and address any questions you may have.
Once you are accepted and have paid your deposit we will send you an email with all the information you need to travel to Ecuador.
" Every experience was thoughtfully planned. I always felt I could immerse myself fully into each activity and experience, and know that we were as safe as possible and well taken care of. These experiences have made a powerful, positive impact on my life and have awaken my spirit and senses. Going through these experiences with our amazing group of women, has created a life-long bond in friendship, growth, and purpose."- Kim Rockwood, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, January 2023.
"I love your trips. You provide experiences of incredible depth and personal interaction with our hosts and their communities. I feel as though I have had an intimate view into and connection with another person’s world and culture." - Frances F, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021
"Every experience was packed with new sensations: the best of gracious cultures in the city and rain forest, physical environments like none I had previously experienced both in the Andes and the rain forest, a real time education about the indigenous peoples of the Amazon, and intensely feeling the fragility of the earth. I feel privileged to have met and spent time with individuals who are changing the world." - Jan P, Women's Journey to the Amazon Rainforest, October 2021
Payment is not required until the application has been approved.
The teaching collaborative's pre-departure training is a comprehensive and interactive program. Through virtual sessions on Zoom, you, and your fellow participants will engage with the Institute's leadership to establish a strong foundation for your teaching journey. You will participate in intercultural awareness training, delving into the diverse communities you will be working alongside. The history of these communities will be explored, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural context and also to prepare you for the potential as well as the limitations of your role. Moreover, as teachers, you will gain insight into the rich history of the Pachamama Alliance and the Journeys program, as well as the Institute's existing partnerships within the rainforest. Equally important, participants will receive guidance on essential packing and preparation to equip them for a seven-week immersion into the heart of the Amazon. This thorough pre-departure training consists of at least four meetings, ensuring that every teacher embarks on their extraordinary adventure feeling fully prepared and eager to make a meaningful impact.