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Intercultural Programs Overview

Join hands with Tandana from anywhere in the world!

Go beyond your typical travel experience with a “Trip with Intention” or an “Andean Cultural Journey” in highland Ecuador. Trips with Intention integrate cultural learning with volunteering that supports local initiatives important to our community partners. Each program cycle features a different Andean Cultural Journey theme, offering opportunities for deep cultural learning through experiences ranging from birding and artisan crafts to exploring the Kichwa-Otavalo worldview. These trips provide individuals and groups an exciting opportunity to connect with community members and contribute to their projects - all the while learning about the local Kichwa culture and enjoying the region’s majestic natural beauty. We also offer remote opportunities from the comfort of your own home to learn about Ecuador and Mali.

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Upcoming Opportunities in Ecuador:

Trips with Intention for Individuals -

February 13-20, 2027

Andean Cultural Journeys -

Indigenous Ways of Seeing and Being

February 26-March 5, 2027

Explore the Kichwa-Otavalo worldview through community connections, experiences and stories

Birds, Stories and Place

October 23-30, 2027

Experience Ecuador through birdwatching, exploring the natural environment, and Indigenous knowledge

Artful Exchange and Engagement

November 2-9, 2027

Learn crafts from Andean artisans and share your skills as well

Remote Opportunities:

Remote Connection

A variety of ways for your class, group, or club to connect online with Tandana partners in Ecuador and Mali through cultural activities, speakers bureau, and more.

"You will go home absolutely overwhelmed by what you saw, who you met, what you've learned, and how your heart has expanded. You will be inspired to exceed your own expectations of yourself." - Jim, volunteer from Montana

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Join Tandana on an adventure of a lifetime! We offer open-enrollment programs for adults or families as well as custom group programs for all ages. These trips bring together diverse individuals united by a desire to learn, grow, share, and contribute to the communities they visit. They provide opportunities to experience life in Ecuadorian communities; exchange ideas with those of different perspectives, ages, and vocations.

Did you know that your trip with Tandana is a net zero-emission trip? Click here for more details.

The results are in! After taking a brief post-program survey:

90% of respondents say that they would participate in a Tandana program again.

96% of respondents say that they would recommend a Tandana program to others.

98% of respondents say that they feel that this experience has helped them grow in a positive way.

For a taste of what our trips are like, watch this short video...

Below you can read stories from our blog to get excited about your upcoming trip!

Oct

18

Woo-Hoo: A water system built through perseverance and friendship

This year, Hank Fincken, a long-time supporter of The Tandana Foundation, who usually teaches theater in the organization’s Summer School in Ecuador, had a new assignment: writing stories for The Tandana Foundation Blog. In the following post, he catches up with committee members of the Gualapuro water project. Español Français The road to Gualapuro was … Continue reading "Woo-Hoo: A water system built through perseverance and friendship"

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Sep

20

Listening, learning, and feeling useful again in Ecuador

This year, Hank Fincken, a long-time supporter of The Tandana Foundation, who usually teaches theater in the organization’s Summer School in Ecuador, had a new assignment: writing stories for The Tandana Foundation Blog. In the following post, he shares about his experience living and working in rural highland Ecuador. Español Français I am currently working … Continue reading "Listening, learning, and feeling useful again in Ecuador"

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Aug

30

Something for everyone: Traveling to Ecuador for a family reunion with Tandana far exceeded our expectations

The following blog was written by Chelsea Rothert, who participated with her family in a Trip with Intention that was organized by The Tandana Foundation to Ecuador. Español Français We’ve just returned from a beautifully curated family reunion with The Tandana Foundation. Fourteen family members gathered in Ecuador, traveling from five different U.S. cities, to … Continue reading "Something for everyone: Traveling to Ecuador for a family reunion with Tandana far exceeded our expectations"

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Aug

2

Why we wished we could stay forever on our trip to Ecuador

The students and teachers from Stephen T. Badin High School had the most incredible experience with The Tandana Foundation in Ecuador! Español Français We were able to spend the week fully immersed in Ecuadorian culture, preparing and sharing meals with community members, participating in the community’s mingas, and making many new friends. We all agree … Continue reading "Why we wished we could stay forever on our trip to Ecuador"

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Jul

19

Go for it: Traveling to Ecuador was a life-changing experience

Groups from my high school, The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio, have been going to Ecuador for many years on cultural exchange trips organized by The Tandana Foundation. Last school year, I made the choice to become a part of that legacy along with five other classmates. Español Français I had my doubts at first. … Continue reading "Go for it: Traveling to Ecuador was a life-changing experience"

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