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Intercultural Programs Overview

Join hands with Tandana from anywhere in the world!

Go beyond your typical travel or volunteer experience on a "Trip with Intention" or "Andean Cultural Journey" in highland Ecuador. 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 -

July 18-25, 2026

February 13-20, 2027

All are welcome!

Andean Cultural Journeys -

February 26-March 5, 2027

All are welcome!

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.

97% 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!

Jun

28

My trip to Ecuador: From uncertainty to mutual trust and partnership

The following blog was written by a student from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, about a week-long volunteer trip to Ecuador organized by The Tandana Foundation. The trip was led by Miami faculty members Juan Carlos Albarrán and Jenny Minier. Español Français There are certain things that you can only learn by doing, and that’s … Continue reading "My trip to Ecuador: From uncertainty to mutual trust and partnership"

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Apr

26

Hard work and cooperation make us all winners: Lessons learned from teaching theatre in Otavalo

The Tandana Foundation has been great for me and great for the citizens and students of Otavalo Ecuador, too. This nonprofit organization is all about communication and service to others. This summer will be my eleventh trip to Otavalo, where I teach theater to indigenous rural junior high and high school students for four weeks. … Continue reading "Hard work and cooperation make us all winners: Lessons learned from teaching theatre in Otavalo"

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Mar

8

Travel with intention to Ecuador: What you may not know until you go

My husband and I set off on our first travel experience with The Tandana Foundation on Valentine’s Day in 2026. This was an adventure that we will never forget! We came to serve, but what we received in return was both unexpected and far greater than what we gave. Our hearts were expanded, and we … Continue reading "Travel with intention to Ecuador: What you may not know until you go"

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Feb

22

Feeling at home on my gardening volunteer trip to Ecuador

Eleven people from the Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Program boarded various planes on January 31, 2026, with one shared mission: to experience, learn, and cultivate. After long hours of travel and building anticipation for the week ahead, everyone finally smelled the fresh and damp air of Otavalo, Ecuador. We were greeted with … Continue reading "Feeling at home on my gardening volunteer trip to Ecuador"

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Oct

19

7 years later, I’m still witnessing the impact of my volunteer trip to Ecuador

My name is Vanessa Escobar, and I participated in a volunteer trip to Ecuador in 2018 which was organized by The Tandana Foundation. While on the trip, I worked alongside a group of my peers and two professors from Colgate University, as well as the Tandana staff and community members we met onsite. Español Français … Continue reading "7 years later, I’m still witnessing the impact of my volunteer trip to Ecuador"

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