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Travel doesn’t always mean just changing places. Sometimes, traveling means changing your pace, your perspective… or even your life.
At Outdoor Ecuador, we’ve been lucky to meet people who arrive with a backpack and leave with something far more valuable: real stories shaped by community, the ocean, learning, and human connections. This is one of those stories that reminds us why we deeply believe in volunteering and purpose-driven travel.
Our Spanish and surf school, located in Olón, Ecuador, has welcomed travelers from different parts of the world over the years—people looking for more than just tourism. People who want to exchange skills, learn from the local environment, and live an authentic experience on the Ecuadorian coast. Today, we want to share the experience of a couple who chose to volunteer at Outdoor Ecuador, fully immersing themselves in village life and our community.
They didn’t come only to help. They came to learn, to share, to connect, and to become part of everyday life in Olón.
An Arrival That Marks the Beginning of a Transformative Experience
On September 4th, 2025, we welcomed Justin from France and Emily from England. Both had already been traveling for several months through different countries, and at that moment they were exploring Latin America with backpacks full of curiosity, openness, and a strong desire to learn.
Like many conscious travelers, they were looking for a place where they could contribute, learn a new language, connect with the ocean, and take a real pause during their journey. That’s how they arrived in Olón, a small coastal town that, without great luxuries, offers something invaluable: tranquility, community, and direct contact with nature.
During their stay at Outdoor Ecuador, and alongside other students, various activities were organized both inside and outside the school. Each one had a different purpose, but they all shared the same message: cultural and human exchange enriches everyone.
Through this blog, you’ll discover what their experience in Ecuador was like, what motivated them to choose volunteering at our Spanish and surf school, the challenges they faced, the lessons they took with them, and why this experience ultimately became a home away from home.
From Justin’s point of view, he wanted to share how it feels to be in Olón and to be part of our school alongside his partner. This brief reflection from Justin was recorded during his first week after arriving, and it reflects how his experience went beyond simply getting to know Olón. They also took part in some of our traditional adventures, such as visiting The Jungle Clan in Dos Mangas and the Maryland Waterfall in Pedro Pablo Gómez, Manabí.
If you’ve ever felt the call to travel with purpose, this story is for you.
Personal Introduction
Justin Pawlonski introduces himself like this:
“Hi, my name is Justin Pawlonski. I’m French, from the west of France, and I work in agronomy. I’m currently backpacking through Latin America with my girlfriend, Emily. We visit places where we can both learn Spanish, practice new skills, and continue growing as people. The more we learn, the more inspired we feel to keep traveling.”
This spirit of continuous learning is one of the values that most closely connects with the philosophy of Outdoor Ecuador: learning by doing, sharing from a human perspective, and embracing the process without rushing.
First Impressions of Ecuador
Justin clearly remembers his first weeks in the country:
“We entered Ecuador almost a month ago through Máncora, in northern Peru. We arrived in Cuenca on an overnight bus, and it really surprised me. It felt different from Peru—the buildings, the cars, everything seemed a bit more Americanized and developed compared to northern Peru. One thing I really loved was the people; they are very kind and welcoming.”
Ecuador often surprises first-time visitors, not only because of its geographic diversity, but also because of the warmth of its people and how easy it is to feel welcome.
Before Olón: The Galápagos Experience
Before arriving at our school, Justin and Emily had the opportunity to visit one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world: the Galápagos Islands.
“We first arrived in Cuenca and stayed there for three days while waiting for our flight from Guayaquil. Then we arrived in San Cristóbal, in the Galápagos. The first day was spectacular—we were welcomed by sea lions and marine iguanas. It was incredible.”
During their visit, they explored the three main islands, went diving alongside hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, and a wide variety of fish, and got up close to the famous giant tortoises.
“Seeing the giant tortoises was amazing—they really are enormous. I highly recommend visiting the Galápagos if you’re in Ecuador or nearby.”
The Outdoor Ecuador School Experience
Upon arriving in Olón, the pace of life changed completely. Everything became slower, more personal, and more mindful.
“Here in Olón, everything feels really good. We have very kind teachers and classmates. For us, after traveling for many months—I left France six months ago—this experience allowed us to take a pause in the middle of our journey.”
During their volunteer experience, Justin and Emily contributed to the school and the local community while enjoying Spanish classes, surf lessons, and everyday life in the village.
“We helped the school and the community, while Emily took Spanish lessons and I learned how to surf. Learning new skills always requires patience and practice, and Outdoor Ecuador has everything a traveler needs.”
First Surf and Spanish Lessons
Justin speaks with great affection about Emily’s experience learning Spanish:
“I feel that Emily is really enjoying her Spanish lessons. Every day she gains more confidence to speak, and it’s very beautiful to see her communicate better, both at school and wherever we go.”
Meanwhile, Justin focused on surfing:
“I really loved my surf lessons. In just two weeks, I felt a lot of progress. They were my first classes, and now I feel comfortable in the water. I love the feeling of gliding over the wave.”
This combination of language, sport, and community is one of the core pillars of the Outdoor Ecuador experience.
¿Recomendarían Olón y Outdoor Ecuador?
“Yes, we 100% recommend it. It was really nice to be able to help and work as a team—Emily and I—while sharing time with such wonderful people. We felt so good here that we decided to stay one more week.”
Volunteering in Ecuador: Much More Than an Exchange
Stories like Justin and Emily’s remind us that volunteering in Ecuador is not only about giving, but also about receiving—receiving lessons, friendships, simple moments, and memories that stay with you forever.
At Outdoor Ecuador, we believe in conscious travel, genuine cultural exchange, and in creating experiences that connect people with the ocean, the language, and the local community. Our volunteer friends made the most of their time here while learning, helping, and becoming part of something meaningful.
HIGHLIGHTED ACTIVITY – MOTORBIKE TRIP – MARYLAND WATERFALL
This adventure begins in Olón and ends at the Maryland Waterfalls: a motorbike journey of over 1.5 hours, crossing mountain ranges and spectacular landscapes until reaching a refreshing destination. And to top it all off, there’s nothing better than enjoying a Jipijapa-style ceviche before starting the ride back.
It’s the perfect activity for those who love adrenaline and breathtaking scenery. It’s important to note that this experience requires at least 80% motorbike riding experience, as the route is often muddy, rocky, and includes steep inclines.
But if you already have experience—what are you waiting for to join this adventure?
Our team is always happy to return to these places. We believe we’ve been there more than 20 times with friends and students, yet it never stops surprising us. It’s an incredible experience we always want to come back to
Would you like to live a similar experience?
If you dream of traveling, learning Spanish, surfing, connecting with people from all over the world, and becoming part of an authentic coastal community, Outdoor Ecuador is waiting for you.
Share this blog with that person who dreams of traveling differently.
Write to us if you’d like to learn more about our volunteer, Spanish, and surf programs.
Visit us in Olón, Ecuador, and discover how a trip can turn into a life-changing experience.
Because sometimes, the best destination isn’t a place on the map, but the experience you carry with you
