Conference location

Education That Pays For Itself 2009, a unique international conference on financially sustainable education, will be hosted by the Yachana Foundation , in the Amazon region of Ecuador.

Yachana Foundation runs several activities, that range from ecoturism to health care and Self-Sufficient Education. In October 2005, the Yachana Foundation opened the Yachana Technical High School to benefit high school-age indigenous and mestizo students who live in remote rural communities in Ecuador's Amazon region.

Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the Yachana Foundation's 4,300 acres "campus" provides students with professional skills to improve employability: they are actively involved in all aspects of the Foundation's ongoing development and eco-tourism projects, as well as in the management of student-run ecological enterprises.

The Yachana Technical High School, as a living example of applying the principles of Education That Pays For Itself, represents an ideal location for the 2009 Conference.

Accommodation

There is a wide variation of comfortable accommodation available to fit required budgets. During the Conference, participants will be accommodated in the Lodge, Casa Quest and High School.  All of these facilities are located relatively close to each other, although the High School and Lodge are a 10-15 minute walk apart.

Spaces will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis, with preference given where advance payment for the conference has been made. Rates for meals and accomodation vary from US$45 per person per night (Casa Quest or High School) to around US$120 per night per person (the Lodge).

Please indicate on your registration form your preferred choice of accommodation.

OPTION 1 - Yachana Lodge:

Yachana Lodge offers cabins with private bathrooms, hot water, balconies and hammocks in each room. There are double rooms, triple rooms and rooms with queen size beds available. You can enjoy a wonderful dinning room, bar and deck designed in the open style of traditional, indigenous homes.  From there you have an amazing view of the Napo River and glorious sunsets.

OPTION 2:

a) Casa Quest:

Casa Quest offers affordable hostel-like accommodations and is located very close to the main lodge. It is equipped with bunk beds. Bathroom facilities are shared and are located outside the dormitories.

b) High School Dormitories:

Accommodation at the Yachana High School is again in dormitories with shared bathroom facilities. All rooms at the School have 4 bunk beds per room.

Note: To allow the maximum number of participants to attend all accommodation during the conference, including at the lodge, will be shared. If you are coming with colleagues or partners please indicate this on the registration form so that you can be accommodated together.

Meals

During the conference three meals a day will be provided in addition to numerous coffee breaks. Lunch and dinner will be served in the Lodge’s dinning area. All meals mentioned in the conference program are included in the price of your accommodation.

Should you have any particular dietary requirements please ensure you mention these on your registration form.

Visa requirements

Ecuador welcomes tourists and travelers from every country. Citizens of any country traveling to Ecuador for tourism, business or to study do NOT require a visa for an intended stay of 90 DAYS to gain a visitor’s permit. However, foreigners entering Ecuador must hold a passport valid until six months after the end of their stay in the country.

Visas ARE required for CHINESE nationals to gain a visitor’s permit.

Colombian nationals need to provide a police clearance stating that they have no criminal conviction in order to enter Ecuador.

Please keep in mind that delegates flying through the United States might need to comply with US Visa requirements for stopovers and transits.

If you need a letter confirming your registration, this can be provided; however it can only be issued after a delegate has registered for the conference and payment has been received. Letters of invitation can be obtained from the conference helpdesk.

Accommodation & Travel Enquiries
For any logistical or local enquiries related to the conference please email the Conference Manager.