AS -level student Ryan MacMahon was enjoying just reward for completing his exams this week as he headed off to Ecuador in South America on a prestigious travel adventure of a lifetime.

Ryan, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Conor MacMahon of Cooper Crescent, Enniskillen, was selected by the Cork-based company, EIL Intercultural Learning which organises cultural and educational travel programmes throughout the world.

A student at St. Michael's College, Ryan just finished his As examinations in business studies, English and religion and has plans to study English at university with a view to a career in journalism.

But it is likely Spanish will become a second language for him once he returns from Ecuador. He hopes to improve his Spanish speaking skills after working with people and travelling throughout the country over the next month.

Ryan has been interested in volunteering and has been actively involved in his community fundraising for his school and regular visits to help out at the local nursing home. He won the award after stiff competition from other entrants from all over Ireland. The selection was based on a written application, participation in a workshop and an interview. He says he got his taste for travelling after spending time in the U.S.A. with the Ulster Project.

During his four weeks in Ecuador, Ryan will spend some time in the capital Quito and the remainder in Riobamba where he will stay with a local family. He will partake in Spanish lessons and get involved in some community work. Some of the activities involved in the programme include mountain biking on Mount Chimborazo, a day excursion to see the waterfalls in Banos, and an exciting train ride on the famous Nariz del Diablo(Devil's Nose Train).

Ryan said "I am relishing the opportunity of adapting to the Ecuadorian way of life and fully immersing myself in the culture through my host family. I think the experience will not only allow me to see Ecuador but also afford me a new way of seeing things, an alternative perspective different to that of an average tourist. I feel that my experience to date in volunteering and community development will allow me to bring a lot to this programme while enabling me to become a more accepting and rounded individual." Ryan has been an active swimmer having been a member of the Lakelanders Swimming Club.

The travel award is funded by EIL Intercultural Learning in Cork. EIL programmes include opportunities for Irish people to do voluntary work in Africa, Latin America and Asia. Marian Kelly, Programme Co-ordinator, explained that "Our volunteer abroad opportunities offer Irish people the chance to work on key local development projects where their contribution will be valued. Whether it is teaching in a school in India, conservation in the cloud forest of Ecuador or community development in South Africa Irish volunteers can and do make a difference. They also learn a lot from the experience and bring new skills back home with them."