Ecuador: A Small Country with A Huge Variety of Adventures. Galapagos & Quito - Study Abroad + Service Learning in Ecuador Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Just like at Midd, there is a huge variety between the type and quality of classes that you will find at USFQ. The classes for foreigners are great for perfecting your language skills, but I would definitely recommend trying to enroll in classes that have mostly Ecuadorian students. You will learn more Spanish and have more of a chance to connect with the Ecuadorian students.

On-site administration of your program

This program was generally very good. I was SO pleased with my host family, and the program director was very nice. Unfortunatley I was really disappointed with how little help I feel I received when looking for an internship. I was under the impression that the program would help me to find an internship, but I ended up having to make a lot of interview appointments etc. myself, and ultimately ended up with a service placement that I didn't really want.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was the most amazing part of my stay. I lived with a young couple and their cousin, and they were nothing but wonderful to me. We lived in a very safe, nice apartment building and I had my own room. They provided me with sheets, towels and soap. I was made to feel like a member of the family. We always ate together, and I was frequently invited to spend time with their other relatives at the houses and to travel with them.

Being a vegetarian here would be tough! Be prepared for lots of red meat, rice and soup. The fruits are SO good, and you can get a really good "set lunch" for 2.50.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We went on a night tour of Quito with the program, which was cool. The program also arranged a trip into the Amazon, which was one of my favorite trips of my whole stay. We went to an amazing eco-lodge and learned so much about the people and eco-systems of the rainforest. My University also arranged a trip to their research station in the Amazon, which was equally amazing. I felt SO removed from regular society and it was just a magical place. Ecuador definitely offers a ton of awesome places to visit, especially if you are into nature/sporty activities. We travelled to beaches, rainforests, mountains, volcanoes, islands, canyons, and old, historical cities. The variety in such a small country was unbelieveable. My weekend trips were the MOST fun part of my stay.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Quito was pretty dangerous. Pick-pocketing, robberies, and muggings were common, especially if you looked American. I was robbed at gunpoint at night in my neighborhood, and many of my friends were also mugged. The city really demanded that you be cautious and on your toes at all times. It could be exhausting, so this is something to know going in. Healthcare was very good. There was a clinic on school grounds that was easy to get an appointment at and had good doctors.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I spoke Spanish the most with my volunteer hours and with my host family. I would definitely reconmmend these two things as the aspects most beneficial to my learning of Spanish. I had to use Spanish in all daily interactions, and most people spoke English, but would mostly address us in Spanish. I spoke English the most when I was travelling with American friends. My Spanish is way better after my time abroad.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• host family
• weekend trips

• internship placemment