Ecuador: semester in paradise! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class work was easier and less time-consuming, but I really enjoyed my classes and felt that I learned a lot. Overall the professors were knowledgeable about the topics they were teaching.

On-site administration of your program

The actual program at the UEES (Universidad Espiritu Santo) was amazing. The orientation tour, classes, and weekend trips really allowed us to learn a lot about the country that we were in and provided alternatives to having to figure out good, safe places to travel alone. The staff was very nice and helpful and the study abroad office became like a second home to many of the foreign students. However, the program that I applied through (KEI) was a mess! It seemed very unorganized and was not really able to help me with many of my questions. The program cost about $3000 dollars more than applying directly to the UEES would have cost and there although there were a few perks (cell phone for the duration of my stay and one weekend trip [cost $200]) included, it did not make up for all the extra hassle I experienced and money I paid to KEI. I would highly recomend applying directly to the UEES because they are very organized and most of the forms KEI sent me were the UEES forms anyways.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing! Also, the host families are all required to be in the same neighborhood as the university (which is also the safest neighborhood of the city). I was treated as a family member when I was in the house and I only had to buy shampoo when I got there because soap, towels, etc. was all provided.

Prior to the program I was a vegetarian but I found it was difficult to continue that lifestyle in Ecuador, especially since I didn't cook my own food or buy my own groceries. That being said the food was delicious and when I went out, the restaraunts were far less expensive than in the US.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The city is said to be quite unsafe however I never felt unsafe. I think that if the student uses some common sense, stays in groups, stays in the good parts of the city, and takes extra care at night they will be fine. I did not get sick, so I don't have any comments about the healthcare. There was insurance included in the program, but I'm not sure how good it was.

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

I practiced Spanish in 2 classes which were taught all in Spanish as well as with my host family, other exchange students, and some of the Ecuadorian friends that I had. Most people spoke English but after I explained that I wanted to practice Spanish they would usually let the conversations be in Spanish

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