An adventurous exploration of the Ecuadorian people and ecosystems Past Review
By Keifer (Whitman College) - abroad from 09/03/2017 to 12/16/2017 with
SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
I learned greatly about my own comfort levels, and I greatly gained confidence in myself to navigate a totally new culture and place on my own. It also opened me to different ways of life. I lived both with a family in Quito and also with a family in a small village with only 100 people. Both families demonstrated were incredibly welcoming and easily accepted me into their families. They taught me a new form of love and kindness that I will never forget.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the focus on experiential learning. Doing field work projects in the paramo, cloud forest, Amazon, and Galapagos gave me the opportunity to learn about these places to a whole new level than just within a classroom. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in a homestay for the entirety of the program, excluding when we were on field trips. I loved living in a homestay because it gave me the opportunity to practice my Spanish and also learn more about the Ecuadorian culture. |
| * Food: |
There are amazing soups, juices, and empanadas in Ecuador. However, people do not eat as many vegetables as we do in the States, and the diet contains larges amounts of potatoes and rice. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living in the homestay really gave me the opportunity to learn intimately about the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I fell and bruised my tale bone while in Quito. The health care in Ecuador was great, and I was able to speak with a doctor who spoke English, which made me feel less anxious. There is malaria in the Amazon and so each student was required to have malaria medicine. You also need a Yellow Fever vaccine to go on the program. |
| * Safety: |
Pickpocketing is very common in Ecuador, especially on a the very crowded buses. I had my phone stolen from me while on the bus. Otherwise though it is a very safe country. As in any big city, it is very important to be extra vigilant with your belongings |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was not your usual study abroad program. Through the homestays and excursions I got to know both the Ecuadorian people and also the land. I do not think that I could ever have this experience anywhere else. |
Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
It was very easy to stay on a student's budget. The typical Ecuadorian lunch was $3.25, which includes soup, entree, dessert, and drink. If you go into more touristy areas you may spent a bit more. I mostly spent my money on souvenirs because the program provided food through the homestay families. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I maybe spent about $30 a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Definitely eat at local restaurants rather than big touristy places |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Within both our classes and in our homestays we spoke Spanish. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | 200 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | If you want to further improve, making a pact with your peers to only speak in spanish will increase the amount you speak. In general just being very open to speaking and even making mistakes speaking with your host family is the best way to learn. The Ecuadorian people are so kind and patient with your language ability. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | This program is very academically rigorous. It is not your regular float through a semester without doing any work program. We had a series of assignments and at times it was difficult to balance school and making time to explore the city and country on my own. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
