Ecuador: Stressful at times but WORTH IT! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work we are given is not very difficult but we are given many assignments that were often due on the same day. We did both peer grading and grading done by academic advisors. Sometimes I believe that the academic advisors are biased in their opinions and that affects their grading. SIT believes in experiential learning so what you take out of htis experience is up to you. No one will be checking if you do the readings and you can expect to find yourself alone in nature for an hour on a "drop-off". I believe this method is effective, at the time I do remember being stressed out by the lack of direction, but looking back I have gained even more of a sense of independence and confidence in my own problem-solving skills. One major difference between SIT professors and Wellesley professors is that there are no office hours. The directors are available through phone and email but may not be willing to spend much time with you. Also, the lecturers are mostly guest lecturers. If you want more information from them about a lecture you will have to get their contact information and many of them have busy schedules.

On-site administration of your program

Program size is around 20-25, our year had 19 students (only 3 males).

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Most students had pleasant experiences with their families. SIT fits one student per household to encourage maximum growth in Spanish. Mostly everyone took the bus to class and took taxis to participate in nighttime events. You only need to buy toiletries, the families take care of everything else.

Ecuador in general is not very vegetarian friendly. Vegetables aren't usually incorporated into the main course. In Ecuador they are big on carbohydrates (bread, potatoes, yuca, etc.) If you are a vegetarian like me, you may want to start trying seafood/fish before going to Ecuador. It would make your diet a lot more balanced when you go abroad.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Quito is a bit dangerous. Travel in groups. Do not draw extra attention to yourself. Even if you obviously look like a foreigner do not try to appear as one with expensive clothes, jewelry, or electronics.

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

I lived with several host families and I practiced the most Spanish at home. Host families were only Spanish-speaking and many of the lecturers only speak Spanish so we did use Spanish almost daily. All of the students spoke English and this often detracted from total immersion in the Spanish language.

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• Host Family
• Hostel

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• Host Family

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• Americans