Global LEAD Ecuador
Location
Ecuador: Quito
Description
Ecuador is a spectacular country full of culture, adventure and history. During your summer abroad on Global LEAD Ecuador, you will see it all. From mountain biking an active volcano to hiking the Amazon, learning about yourself as a leader and serving local communities, our itinerary includes all of the highlights of this South American gem.
Global LEAD combines the best aspects of backpacking, studying abroad and volunteering into one holistic program. We take care of the details so you can make the most of your time in Ecuador. You'll start out in the capital city of Quito, exploring this World Heritage UNESCO site, taking salsa lessons and creating english instruction programs for local children an a montessori school. Then we pack up and travel to the best parts of Ecuador. You'll hike to waterfalls in Banos, shop an local handicraft markets in Otavalo, learn from indigenous peoples in the Amazon and jump in natural hot springs in Pappallacta.
During LEAD Ecuador, you'll take 2 classes: Leadership in Action and Global Citizenship and Service. These classes focus on experiential learning so you won't be sitting in traditional, boring classrooms. We are about getting out of the classroom and into the community.
No tests, only journals, discussions and papers. The classes teach you how to effectively lead, the importance of being a global citizen and how to develop a global mindset. More than bio or econ, these classes are all about YOU and will set you apart from the crowd when you interview for future internships and jobs. We don't have a foreign language requirement; no matter what year you are in school or what your major is, you can come on a Global LEAD experience.
The accommodations in Ecuador are phenomenal; we stay in boutique hotels, rainforest lodges, comfortable apartments and traditional haciendas. Our accommodations vary based on each location so that you can really enjoy the best aspects of each stop on our tour of Ecuador.
Global LEAD Ecuador is a fantastic way to spend your summer - earning credit, exploring South America, giving back to the local community and broadening your horizons to different cultures.
Highlights
- Explore downtown Quito
- Raft down the Amazon
- Visit indigenous communities in the jungle
- Learn conversational Spanish
- Create afterschool programs at a local montessori school
- Learn about yourself as a leader
- Shop for local handicrafts in Otavalo
- Add on an adventure trip to the Galapagos Islands
- Swim in hot springs in Pappallacta