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<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>A few years prior to this trip, I went to Peru with my family. Ever since that trip, I knew I wanted to visit the Amazon again, but I didn't think it would happen so soon afterward.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I decided to go on this trip after coming across an ad for it on LinkedIn, doing more research into the credibility of Beyond Travels, and then applying to the program.</p>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620461/images2/interviews/BzjskSlDsnpO4nnVunn6DGBeNXdcBs8OIMissb4O.jpg" alt="a scenic sunset over a mountainous landscape"><div class="caption"><p>View of the mountains from Archidona.</p></div></div>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beyond Travels</a>?</h3>
<p>I was looking for a summer <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels/programs/amazonian-forest-foods-culinary-arts-168142 rel="" target="_self" class="link">internship</a> relating to chemistry and/or food science because I'm working toward my Bachelor's degree in chemistry with a minor in food science at university and want a future job as a food chemist.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I came across this program on LinkedIn, I realized it directly correlated with my food science minor, and it was my dream to visit the Amazon again. After doing some research, I found that Beyond Travels was a good, credible organization, so I stuck with this program.</p>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Ecuador?</h3>
<p>I liked how friendly and relaxing the Napo Province of Ecuador was. I felt super safe there, safer than I would back home in some parts of the United States. Even though the region felt relaxing and not crazy fast-paced, you could clearly see all of the hard work and effort the locals put into everything they do.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I loved the feeling of the region, especially the people there, like my host family.</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>The best part about my experience abroad was how much I learned. I crave knowledge about everything, so it was amazing to learn about everything through the lens of a local person here. I learned about the local foods, plant medicine, my family's chakra, how to navigate the bus system, and so much more.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The trip was also an amazing experience to practice all of the Spanish I've learned in school.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620462/images2/interviews/2XTqL0obCCsOLwDjWi7kBRx3GCxJkhzfRR0AOz6E.jpg" alt="pouring melted chocolate into molds to create custom chocolate bars"><div class="caption"><p>Chocolate making at Wayta.</p></div></div>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>Megan Knox was the best! She was always there either in person or on WhatsApp whenever I needed something and was super friendly and easy to talk to.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Andy Gavilanes was also very fun and energetic to talk with and was also there whenever I needed anything.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Everyone who worked with Beyond Travels was friendly and helpful. They also treated me like family, especially when I got sick during my trip. Everyone was super supportive.</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I wouldn't want to change any of the activities I participated in. However, I probably could have done more exploring or tried more new experiences during my free time on the weekends.</p>
<p>Maybe I should have gone to the doctor a bit earlier for the ear infection I had at the beginning of the trip so that it could have been treated even earlier on.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>On a typical day, I woke up and ate a fresh, home-cooked meal with guayusa tea from my host family. Plans for the day were never set in stone and could change depending on the weather.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At the beginning of each week, I typically took the bus from my host family's house in San Luis to Archidona and from there, walked to Canopy Bridge to work there for the day and eat lunch with my coworkers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>At Canopy Bridge, I got to experiment with different ingredients, like morete, chonta, macambo, or yuca, from the chakras of the locals. On those days, I returned to my host family's house just before dinner and had another home-cooked meal.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Other days, I ate and then went to the chakra with the family and the other intern, Marlies. In the chakra, we learned about the plants, harvested some, and planted others. I either ate fruits in the chakra for lunch or returned to the house for lunch. After lunch, sometimes I went to Archidona or Tena to explore or stayed at the house and learned to make a shigra. Dinner was almost always eaten with the family, and just about every meal was served with different teas.&nbsp;</p>
<p>One day a week, the other intern, Marlies, and I went on excursions with Megan. Every day was different and full of new things to learn.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620463/images2/interviews/hV7l1C2yJcjwTqwPQgbhUj9pphlVSIuWKVheGr5J.jpg" alt="traditional Amazonian-style fried fish and plantains"><div class="caption"><p>Tilapia, heart of palm, macambo, plantain, fiddlehead fern, and citrus.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>When I had free time, I worked on making a shigra, a traditional bag made from a plant called pita. I also hung out with the other intern, Marlies, a lot since she was awesome. Sometimes I explored Archidona or Tena and bought new foods to try. Other times, I went to events with my host family.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I got to stay with a host family, Clemente and Elena. There was another intern who lived there as well, Marlies. We each got our own rooms and shared a bathroom.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My favorite part of living there was interacting with my host family because they treated me as part of the family too. Everyone was close to each other, and everyone helped everyone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When I got sick, everyone, the host family, Marlies, took good care of me and helped me recover.</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image left-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620463/images2/interviews/cjbrohOOgWCABlTzqw8rrXfmJbhuLcY2gERIrrMn.jpg" alt="The Mesosemia loruhama butterfly."><div class="caption"><p>What I think is a Mesosemia loruhama butterfly.</p></div></div>
<p>Bring good mosquito repellent, plenty of long-sleeve shirts, and plenty of pants. Make sure every fabric dries fast because mold is common since the humidity is so high. It's also important to have an open mind and try everything you can, even the chontacuros at least once.&nbsp;</p>
<p>For the greatest immersion experience, it's also important to know some Spanish. You don't need to be fluent; I'm not, but I know enough to get by. You will learn more Spanish throughout the trip by practicing communication with everyone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It's also super important that you let people around you know how you're feeling emotionally and physically because everyone is there to support you and they might have things or know people that can help.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Most importantly, make the most of your trip by having fun and learning as much as you can.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Amazonian Forest Foods &amp; Culinary Arts Internship in Ecuador to others? Why?</h3>
<p>I would recommend this program to people with open minds who care about nature and the indigenous people of Ecuador. The program is perfect if you want to learn as much as you can about Kichwa culture, local food, and medicinal plants through complete immersion into the culture.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Unlike most other programs, this one brings you close to the people in charge since they're always there to help and do weekly check-ins with each intern. You will also become part of your host family if you choose to participate. This program is an amazing experience if you choose to do it, and you will have so much fun!</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<div class="awesome-image right-aligned " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784620464/images2/interviews/khVNGAUbOjXKYr9cnQhHuSHSOfnGzGlaITrE5bkC.jpg" alt="an Amazon parrot"><div class="caption"><p>Amazon parrot.</p></div></div>
<p>I think the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is that you get to learn so much about the culture and eat so many new, different foods. There are so many things that you don't even know exist until you're immersed in the culture, and I think it's important to see how other people live compared to you.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The food is also fantastic, except for the chocolate.</p>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I now see the world differently and appreciate the little things more. It has also made me realize that wherever you live, there are different pros and cons that you might not even think about.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I also want to return to the Amazon and visit my host family and some other people again since they were and still are such a big part of my life.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>I think that for travel to be meaningful, learning should be the goal, especially learning about the local culture. I like to learn about all of the similarities and differences of places that I travel to, whether it be cultural or from nature.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meaningful travel also needs to include good local food.</p>

Lillian Miks

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Lillian Miks who participated in Beyond Travels program.

Lillian Miks | Beyond Travels Alumni Interview

Beyond Travels Alumni Interview with Lillian Miks

<h3>What inspired you to go abroad?</h3>
<p>I love traveling abroad to discover new countries, new people, and cultures. I have already traveled abroad in the past, but not for an extensive period of 7 weeks as I did now.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I was curious to explore a new way of traveling by staying at a local host family, which allows full immersion in the community and culture.</p>
<h3>Why did you choose <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels rel="" target="_self" class="link">Beyond Travels</a>?</h3>
<p>The <a href=https://www.goabroad.com/providers/beyond-travels/programs/traditional-plant-medicine-herbalism-ethnobotany-168135 rel="" target="_self" class="link">Indigenous Plant Medicine &amp; Ethnobotany internship</a> of Beyond Travels aligned perfectly with my interests. I followed basic herbalism courses in my home country, and I wanted to explore medicinal plant usage in other countries.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This, together with my desire to travel to South America and love for discovering new cultures and people, led me to choose this specific program.</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622224/images2/interviews/yFpjqcKOlIteqzzjPNJaBfcCJIxZAretyJvI40L2.jpg" alt="A woman taking a selfie on a wooden desk with a laptop and documents inside a rustic bamboo structure"><div class="caption"><p>Me working on an inventory document to map the use of indigenous medicinal plants.</p></div></div>
<h3>What was your favorite part about Ecuador?</h3>
<p>The internship took place in San Louis, a small village near Archidona in Ecuador. I loved the rural area where our host family's house was located, far away from busy places. I enjoyed the surrounding sounds of nature, birds, and animals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Also, it was nice that the house was located next to a bus stop. So I had the opportunity to visit nearby villages to explore them.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What made your experience abroad extraordinary?</h3>
<p>It is extraordinary how the organization was able to shape the project to fit it even more with some of my personal interests and goals. They provided local contacts and arranged meetings with people working in my fields of interest.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Besides, their weekly organized excursions to local organizations or families were super interesting and educational.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>How did local staff support you throughout your program?</h3>
<p>We had an amazing project manager who was available 24/7 for any questions or concerns. She herself lives in Tena and assisted us once per week during a planned excursion to help translate Spanish information and connect well with the volunteers.&nbsp;</p>
<p>In addition to this excursion, we had a weekly personal meeting with her to discuss any concerns or personal goals related to the project. It is truly amazing how the local staff supported us. This ensured that I felt very safe during my whole stay.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?</h3>
<p>I would not have done anything differently. I'm very happy with the choices I have made, and the people I have met. I'm grateful for all the opportunities I got and grabbed them with both hands.</p>
<p>This led to the truly amazing experience I had abroad. I did not have any bad experiences that I wished to change.</p>
<h3>Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.</h3>
<p>A "typical day" did not really exist. I had the feeling that every day was a small adventure.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My internship covered many different activities, from helping the host family to harvest food and discovering medicinal plants in their 'chakra' forest system, to helping with preparing natural cosmetic products and going on excursions.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The only certainty every day was that I woke up quite early (around 7h, or earlier if we were going to the chakra).</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622225/images2/interviews/byjwqDY9nIsLJ08YFJM3N3SLqJdITd2CkP9ZJAC0.jpg" alt="natural cosmetic products unwrapped on a colorful paper sheet, and in three small plastic cups"><div class="caption"><p>Some natural cosmetic products that I have made during my internship.</p></div></div>
<h3>What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?</h3>
<p>During my free time abroad, I enjoyed the moments with the host family. I loved playing with the children or helping with cooking. Further, it was nice to hang around in the surrounding villages once in a while.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I made an artisanal 'chikra' bag that locals use to collect food from the chakra or just as a handbag.</p>
<h3>What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?</h3>
<p>I stayed in a basic yet beautiful hut in the host family's garden. The hut was made of wood and bamboo. My room contained a small desk and a few wooden cabinets for storing clothes and other items.&nbsp;</p>
<p>There was a small sanitary building (including a toilet and shower) near our rooms. The family provided toilet paper or anything we asked for.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?</h3>
<p>This program offers a full immersion in the local community and culture. You need to be ready to open your mind and heart to their way of life and thinking, and be flexible.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Days are not structured (as in most European countries), and plans can change drastically. Furthermore, depending on the host family where you stay, there might be power outages and problems with water supply and mobile connection. Although this never resulted in drastic problems.</p>
<h3>Would you recommend Beyond Travels to others? Why?</h3>
<p>Yes, 100%. I had a truly amazing time abroad thanks to the organization that puts a lot of effort into shaping the program to personal interests. They went far above my expectations by offering incredible service, assistance, and guidance to make the most out of your experience. They are genuinely committed to every volunteer.&nbsp;</p>
<h3>What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?</h3>
<p>In my opinion, traveling abroad offers many benefits. It allows you to discover new places, people, and cultures and to broaden your horizon and mindset.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Furthermore, it strengthens your personal development and independence, helps you to discover what is truly meaningful in life, and to put trivialities into perspective.&nbsp;</p>
<div class="awesome-image centered " ><img src="https://images.goabroad.com/image/upload/v1784622225/images2/interviews/7dwmWHC5f4CDY9hrPnSF6Qv3Q9uFQNlS9bgVv7nk.jpg" alt="volunteers posing for a photo with a local family"><div class="caption"><p>Me together with my host family and another volunteer.</p></div></div>
<h3>Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?</h3>
<p>I will not go home immediately after my internship. I will travel around Ecuador for an additional 5 weeks before going home. My stay abroad with the host family provided me with valuable personal insights and reminded me of the important things in life.&nbsp;</p>
<p>My stay abroad might also impact future decisions related to my personal career.</p>
<h3>What does meaningful travel mean to you?</h3>
<p>To me, meaningful travel means traveling to fulfill a certain goal. This can be a personal goal to strengthen self-development or personal skills, or a more 'shared goal' that benefits multiple people (e.g. volunteering work).&nbsp;</p>
<p>I think it is super important that you keep your eyes and heart open for local experiences, people, and activities and that you try to support them.&nbsp;</p>

Marlies Leysen

Check out this GoAbroad Interview with Marlies Leysen who participated in Beyond Travels program.

Marlies Leysen | Beyond Travels Alumni Interview

Beyond Travels Alumni Interview with Marlies Leysen

Samir Jaafar

Get to know the people behind Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad! Check out this GoAbroad Staff Interview with Samir Jaafar.

Samir Jaafar | Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad Staff Interview with Samir Jaafar

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