Education Study Abroad Programs in Ecuador

The IES staff, my host mom, and my professor were all so lovely, caring, and attentive to me during time abroad. When I got sick one weekend, my program advisor replied to my messages immediately and was constantly asking what he could do to help. My host mom was also so caring during that time - it felt like being with my mom whenever I'm sick at home. I always felt that there was a lot of help + support if I had any issues. The IES staff was very welcoming and provided us with plenty of information and opportunities to feel immersed in the culture. Additionally, the opportunity to enroll directly at USFQ was great for both improving my Spanish and also being able to pursue courses in topics that were more unique to Ecuador, such as Ecuadorian Archaeology or Anthropology of the (Ecuadorian) Coast. Everybody was so nice and the food was delicious - I still miss hornados and bolones de verde. Studying abroad was a very formative experience for me and I'll always have an affection for Ecuador because of my time there. It's definitely something I'll remember for the rest of my life. The ability to live completely in Spanish was essential to improving my Spanish to basically fluent and giving me confidence in my language skills. The excursions also allowed me to see places I never would have otherwise thought much about visiting. For instance, in my Andean anthropology class, we had the opportunity to visit Oyacachi, a small indigenous village, where we saw a beautiful waterfall and thermal springs. We also got to learn about reciprocity as it works in the town, as all property in the town was communal. The Galapagos was also one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. My entire 4 and a half months would have been worth it only to have visited there. I would 100% recommend the program to other students.

Throughout my whole two months abroad in Cape Town, South Africa my experience was an adventurous and challenging one. I was able to expand my cultural knowledge on and learn information about different types of townships and their history. In addition, I grew on a personal note by learning how to be more patient and adaptable to a more laid-back work environment where the main priority is based on sustaining and building relationships. On a professional level, I gained more practice with my communication skills, self-motivation, adaptability and computer skills. I definitely did experience a lot of moments when I would feel homesick, but to help overcome these moments I would just hang out with friends and call my family. And of course, when it was time to leave to go back to the States I was not ready. However, I do know that I will be visiting again.