An Experienced-Focused Semester in an Incredibly Biodiverse Country Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While we were definitely busy all the time , the work was not terribly challenging, especially when compared to my home institution. However, the field time was good for experiential learning.

On-site administration of your program

I was paired with a good host family, orientation was good, and trips were well organized and planned.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements varied between 4 host families, 4 lodge-like setups, and a boat. My host family in Quito was quite nice and had a nice house. There were a few instances (outside Quito) where bathrooms were not as functional as a would have liked (i.e. finicky electric showers, no lights, door didn't shut).

Food was pretty variable as well. Typical Ecuadorian food usually involves a lot of rice, either fried or boiled potatoes, and some sort of meat; the only seasoning is salt or aji (hot sauce) that you add. My host family cooked a variety of food, though, and food was quite good at most lodges and on the boat in Galapagos.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were moving around so much that it was hard to settle in one place; the most integrated I felt was during the four-week long independent study project, as that was the longest we stayed in one place, and I was working side-by-side with an Ecuadorian. Other than that, you're with other Americans so much that you feel more like a visitor than a part of the culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have to use any health care, so my rating is really arbitrary. I got mildly sick once from eating tripe for 48 hours but other than that had no health issues. As a precaution, I took parasite meds which I bought in Ecuador upon my return and they either worked or I had no problems to begin with. Yellow fever vaccines are required by available in Ecuador for cheap, though getting it beforehand is not a bad idea and may be required. Malaria prophylaxis is also available in country, but I brought mine for fear of side effects, as in-country medicine was described as "stronger."

I personally had no problems with safety, though Quito is not the safest city in the world; 2 or 3 of the 23 people on our program got robbed. However, the safety advice given during orientation was quite useful. Just stay in groups of 3 or larger at night; also having a male with the group is helpful given the machista culture of Ecuador.

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

Ecuador is very inexpensive, and most costs are included with the program. I spent about what I normally would on textbooks over the entire semester. Going out to lunch is about $2 - $2.50.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Select all that apply

• Other
• Host Family
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Cloud forest excursion (specifically the lodge)
• Lots of birdwatching
• Independent study project

• More advanced biology/ecology
• More time for cultural immersion
• Spanish instruction

The Avid Adventurer