Great experience. I can't wait to go back. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload in the beginning months was not super intense, however it was occasionally challenging since we often worked in groups. The independent study project, which was the last month of the program was an intense time. It helped me gain valuable research experience, from the initial project proposal to the writing and presentation of a scientific paper. During the ISP time you might face challenges with weather, internet, host families, and lack of resources, however, this allows you to learn to be resourceful and flexible. My ISP adviser and the professors were usually available to help with any setbacks, both minor and major.

On-site administration of your program

The on-site administration for this program was phenomenal. The professors were knowledgeable and helpful. Our orientation leader, who was from the US but live in Ecuador, gave essential advice about physical and mental health, safety, and cultural norms. The other Ecuadorian staff at the school were always kind and helpful.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Being with a host family can be tough at times, however this was the environment where I was able to practice and learn the most Spanish. The host family experience is a case-by-case experience, however the in country staff and SIT did a great job in placing students with families were they felt safe and happy.

Ecuador has the best soup, fresh fruits, and juices!

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of the time in this program is spent with the other American students on the program, speaking English, however, the host family stay really helped balance the social and cultural integration. Doing activities with my host family/siblings allowed me to become integrated. On the excursions, we were always with local guides who were extremely wonderful and allowed us to learn about the culture and the particular ecosystem from a local's point of view.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I luckily never had to visit a hospital or clinic, however the few people on my program who did found it to be accessible and we had staff to help us with the process. I did have to have a yellow fever vaccine, a typhoid vaccine, and I took malaria pills while in malaria areas.

I think the orientation provided us with valuable information regarding our personal safety. Ecuador is by no means an unsafe country, but you have to be on higher alert than many US students are used to (ie not leaving your laptop lying around and not walking around at night alone). Ecuador does not have problems with random violence like in the US, however there are more instances of petty theft and sexual harassment (catcalling).

I would choose the same program because I loved being in Ecuador and I loved learning about the different ecosystems, since it is such a unique country.

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

I rarely spent money since public transportation is only 25 cents and your host families provide all of your meals.

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

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Hostel

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• The excursions
• My different host families
• The food

• How we spend classtime
• The equipment available for ISP projects

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