A cultural and ecological whirlwind Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Experiential learning was interesting but there is not much that I learned academically that I will be able to translate to my life at Middlebury or beyond. I learned a lot about the culture and myself, but school was disappointing as it was challenging but I did not learn much that was worth my time outside of language learning.

On-site administration of your program

The program was disorganized, pejorative, and built on sexist and ableist structures. EIL (the building from which we rented space and where our language professors were employed) was amazing, as were certain administrative and supportive employees (namely Diana Serrano and Leonore Cavallero), but the academic staff was not supportive, disorganized, not well trained to deal with diverse issues that students may face, and not understanding of the students' experience in a foreign country.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was amazing, and without their support I would have bene much more unhappy overall in Ecuador.

Food was delicious and inexpensive, and we were definitely given enough to eat. The only reason that I did not give it 5 stars was that it was a bit hard to get food on my own (ie outside of school or my host family) that I was 100% sure would not give me food poisoning.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very integrated with my host family, and other student's host families, but there was not a lot of opportunities to get to know other Ecuadorians of my own age.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Emergency health issues were handled very well, as all needs were taken care of by the staff, hospitals were contacted if necessary, and they checked in often regarding even small illnesses. Chronic illnesses for which a student may need accommodations and disabilities were not addressed well, and I would recommend that SIT staff be better trained to handle these situations.

The risk of violent crime in Ecuador was not large, but theft was a big concern. This was especially on public transportation, and 4 out of 23 students on my program had their phones stolen out of their bags (which were on the front of their bodies) while in Ecuador. Additionally, as a woman I did not feel safe walking around alone after dark, and sometimes in the daytime I did not feel safe alone due to catcalling.

This program was infuriating in a huge amount of ways. However, I did learn a lot and I am a better person for what I did and went through.

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

Ecuador is very low cost.

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

We did not usually use it between the students but we used it in all classes, on excursions, and with host families.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Host family
• Excursions
• Other American students

• Sexist/ableist structures
• Organization
• More academically focused

The Avid Adventurer