SIT Ecuador: Ecology, Adaptability, and Connection May 30, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fantastic program for me, an ecologist and nature lover. Wonderful professors, excursions, experiences. Rigorous workload with similarly tough grading. Generally well-organized, but self-sufficiency and flexibility necessary in the face of occasional hitches.

On-site administration of your program

Administered well (though a little disorganized at times). All organization handled by basically two people, doing a herculean job but occasionally overloaded.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Fantastic--host families were wonderful, and excursion housing was top-notch.

Food was good, and accommodations for my vegan/vegetarian classmates were generally solid. Only time food was unpleasant was during the independent study, due to the nature of the campesino village in which I lived while performing research. That was a littlehard on the stomach!)

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Professors, staff, host families, guest speakers, etc were all Ecuadorian, and the professors go out of their way to immerse students in the culture. It's unfortunate that this program, as amazing as it is, does not include opportunities to meet local students! Heavy workload does limit opportunities for broader community integration

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great--all issues were handled efficiently.

Quito is unfortunately increasingly dangerous, and we were lucky to have no incidents. The program provided Uber stipends to allow students to travel safely, and we were almost never in any danger--I generally felt very safe. However, fear of robbery did limit nightlife and mobility somewhat.

This program, despite some bumps, was incredibly fun, exciting, and engaging. As a birder and ecologist I couldn't ask for a study abroad experience more directly connected to my interests, one that gave me the opportunity to study and research what I love in a remarkable setting and with wonderful professors and classmates.

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

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

Professors talked to us in a mix of English and Spanish, and we could answer in whatever language we chose. We students tended to use English among ourselves, but outside of school/classmates Spanish was the only language of communication, and an absolute requirement for interacting with host families and people on the street

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Hostel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Excursions across country + accompanying professional experience
• Meeting fellow ecologists
• Full immersion in Ecuadorian life

• Organization, especially Independent Study
• Clarity of grading
• Accessibility

The Avid Adventurer