Field-based, hands-on A+++ experience! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not too hard, not too easy, just enough to be incredibly intellectually engaging without burning you out! Also, you could really mold the program to your interests.

On-site administration of your program

Fabian and Sofia were the kindest, most caring, most structured, and intellectually passionate individuals I have ever met. Some of the best teachers, too!

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay wasn't excellent. I had a few personal issues (that were eventually resolved), but most of my other classmates LOVED theirs!

If you like rice, you've come to the right place! Dietary restrictions can be a little tricky to navigate, especially if you're vegetarian or Kosher.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

My homestay and ISP experience were completely culturally integrated, but I found it almost too easy to spend too much time with my US group members.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The directors are ready, willing, and able to facilitate whatever healthcare needs you might have!

It's a city. Petty crime is high, but if you keep your wits about you and stay in groups, you're totally safe. There's no reason to fear for your personal safety.

SIT Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages could not have been a better experience. I applied to the program on a whim following the advice of my study abroad advisor and it could not have been a more perfect fit, and the hands-on, field-based experience we had was once in a lifetime. From city life in Quito to the coast of Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands, all the way to the Amazon, we had the unique opportunity of being able to learn first-hand about Ecuador's most pressing socio-political issues from those directly involved in grassroots organizations and those affected by the ever-shifting political climate. Fabian, the academic director, is the most knowledgeable and passionate teacher I have ever had in my life. He and Sofia (the assistant director) were a constant support structure throughout the entire process and were always ready, willing, and able to lend an ear, a hand, or whatever you might need. I was able to immerse myself in Ecuadorian culture through my homestays and consequently improved my Spanish dramatically. The ISP was an incredible experience; I was able to prove to myself that I can, do, and will belong in academia, an aspect I have been doubting about myself for a long time. The opportunity to engage in field-based primary research at that level with the level of support that we had is something incredibly unique. The best part of the program is that you can really mold it to your academic interests- whether you're passionate about the environment, human migration, linguistics, gay rights, etc. etc., you can make the program what you want it to be!

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

Ecuador is definitely the place to go if you're on a budget, even if you're low-income. Everything is incredibly cheap compared to US prices (except for imports), so it's very possible to go out and have a good time every week, even every day, without breaking the bank. The program covers all meals and travel costs related directly to program activities.

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

We were in homestays, so we had to use the language every day. Also, class time was explicitly Spanish.

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Language improvement
• Academic confidence
• Fully integrative

• N/A

The Academic or Linguist