Learning collaboratively, a semester with Pachaysana Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The educational rigor of this experience is not the same kind as what you will find in a traditional setting. I was challenged on a much more fundamental and visceral level than I had experienced in classrooms when grappling with cultural differences, globalization, and other problems. We were constantly presented with opportunities for intensive reflection on our experiences, and this process was extremely helpful in allowing us to make sense of what was going on around us. The chance to share our classroom with local counterparts who have a wide variety of experiences with formal education was extremely valuable to my educationally, and I can easily say this was the single most educational semester of my college experience.

On-site administration of your program

Overall, Rehearsing Change has a very supportive staff who do their best to encourage students to have a transformative experience. Sometimes there was a shortage of staffing, which could be inconvenient. Overall, though, the program did a great job.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were told our living arrangements were similar to those of peace corps volunteers in Ecuador. We didn't have access to all of the luxuries we were used to, but our accommodations were comfortable and safe. The fact that we were sharing the lives of our local hosts made it a very meaningful experience.

The food was varied, but typical meals included a soup, rice, platanos, beets or other vegetables, Andean corn, fresh cheese, eggs, and/or chicken or fish for non-vegetarians. Ecuador also has a wide selection of delicious fruits that we became accustomed to. As a vegetarian, I always felt that I had enough food, and our hosts were very accommodating of my dietary preferences.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think the program does an excellent job of giving students opportunities to interact with host communtiies. The entire structure is set up so that we have the opportunity to interact with and form meaningful relationships with our local counterparts. That being said, the simple fact of being international students who will be leaving within a matter of months makes it difficult to integrate fully.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a wide variety of health issues while in Ecuador, and was always pleasantly surprised by the quality of health care. The program staff made sure we had access to quality clinics, and they gave us the support that we needed to be able to make a full recovery. This was impressive, because much of our program took place in relatively rural areas in the Amazon region. In order to travel to certain places a yellow fever vaccine was required. There were no issues with Malaria or other diseases in the areas we were in. Medicine in Ecuador was typically very affordable, as were doctor's visits.

The program was very thorough in briefing us on the safety concerns. The time we spent in cities felt far more concerning than the time we spent in our host communities, because the risk was greater for potential theft of items. Still, the program gave us plenty of common-sense rules to protect ourselves and our stuff.

This experience was one of the most important ones I have ever had, and has shaped who I am as a person and how I think about myself in relation to the world.

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

Ecuador is very cheap, and all of your essential costs are taken care of by the program cost. Everything else you would spend your money on is extra, so you can stick to basics, or organize special trips depending on your budget.

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

All of our classes and host family interactions were in Spanish. We were only allowed to use English when we were away from local counterparts, which was rarely

Select all that apply

• Host Family

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• International Students
• Host Family

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• Local Students
• International Students
• Host Family

• Decolonial philosophy
• Community relationships
• Hands-on learning

• Staffing
• Longer semester
• More breaks

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer