Global Routes Ecuador Teaching Internship Gap Year Program

To say that I had an absolutely fantastic four weeks in Ecuador this summer would be a huge understatement. When I began looking into community service teen trips for last summer, I kept noticing a pattern in testimonials of fellow teens saying they went on “a trip of a lifetime.” At first I questioned this a lot and wondered would this really be a trip of a lifetime or are they just saying that so I’d sign up and go? After spending almost an entire month in Ecuador, I realized why all of these teens said it really was a trip of a lifetime. Going to Ecuador was the best decision I ever made and the best investment my parents could have ever made. In just the course of four weeks, I came back with lifelong friends, more photos than I’ve ever taken and enough memories to share until I die. I learned deeper respect for those around me, true appreciation for everything I have back at home and to pause and take in all the small moments. My group named ourselves “La Familia” (the family in Spanish) and to tell you the truth, by the end of the trip we all felt like family. While spending almost 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the same crowd can get exhausting and annoying, I wouldn’t have wanted to spend those days with any other people. We made each other laugh, smile and everyone just felt like themselves. We pushed each other to be adventurous and go outside our comfort zones. This trip taught me so much about myself and the world outside of my New York City bubble and I still talk about my trip to this day. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop talking about it and sharing the memories. If you’re thinking about going on a Global Routes trip, trust me, you’re truly making the best decision yet!

Before going to College I knew that I wanted to take a year off and travel abroad. I looked at several different programs and wasn't satisfied with any of them until Global Routes. They are reasonably priced, assure your safety, and offer support for you for wherever you go. They also make sure that at least one other person involved in the program is close to you for even more support. They were extremely helpful and informative in the applying process and the overall experience abroad. I met so many wonderful people on my adventure and learned a great deal about another culture helping to respect and understand mine better. I found myself while there and learned so many life lessons that I have applied to my everyday life now. I loved being able to teach in a school and work with children everyday along with helping to renovate it and bring smiles to the communities faces. The village was extremely accepting, friendly, and caring towards my partner and I and I will always have a place for them in my heart. I still plan on hopefully returning there after college to visit because it was one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and I felt completely safe and secure being there. I strongly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a break from school, a desire to help others, or an adventure.