Living and Learning International

Program Reviews

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Allison
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living & Learning - A Unique Experience

I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad! The staff at Living & Learning does a great job of helping you grow from your experiences and make sure you feel cared for. And if you are on the Spanish track, you will live with an Ecuadorian family the whole semester, which is an amazing opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture! During the semester, you will take classes (almost completely taught by Ecuadorians), explore the city of Quito and its Historic Center, hike volcanoes, go to the jungle and eat grubs, and visit places like the Galapagos Islands and Baños! You will truly experience the richness of what it's like to live in a foreign culture. In traveling abroad, I expected to immerse myself and learn about the culture, but something that exceeded my expectations was the second family I got from the close relationships I made during my time there, from my homestay and other students. I think it's community focus is one thing that sets Living & Learning apart.

Pros
  • Christ-centered supportive community
  • Lots of fun adventures
  • Professors who challenge you academically and personally
Cons
  • Culture shock (can be expected in any foreign culture and the staff prepares you for it)
  • Returning home is the hardest part
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Sage
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Rome 2023

Had an absolute blast during my semester in Rome! Genuinely the best 3 months of my life.
The people were truly the biggest blessings, and the staff is like a second family to me.

Rome is a beautiful and crazy city. It was so fun to explore and build a second home across the world. Coffee, pasta, history, art, pizza, it was all a dream and I will forever miss it.

The God centered program was such a comfort and I learned so much in my classes taught by both Italian and American professors. It was so lovely to live and learn in such and environment.

Overall, would recommend to anyone considering.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace the community and go see the world!!!
Pros
  • Friends
  • Food
  • Travel
Cons
  • Expenses
  • Balancing class and travel
  • Culture Shock
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Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Unique Supportive Community

Living and Learning in Ecuador is truly a unique program because they crafted every aspect themselves. Unlike lots of programs that partner with local universities, L&L offers their own set of courses through a Christian worldview. It does have cons since the courses you can take are limited, but the courses offered are worth taking. In comparison to peers I have spoke with who have studied abroad, L&L courses make the transition of living abroad much easier because classes are set up in a similar way to the United States. There are also great opportunities for internships for just about any major.

You will face culture shock as you would in any program, but it is nice that there are consistencies with home. Along with courses that are like home, you will also be in a cohort of 30 or more students that are experiencing the same thing as you in many ways. Community is important for L&L, and they made sure to create opportunities for safe spaces to talk to peers or staff. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone often, but you will know that you have a loving community around you to support you.

Living and Learning also does a great job of planning trips throughout the semester and at the end of the semester that allow you to experience more of the country. Before arriving in Ecuador, I did not know that there would be so many weekend trips that would allow me to experience sights that I had saw in videos and hoped I would have time to see. The two big trips at your last 2 and a half weeks are also amazing!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment had to be canyoning down a series of waterfalls in Baños! It was a difficult hike up and scary to climb down the waterfalls. I was accomplished after one but had to go down 6 more. At one point I lost my shoe. However, I just kept going with the support of my friend. At the end was a satisfying pool of water to swim in.
Pros
  • Small supportive Christian community
  • Easy transition to coursework and great opportunities for internships
  • Lots of included trips
Cons
  • Lots of meals are not provided (however know that Ecuador is cheaper than the US)
  • Though there are lots of opportunities for travel, students are not allowed to leave the city on their own
  • There is temptation to stay in your L&L bubble (Be intentional about making friends with Ecuadorians)
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Kailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

L&L RWP

The staff was incredible. SO welcoming and knowledgeable. Greta at providing travel advice and providing support when needed. I have made some of my now best friends there and I would not trade those experiences and times of joy and tears for anything. If I could do it all over the exact same way I would. I remember every adventure, Cinque Terra, Munich, Salzburg, Venice, Verona, the Appian Way, wandering through churches and streets and shops. The people made the time there so special and I thank the Lord everyday for that opportunity.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Know before you go. Have a list of places you want to see or experiences you want to have and go out and do or see them. Even if it is by yourself it is ok. It is a solo adventure. Have courage and be wise. Look at average flight and train ticket costs, have ideas and share them. Omio is a go to booking site.
Pros
  • Easy travel
  • Impeccable food
  • One of a kind experiences
Cons
  • Busy depending on the time of year
  • Some hard to get to places
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Symone
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

L&LI Ecuador - Fall Semester

I’m so glad I chose to study abroad with Living and Learning International. I was able to be a part of a great community while exploring a new country. The staff was so supportive and I was able to grow in my cultural awareness as well as spiritually because of them. I had such a fun experience and am glad I was able to experience it with the people I did. I was given opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do. I am changed for the better because of this experience and would definitely recommend it to those looking to study abroad.

Pros
  • Language immersion
  • Weekend excursions
  • Great community + staff
Cons
  • Possible culture shock
  • Busy schedule
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Abigail
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living and Learning Ecuador

The staff members were incredibly encouraging, supportive, and caring. They gave us their undivided attention, and listened attentively to our struggles and needs. It is a small community in which everyone knows everyone and grows together. Leaving home can bring trials, but it is worth it. Students should be prepared to cook their own meals or pay to eat out. This program suits all kinds of students, especially those who wish to experience other cultures, travel internationally, or learn a new language.

Pros
  • Developing cultural sensitivity and awareness
  • Langauge immersion
  • Tight-knit community abroad of like-minded people
Cons
  • Potential homesickness
  • Leaving and re-entering friend groups
  • Potential illness due to exposure to new foods
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Kena
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Kena

My semester in Ecuador let me have adventure, fun, friendships, and spiritual growth all in four months. I would recommend Living and Learning to anyone considering studying abroad because they organize most events, guide you in culture, and support you fully while you adjust during your semester. I will never get an experience like I did in Ecuador. For me my semester came out cheaper than my traditional on campus tuition. My time in Ecuador was full of traveling and experience Ching the cultural the best I could. I would go back if I could!

Pros
  • Experience culture in a group setting
  • Learn Spanish
  • Fund community
Cons
  • You won’t want to go home
  • You still have to complete school assignments
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Sage
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living and Learning International

I really loved going to this program because it was really taught me how to live in a community of people and share life together! The people were amazing with in depth conversations. The program pushed for students to get out of their comfort zone. It stretched you in a different way that you could not imagine. The people are so kind and caring and priorities their faith which was very refreshing. Living and going to school with the same group of people allow one to understand how to love and accept people were they are at and that was something I was not expecting that the program provided

Pros
  • Learning about different cultures
  • Meeting new people
  • Learning Spanish
Cons
  • miss communication
  • Too busy of a schedule
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Carlissa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Living and Learning Quito, Ecuador

This program gives you the unique experience of being able to travel to Ecuador, build community, and do so many fun activities while you're there. Places that I never thought I would go to like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos were a highlight but more than that was the community. Living and Learning does such a good job of fostering a rich Christian community so be prepared to be challenged spiritually and emotionally by those around you. But also prepare to be met by a super-loving community that will embrace you fully as you are.

Pros
  • Getting fully immersed in another culture
  • Building strong Christian Community
  • Getting to travel in South America
Cons
  • Possible culture stress or shock (but they prepare you for this)
Cusco, Peru
Lamont
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loving Living & Learning

My time studying abroad with Living & Learning changed my life in many ways! It has been a difficult time in college with the social issues of the day and living through a pandemic, so this time abroad in loving community where I grew academically, socially, and spiritually was so healing. Not only was this a deeply transformational experience, but it was also so fun! We had the opportunity to zipline, go to the jungle, hike on mountains, canyon down waterfalls, explore Quito via taxi and trolly, learn to salsa, try delicacies, live with an Ecuadorian family for a month, swim on the beautiful beaches of Esmeraldas and so much more! The people of this program and this country are marked by the virtue of hospitality, and I highly recommend you stop reading my review and just go see for yourself :)

Pros
  • Great academic assistance and flexibility; focus on quality and comprehension.
  • Great balance between academics, trips, and free time.
  • Stupendous staff that are receptive and proactive with any feedback you give them.