Program Reviews

I cannot recommend this program enough! I had such a great experience studying abroad in Quito! I was able to grow so much and was both challenged and supported by staff members who encouraged me in my faith and stood by my side as I experienced many new things. I was able to gain confidence in my Spanish-speaking ability through my classes and communicating with my home-stay family while learning a lot about Ecuadorian culture. One of the highlights for me was being able to intern at a nonprofit organization called End Slavery Ministries Ecuador (ESME). It was such a great way for me to get some practical job experience while experiencing culture in a very unique way. I got to see how nonprofits work in different countries, learn about what life is like as a missionary, and develop deep relationships with the staff members and residents at ESME. The weekend and week-long excursions were another highlight! You get to do once in a lifetime activities like repelling down waterfalls, scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands, going to the Amazon river, going to chocolate farms, and more!! I made memories and friendships that I will treasure forever!

I absolutely loved my time in Quito, Ecuador with Living and Learning International. The community building aspect was one of my favorite parts of the semester. The intentionality of staff to support students and help us grow during our time there was so important. Through this experience I grew more confident in my conversational and directional Spanish. The opportunities for exploring and adventure were amazing. Through this program I summitted my first mountain, a 15er located West of Quito overlooking the city. The trips to the Galapagos and Peru at the end of the semester were so well planned. Staff was experienced in planning and orchestrating our groups in seeing what was most interesting. The balance between structure and freedom was great, we were independent without needing to be entirely on our own. My time at my internship was so helpful in forming future career plans. Working cross culturally was such a beneficial experience and learning communication methods for effectively working cross culturally was one of the biggest skills I left Ecuador with.

The program was run very strictly. For some this could contribute to burnout, but for those able to keep up with a fast paced environment, it is perfect. You have to be very intentional about taking down time, and those that are afraid of missing out will probably be very torn between alone time and fun time. The program takes for granted a determination and desire to travel and engage in the culture. Overall, I recommend it! Great structure and so many opportunities to see not just Rome, but other locations in Europe as well.

I absolutely loved the whole experience. Getting to live in a different country and grow in my faith was such a blessing. The program was centered on experiential learning which was a beautiful way to soak in a different culture. I am a bilingual speaker and I enjoyed getting to have a home stay with people who only spoke Spanish. Also, going to Galapagos and Machu Pichu were both a dream. Not to mention, we summited Pichincha which was both beautiful and challenging. I think my favorite part was going on our retreat with spiritual formation and spending time in nature and resting.

Living & Learning Ecaudor was bar far the best college semester I had and I recommend it to YOU. L&LI plan nearly the whole semester for you (homestays, internship, weekend travels) which makes being a student much easier and safer. The staff is so caring and student to staff ratio is excellent ensuring that you are recognized by your professors! L&LI Ecuador is unashamedly Christian and encourage their students to look deeper into God’s beauty displayed in Quito. You are offered a 3-fold semester of city living (with 10ish roommates), homestay, and travel. L&LI also offers internship partnerships to build your resumé, even for nurses! The coffee shops and panderias are fabulous and fresh/wholesome produce is readily available (speaking as a Nutrition major). Quito is the ideal destination for adventurous free spirits.

I had the opportunity to complete this internship online and I had a great experience. Even though I was not able to be at the location physically, my mentor and supervisor still made me feel included and welcomed. I felt like I was apart of the community even though I am thousands of miles away. I had a busy schedule but my supervisor and mentor where both understanding and patient with me through the transitions. They were extremely helpful and encouraging. I would recommend going through this program.

For years I was off and on trying to muster the confidence to study abroad (I knew I wanted to but didn't know how, where, or when!!). Once I found out about Living & Learning's program, I couldn't stop thinking about what a life-changing experience it would be, and sure enough, it exceeded expectations!!! Each staff member of Living and Learning cares deeply about each person that comes down to Quito and makes for an experience you won't forget!!! I'm telling you... this is an opportunity to make memories and learn in a way that is UNFORGETTABLE!!

I love my program. I didn't know what to expect when going to Ecuador, but I was nervous about taking such a big step. The Living and Learning International staff met me where I was, supported me, taught me to have a more open and loving perspective in intercultural interactions, gave me some of the best adventures of my life, facilitated incredible friendships, and challenged me to grow as human being and a person of faith. I'll expand on two of those. L&LI led my cohort and I on some awesome adventures. As an experienced-based program, there is a focus in L&LI on getting to know all of Ecuador. The staff all have a special place for the country and culture in their heart, and they want us to, as well. Second, L&LI challenged me to recognize my assumptions and to perceive a culture with an open mind and heart. They wanted me to understand and appreciate Ecuador as well as to learn about the harm that a prejudiced mindset can cause. This challenging was done with a balance of respect, care, and uprightness that forced me to confront those hidden thoughts in myself that were so much easier to avoid. I am so grateful for the love and persistence with which they did this.

I had the most life giving internship. I got to work in a coffee shop downtown, learning from the locals and having good conversations. This made me feel like a part of this city and not just a tourist. As a senior, I was able to work on my capstone project while in Ecuador. This exemplifies how flexible, creative, and accommodating the LLI staff is. I worked alongside both the director of Youth World and of LLI to come up with a comprehensive business plan for a coffee shop in Quito. This was an incredible experience.

Truly an exceptional job building community and encouraging personal development. I felt very invested in, from the other students and the younger staff all the way up to the directors and top leaders. Everyone is willing and able to make time for you and your growth. Also, so much fun!! The housing was comfortable and perfect for what we needed, life was easy and fun in Quito. There are a bunch of provided opportunities and opportunities you can create. Theres never a dull moment if you are willing to go look.