Living and Learning International Reviews

In short, my time with Living & Learning International changed my life! I couldn't have asked for a better semester. Prior to embarking on this journey with L&LI, I did not know what to expect. I was mostly just looking forward to having all the fun (I mean promises of climbing a volcano and going to the Galapagos Islands should hype anyone up). However in the midst of all the fun, I had not anticipated to grow as much as I did, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. The staff of L&LI truly take the time to pour into their students and disciple them to be better leaders over their lives so that they in turn know how to lead others well. In just the course of 4 months, I had learned from L&LI what it means to live in authentic and genuine community with others where vulnerability and honesty is welcomed and fosters personal growth. There's not one thing with this semester that I regret or wish could've been different.

My time in Ecuador in the summer of 2017 was priceless and far exceeded my expectations. The staff was invested in discipleship and in the lives of the students. I learned a huge amount from my education internship. I've been to about 5 or 6 countries (some on multiple occasions), and my time in Ecuador was probably the most enjoyable of them all. I seriously plan to apply for teaching jobs in Ecuador when I graduate next year. I would recommend this program to anyone and everyone.

Going to Quito, Ecuador was the most impactful part of my college career. Not only was I able to travel to South America and go on countless adventures, leaving me with stories and experiences of a lifetime, but I also was immersed into a culture that stretched me and changed the way I see the world. Living in Quito in an apartment with other people from the program was beneficial because I was able to adjust to Ecuador with others who were also experiencing the change of living in another country and adjusting to a new culture. However, when I moved to my homestay and lived with an Ecuadorian family for a month, I realized that before, I had simply been studying abroad. When I moved in with my Ecuadorian family, I was then living abroad. I was able to grasp the culture in an entirely new way when I had Ecuadorian parents, brothers, and sisters. I learned a lot of Spanish, and I learned what it means to be a good host and to open your home to family and friends. I lived in an environment in which family comes first, relationships are more important than work, and you are treated as though you are a daughter of the family.

I absolutely love this program. I went into the semester as not only the only person from my school who was going, but as the first student from my school to attend this program, and I was more than intimidated not knowing what I had gotten myself into. As soon as I was picked up at the airport by the staff, saw my apartment, and met my RC, I felt at peace about the semester ahead. I loved every aspect of my semester. The classes were interesting, the professors were not only some of the most amazing teachers I know, but also deeply cared about me and the other students. The community was incredible, the staff helped the students become very intentional about having meaningful relationships throughout the semester. Ecuador is a beautiful country and through this program you get to see all four of it's diverse worlds, the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, the coast, and the Galapagos islands. I'm so thankful that the staff have built this program the way that they have and that they invest in students the way that they do.

Everything about this program is intentional. From having conversations about the beautiful and ugly sides of Quito's culture, to the timing of the jungle mission trips and allowing students to lead the second one, to the community in the apartments - everything is intentional to allow students to grow spiritually, relationally, and experientially. The staff is fully invested in supporting the students and allowing them to flourish. Most of the activities are planned by the program, which I was at first nervous about. But that actually allowed me to see much more of the country than I would have otherwise. Overall, the loving community defines this program.

Living and Learning International: Quito serves as an amazing academic program overseas. The program emphasizes the importance of the students and the development of their character while also encourages and strives for academic success. This program separates itself from others by its intentionality. What I mean by this is that the program prides itself with the fact that they provide opportunities for the students to see and experience every region of the country. Along with that, the intercultural immersion with a host family has been crafted to support both the students and the families. The staff creates an environment that allows every individual to be both known and cared for. Any student that desires to invest in not only their education, but their lives as well should consider Living and Learning International.

Living & Learning International is an amazing study abroad program that goes above & beyond to serve students. When I was initially searching for a study abroad program, I knew I wanted to be in South America with a Christian program that included a homestay. L&LI was just that! The staff works hard to make sure that students are getting the most out of their experience. They have programmed the semester perfectly to allow for Christian community to form, fun to be had, & cultural challenges to wrestle with. Every aspect of the semester has been taken into consideration, & the staff shows their immense love & care. I thoroughly enjoyed studying abroad in Ecuador, & can't imagine in without L&LI's support & guidance.

This study abroad program is a level above any other study abroad program. You are surrounded by people who are there because they love you, want to get to know you, and want to develop you as a person. You live in the city of Quito and get to interact with locals every day, as well as during your month of homestays! The staff they hire is incredible. This semester will change your life. The staff does an excellent job of helping you integrate into the country, teaching you how to live safely and how to navigate where to go, and they prepare you how to return to the United States.. Which is crucial!
I cannot say enough good things about this program. You also get to meet and hear stories of long term missionaries in the jungle. The best things about this program are 1) you get to explore the coolest places in Ecuador!
And 2) you will get so close with your community that it will deeply impact you,and your relationship with Jesus
I wish I could send everyone through this program!!

If you're looking for a semester-long program that includes Christian community, great academics, and the chance to explore Rome as well as other places, this program would be a great fit for you. Rome With Purpose focuses on molding college student's Christian character through the presence of directors like Larry and Debbie, as well as faith-based professors who likewise genuinely care about the student's immersion into the Italian culture. During the course of the semester, you will have daily meals with the community of students you are living with, have classes that will connect to the sites you will be exploring, as well as immersing yourself in the beautiful Italian culture. Not only will you experience this, but you will have the opportunity to explore areas of your choosing three weeks out of the semester. I am truly convinced you will not find a program with better value!

This program was so great for me as it gives me an opportunity to study in Rome, Italy. I have always wanted to study abroad and spend time in a different country, and this program has provided me with that opportunity. It is such a unique program as there are 3 weeks set aside for travel time, which gives you the opportunity to see more of Italy, and other countries. It is also unique as it is a 90 day program that allows you to see the world and earn 16 credits. This program was the perfect fit as I have learned to live in a different culture, learn a new language, learn how to cook, and have had such great support behind me. The directors, Larry and Debbie Peck, are so helpful and encouraging. They have been so helpful with being able to answer any questions, provide resources to help in any way possible, and encourage you to immerse yourself in the culture. While this is such a short time abroad, I would definitely recommend to be intentional about your time abroad as many different opportunities will come your way. One of my favorite memories of this trip is the time that we would spend at lunch everyday and dinner twice a week, each week. There were community meals, and some of the best laughs came from those meals, and it was always just so much fun to get to talk to everyone and share some experiences that you have had.