Program Reviews

My time with El Nomad is something that I will never forget. The support that I received was more than I imagined it could be - by the end of my semester, I felt like I was a true member of the family!
I also participated in several excursions which were always mind-blowing with the scenery and immersion into the culture. Plus, my courses at the Universidad de Cuenca were as challenging as those back home and the students were really friendly and open.

I really enjoyed working with the kids at the after school program. They were a lot of fun and seemed to enjoy having visitors in. I did wish they had a little more structure and had the volunteers helping out with specific things rather than left to figure it out themselves. Other than that though the kids were a lot of fun.

The language classes that were set up for me were great as well. They were set to my level and I was able to have them somewhat tailored to what I wanted to learn.

I loved my homestay family as well. The food was amazing! They treated me like their family member and took me with them exploring to make sure I saw all the little areas in and around Cuenca. It helped me make use my language skills more. I think the program does a great job matching students to the homestays.

My days were always jam-packed and I loved that. I was speaking Spanish all day every day except for the last three hours before I went to bed. Weekends were harder since I was here and didn't have much to do. If there were any way to include weekend programs that incorporated language skills, or to recommend places to go, that would be great.

I felt like the university was a bit crazy with schedules. I had no idea when classes would REALLY start and end.

I loved the Foundation. It was hard and the kids difficult at times, but it is 100% what made my Spanish improve the most.

Great time at this mom and pop study abroad program. From home-cooked food with the host family, to intimate class experience, to the freedom to adventure and dive into Ecuadorian culture, exploring individual interests with the valuable knowledge and guidance from the El Nomad staff. I had a wonderful time during my two months in Cuenca, Ecuador. There are so many ways one can study through El Nomad. Whether it be an internship, classes, or an awesome and exciting trip, it's always a blast! Love the folk here and the opportunities they are happy to share with students of the world. Best time of my college career, most important trip I've taken. Get out and get in!

I had a wonderful experience with El Nomad! During my stay with a local host family I was enrolled in one-on-one Spanish classes with a native speaker at la Universidad de Cuenca. I also participated in a human rights internship with a local organization that provides services and support to adults, children, and families challenged by disabilities. All of these environments provided me with continuous opportunities to improve my Spanish and cultural understanding. It was through these experiences that I was able to make incredible and long-lasting connections with locals and really experience the city. El Nomad also provided me with opportunities to see even more of the country through long weekend excursions to the coast of Ecuador and the Amazon Jungle. It was an absolute blast! The El Nomad staff did a fantastic job of providing support while promoting independence abroad. Every part of this experience was personalized and designed to provide me with the experience abroad that I desired.

Additionally, my time in Ecuador has impacted me beyond stay. I came back more culturally and self-aware. I am also a recent college graduate which has made even more evident the significance of this experience. I have been asked at every one of my interviews about my abroad experience and my spanish-speaking abilities. I have no doubt that the experience El Nomad facilitated has made me stand out as a candidate.