Ecuador Study Abroad Semester - Fall and Spring

My time in Ecuador is one of the most treasured and precious times in my life. It was full of adventure, learning, and being stretched to new levels of myself. One of my favorite days in Ecuador was when we went to Banos. It was towards the beginning of the semester when I still was not completely comfortable with everyone around me. We went and explored this little town and went horseback riding, saw volcanoes, did a natural mud mask from a river, went to the swing at the end of the world, learned about coffee and chocolate, and drank natural fizzy water. We slept in a large house in the forest all together, and bonded while playing games, karaoke/dance battles, and killing bugs (haha). It was a great experience to get us all comfortable with each other, and helped build what was my favorite part of Ecuador...the community. The staff is so amazing, and the people that you get to know and live with are so excited to live life together. This semester is one of my most precious memories, and I wish I could re live it again and again. If you have the opportunity, go go GO!!

One of my favorite memories from my semester in Ecuador was a spontaneous day trip with my homestay family. We woke up early in the morning and took a day trip to the largest mountain in the world (Mt Chimborazo) ! We spent the entire day stopping at the different towns and trying fun, new foods (like plantains with cheese!). Our host parents we very generous and loved to show us the variety of cultures and traditions within the country of Ecuador. We ended the long day traveling to different parts of Ecuador back in a cozy little restaurant in our home city Quito. It was one of my favorite days, not because of the adventurous things and places we went, but because of the deeper connections we made and laughs we had with our homestay family:)

My semester abroad in Ecuador was truly incredible. I was challenged spiritually, culturally, socially, academically, and even physically, only to find at the end of the semester just how much I had grown in such a short time. One moment that I think embodies this growth was my decision to get baptized at the end of the semester. Throughout the semester, God showed me just how much I needed Him, and how I could only find true contentment in Him. He also showed me just how important community was, so what better way to end the semester than to get baptized on the beach of Ecuador as a public declaration of my complete trust in Christ, surrounded by all the people who had walked alongside me and challenged me throughout the most incredible experience of my life. I remember looking around the circle, looking at each and every person who had loved me with intention, who had genuinely cared for me, who had discipled me and who had spent time with me, and I felt undeserving of the kindness and openness they had shared. But God puts people in our lives for a reason, and I know with full confidence that it was no coincidence our paths crossed that semester. After the baptisms, I remember just jumping in the waves as it started to rain, laughing and hugging all the people who had challenged me to become the Christ-follower I am today, and knowing that each of those wonderful people would forever be a part of my story.

I learned so much about life, culture, community, and my relationship with the Lord while in Ecuador! Something new and different challenged the way I thought daily. Here's one highlight of something I learned on a volcano hike while in Quito:
For a small assignment in Spiritual Formation class, I climbed Pinchincha with a small rock in my hand to remind me of the constant presence of the Lord in every moment of life. Even with it IN MY HAND, I still sometimes forgot that it was there. This made me realize once again just how much of a forgetful human I am, despite all the amazing things that I have witnessed the Lord do in my life. Having just finished out the month in homestays the day before, I had freshly learned the closeness of Jesus’ presence with me through all the highs and lows, and this hike proved to be such an amazing symbol of the previous month. And in spite of my silly tendency to constantly become unaware of His guidance and love, I know that He guides and loves me still. Nothing I do or don’t do can make Him let go of my hand, even if I forget that I am holding it. I am so, so grateful for all of my experiences in Ecuador like this one.

Studying abroad in Quito, Ecuador with Living & Learning International was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. It provided me with an incredible opportunity to be immersed in a new culture through classes, homestays, and trips. It also grew and strengthened my knowledge of the world around me. Through this experience, my faith in Jesus Christ was restored. I was also able to grow as a human and learn more about who I am. One of my favorite trips was going to the town of Banos. ATVing through the town was one of the most amazing and freeing moments of my life. I also loved being able to try all of the wonderful new foods, such as chifles, coco batidos, empanadas, jugo de mora and popcorn in soup. Everyone one of my experiences contributed to an incredible semester. All of these things would not have been possible without the incredible L&LI staff.

My experience in Quito, Ecuador was AMAZING! The program that I did it through is called Living and Learning International (L&LI) and I left as a completely changed person; it was the BEST experience of my life and I could have not done without the Lord and those that He brought near me when I needed it. I lived in a predominantly Spanish-speaking country for four months, where I went a short-term mission trip in the Jungle, lived with an Ecuadorian family, lived with a community of 40 people, learned more Spanish/took other courses like Biology as well and experienced the same God in a vastly different way! Also, I had an internship in an ethnically diverse church for my major and at the end of the semester, we traveled to the Galapagos Islands, Machu Picchu in Peru, and the beach at the coast of Ecuador. Because of studying abroad in Ecuador, my heart now is at different places at once.

When I think back on my time in Ecuador I see color. I see David and Gloria greeting me with a kiss on the check and selling me beautiful fresh flowers, sneaking an extra bundle in for free. I see Jim smiling as I step into Harlans knowing that I want a cronut and latte. I see little kids squirting me with foam during Carnival weekend. I see the cohort sailing, well zipping down the river in the jungle. I see Peru from the top of Machu Picchu. I see water falling on top of me as i swim under the falls. I see our house in Quito, filled with barefoot girls and fruit, laughter and tears, and dance parties. I see my friend hustling for Maroon 5 tickets in Spanish hours before our flight out of the country leaves. I see our whole group worshipping on Wednesday nights. I see otters kissing my face in the waters of the Galapagos. I see myself and friends sliding down Pichincha in the snow. I see the color of the buildings.

My season in Ecuador was colorful. It was life changing because of the relationships. Now I work as a teacher and coach at a Christian High School and I see myself reflecting on my time in Ecuador not for the colorful memories as much as for the example of community. I want to live walking distance from my students because I know the support and comfort of having a teacher walking distance from me. I want to do things with them outside of school because I know the joy of swimming in a canal or going to coffee with someone who wants to teach and mentor me. I want to take time for their stories because people took time for mine. I find myself striving to cultivate community because that is what shaped me and made my study abroad experience life changing.

Go to Ecuador! Even if you're seeking colorful adventures, you're bound to find more.

I knew I wanted to study abroad for a semester. At first, I was thinking I would end up going to Spain. However, after taking a closer look into the study abroad programs that my school offer, none had the perspective of Christian Worldview (which was weird to me, because I attend a Christian university). Anyways, a program with its mission based on Christ was what I was looking for, and that's exactly what I found with the program Living and Learning International. Choosing to study abroad in Ecuador with this program was one of the best decisions I have made and I do not regret it a single bit. Not only did I experience an adventure of the lifetime, but I got to experience this adventure with my best friend Hallie along with making new best friends there. I want to give thanks to all the staff who made my time in Ecuador possible and for the community that was made. It would not have been the same without them.

I also appreciate how this program's semester is set up with 1 month in the houses with people from the program, then 1 month in homestays (so you don't miss out on that experience), 1 month back in the houses together again, and then travel for two weeks to the Jungle and the Galapagos -- and not to forget, the Chapel sessions that took place once a week. This program was very organized with the set up including housing, travel, education & classes, and everything else and more! I think that definitely has to go along with the amazing staff. I already wish I could go back!

The country of Ecuador is breath-taking! I could tell you about it and all about my experience or...you could go yourself! I promise you will not regret it!

Life-giving and life-changing. 10/10 would recommend! :)

This program is amazing! Not only do you get to live in Ecuador-- a country full of warm and interesting people, but you also get to be part of a very strong and special community within the program. One of the most impactful aspects of this program was the spiritual teaching and guidance. The staff of Living and Learning really care about each student and push them to become who they were created to be by God. Although the trips, sights, and crazy experiences were fun, the focus on God is what really mattered most to me.

Deciding to study abroad in Ecuador with Living and Learning is easily one of the best decisions I have made. There are many things to highlight from this incredible experience, but some that stand out are the people, the places, and the cultural practices. I felt welcomed and supported by staff from the very beginning- even before we had arrived in Ecuador. They do an amazing job of making everyone feel valued and seen. Additionally, the staff coordinates all the details of the excursions, so it is nice that you don't have to worry about anything and can just enjoy the fun trips- of which there are plenty! Not only did we travel all over Ecuador, but we also got to experience Peru! Lastly, this semester program does a great job of immersing students in Ecuadorian culture. From living with a family for a month to traveling to internships on public transportation, there are many opportunities to experience the culture firsthand. I would highly, highly recommend this program.

L&LI Semester Abroad was an amazing experience full of spiritual, intellectual, and relational growth. Being fully immersed into Ecuadorian culture while taking classes, having an internship, living with home-stay families, and going on trips that allow you to see the four regions of Ecuador is something that not very many people have the opportunity to do. Being able to do all this with amazing staff that is there to support you spiritually, mentally and physically 100% of the time is an incredible gift and added bonus. The teachers are there to challenge you in a variety of ways all while incorporating the culture and history of Ecuador. You have the chance to build life long relationships with staff, fellow students, and home-stay families that radiate Christ and that are built on a strong foundation for the love of Ecuador and the city of Quito that you are living in. This program helps you grow in independence, sense of curiosity and in your knowledge of Spanish.
Going into this program, I had no idea that it would have been this life changing, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend this program!

When people asked me the one question of, "How was it?!" My one answer was always, wow. Starting and finishing with the staff, they made the semester the best it could be for us. They poured into us students and we got to pour into them as well. Not only did the staff change my life, but so did the students I walked with these past four months. Some closer than others, but all so loving and authentic. We traveled to Peru and the four worlds of Ecuador with each other. Outside of these amazing trips, we studied together and grew in the knowledge of Spanish language and other academics. Professors were always so supportive of the next steps you wanted to take in life and truly cared for you. This program is so unique because of its' people. They make you feel like home no matter how uncomfortable you are. Prepare to be vulnerable, loved, and scared. This trip was filled with all emotions, but knowing that I wasn't alone on this trip felt amazing.

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.