Ecuador Study Abroad Semester - Fall and Spring

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.

This semester abroad was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. I saw so many cool things and places, ate amazing food, and made some of the best friends ever. It was also a great opportunity to improve my Spanish. Living with a homestay family really helped with that. And I absolutely loved my homestay family! I will never forget this semester. And I have to say, the staff really made the experience so much better. It definitely would not have been the same without them. They are incredibly supportive and some of the most amazing people ever! 10/10 would recommend.

My experience was really great. They do a great job of helping us to see Ecuador. We traveled around a lot to different places like Baños, the jungle, Peru, Macchu Piccchu, and a place where we got to go zip lining. The most unique thing about my year was that this was the only year they had major riots, but we were perfectly safe. I would go back again if I could. The staff were really nice and it was overall a great trip. If you go, you have to go to Carlos and the lady who sells calzones. They’re great

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:)