Gary Buckley studies at George Fox University in Oregon. He studies economics and Spanish and hopes to use these skills working in Latin America in the future.
I chose this program for its impressive internship opportunities. The program matches you with an internship in the exact field you're studying. I'm an economics major and was able to intern with FINCA - a microfinance bank based in Quito.
Further, I chose this program because they invest in students holistically. We take adventurous trips and I learned in the classes, but the program goes beyond and helps students develop relationally, culturally, and spiritually.
I met the Living & Learning program at a study abroad fair at my university. After applying and being accepted, L&L walked me through the visa process which would have been very complicated on my own.
In Ecuador, the program plans almost all of our outings. Initially, I expected this to be a constraining part of the program, but I was actually able to visit and experience much more of Ecuador through the program trips than I would have been able to set up on my own.
When I was not living in a homestay, I had to shop for and cook all of my meals, but was provided with a stipend for groceries.
I suggest that you bravely immerse yourself in the culture. Try the new food, speak as much Spanish as you can, and live outside your comfort zone. This is the most exciting way to live abroad.
Further, locals will notice. When you love the host culture with empathy, locals will feel honored.
Most mornings I would walk to my internship and work until noon. I'd then grab an almuerzo (lunches are about $2.50 in Ecuador) and have classes in the afternoon. In the evenings, I'd cook and eat with my apartment mates and do homework.
Every weekend I explored. Most weekends the program planned trips or activities and on the couple we had free - I explored with friends. Most Sundays I was able to go to church and I built community through that as well.
Before leaving, I was afraid I would not be able to integrate into Ecuadorian culture. I had doubts like "would my Spanish be good enough?" or "would I be able to do the work at my internship?"
Upon arriving, the program asked us to lean in to the culture - to take risks! They supported us in that journey and they were right. When I made mistakes in Spanish, Ecuadorians would kindly and cheerfully correct me. Once I took the first step in jumping into Ecuadorian culture, locals happily embraced me.
In Spanish there is a phrase: aprovechar lo que es dado - "make the most of what is given." Ecuadorians view the world in this way. Their schedules are relaxed so they are able to take life as it comes and make the most of spontaneous situations. Through this, they are much more intentional with their relationships than most North Americans.
Ecuador taught me to value and steward what God gives me and make the most of every moment.