Mary Tucker

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Mary Tucker is a senior Intercultural Studies major at Union University in Jackson, TN. She is looking forward to working with multicultural populations after she graduates.

Why did you choose this program?

I choose this program because the staff is very intentional about everything they are involved with. The academics are solid because the professors are passionate about their students learning. The internships are great because the staff are involved in making sure they are a great fit and you are doing well throughout the semester. The community is incredible because the staff is intentional about creating a healthy community.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The program assisted with buying plane tickets, applying for visas and cultural preparation after I was accepted to the program. They also aided with signing up for classes including a Spanish placement test.

While in country, they provided student activities that include zip-lining through the cloud forest and visiting the Galapagos, all of which are covered by program costs. They also provide fully furnished apartments.

I was responsible for my own food most of the week but they also provided a stipend, which was included in the program cost, that covered transportation and food during our time.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Be prepared to be fully invested in this semester. You will have almost limitless opportunities while you are in Ecuador, take advantage of them. Invest in your class, invest in your internship, build relationships with the staff and students. This semester is what you make of it, so make the most of it.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

During the semester, which is 10 weeks out of the program, you have classes or an internship during the day. How much of the day is spent there depends on how many classes you're taking and what kind of internship you need.

The evenings are generally free. Tuesday nights are house night where you get to share dinner with your housemates, and Wednesday night is community night which includes dinner and chapel time. The weekends are typically filled with student activities, visiting Baños, going to the Jungle, and other trips or activities.

The first couple of weeks of the semester are orientation and student activities, and the last three weeks include a trip to the Galapagos, the Jungle, and the beach.