A Unique Supportive Community

Living and Learning in Ecuador is truly a unique program because they crafted every aspect themselves. Unlike lots of programs that partner with local universities, L&L offers their own set of courses through a Christian worldview. It does have cons since the courses you can take are limited, but the courses offered are worth taking. In comparison to peers I have spoke with who have studied abroad, L&L courses make the transition of living abroad much easier because classes are set up in a similar way to the United States. There are also great opportunities for internships for just about any major.

You will face culture shock as you would in any program, but it is nice that there are consistencies with home. Along with courses that are like home, you will also be in a cohort of 30 or more students that are experiencing the same thing as you in many ways. Community is important for L&L, and they made sure to create opportunities for safe spaces to talk to peers or staff. You will be pushed out of your comfort zone often, but you will know that you have a loving community around you to support you.

Living and Learning also does a great job of planning trips throughout the semester and at the end of the semester that allow you to experience more of the country. Before arriving in Ecuador, I did not know that there would be so many weekend trips that would allow me to experience sights that I had saw in videos and hoped I would have time to see. The two big trips at your last 2 and a half weeks are also amazing!