Ecuador Study Abroad Semester - Fall and Spring

My time with Living and Learning International was probably one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I learned so much about myself and the world that we live in. I could never have imagined that I would get to experience something like this in my life, but I am so grateful I have. Living and Learning does a great job making the cohort feel like a little family, and we all did so much together to help strengthen our bonds. From the classes that were small enough that we each got the chance to voice our thoughts and really learn, to all of the excursions we went on together. I made some of my best friends from Living and Learning and had some of the most incredible experiences of my life.

This semester abroad was the most influential experience thus far in my college career. The people, culture, Christian community, language immersion, and internship are just few of ways that this program impacted me. Living and Learning creates a safe environment for students who want to grow spiritually, be immersed, and adventure in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I studied abroad in Quito, Ecuador and the staff here cared about me and my cohort by loving us, pouring into us, and spending time with us. Not every day living in a foreign country is filled with easy things, but this community supported me every step of the way. With the safety of this beautiful community, I was able to push myself to climb actual volcanoes and spend the four months working on my language acquisition in a homestay. Living and Learning also has students complete an internship opportunity where I was able to use my major in real world application. I am studying Spanish education and LLI made it possible for me to have my first class before I have even graduate college. This internship was the best part of my semester, and I will cherish this experience forever. Living and Learning has everything from community, to academics, to a new adventure around every corner.

My semester abroad with Living and Learning was such an incredible and unforgettable experience. This semester immersed me in the culture and language of Ecuador. The classes, professors, and staff members encouraged me to go deeper into my Spanish studies, press deeper into my relationships with peers and my host family, and grow a stronger relationship with the Lord. The community within the program was like nothing I had ever experienced before. I felt so loved and supported as I experienced a semester that was full of newness and challenges. Having a supportive community made my semester the unforgettable experience that it was. Being able to study in an immersive environment and go on crazy trips like to the Galapagos is so cool, but creating long-lasting friendships with your peers as well as staff members creates a unique and sustaining environment where you can flourish on your study abroad.

I was a student in Ecuador a few semesters ago and it was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The staff with L&LI is so supportive and some of the greatest people I have ever met. A great thing about this program is that there are so many trips built right into the schedule, and I was able to see so much of Ecuador and really feel immersed in all the culture and environments. The focus on Christian community is also just amazing. I really learned so much about my self and about the Lord through this program in ways that I never could have imagined.

I would absolutely recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad! The staff at Living & Learning does a great job of helping you grow from your experiences and make sure you feel cared for. And if you are on the Spanish track, you will live with an Ecuadorian family the whole semester, which is an amazing opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture! During the semester, you will take classes (almost completely taught by Ecuadorians), explore the city of Quito and its Historic Center, hike volcanoes, go to the jungle and eat grubs, and visit places like the Galapagos Islands and Baños! You will truly experience the richness of what it's like to live in a foreign culture. In traveling abroad, I expected to immerse myself and learn about the culture, but something that exceeded my expectations was the second family I got from the close relationships I made during my time there, from my homestay and other students. I think it's community focus is one thing that sets Living & Learning apart.

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!

I’m so glad I chose to study abroad with Living and Learning International. I was able to be a part of a great community while exploring a new country. The staff was so supportive and I was able to grow in my cultural awareness as well as spiritually because of them. I had such a fun experience and am glad I was able to experience it with the people I did. I was given opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do. I am changed for the better because of this experience and would definitely recommend it to those looking to study abroad.

The staff members were incredibly encouraging, supportive, and caring. They gave us their undivided attention, and listened attentively to our struggles and needs. It is a small community in which everyone knows everyone and grows together. Leaving home can bring trials, but it is worth it. Students should be prepared to cook their own meals or pay to eat out. This program suits all kinds of students, especially those who wish to experience other cultures, travel internationally, or learn a new language.