Ecuador Study Abroad Semester - Fall and Spring

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.

My semester in Ecuador let me have adventure, fun, friendships, and spiritual growth all in four months. I would recommend Living and Learning to anyone considering studying abroad because they organize most events, guide you in culture, and support you fully while you adjust during your semester. I will never get an experience like I did in Ecuador. For me my semester came out cheaper than my traditional on campus tuition. My time in Ecuador was full of traveling and experience Ching the cultural the best I could. I would go back if I could!

I really loved going to this program because it was really taught me how to live in a community of people and share life together! The people were amazing with in depth conversations. The program pushed for students to get out of their comfort zone. It stretched you in a different way that you could not imagine. The people are so kind and caring and priorities their faith which was very refreshing. Living and going to school with the same group of people allow one to understand how to love and accept people were they are at and that was something I was not expecting that the program provided

This program gives you the unique experience of being able to travel to Ecuador, build community, and do so many fun activities while you're there. Places that I never thought I would go to like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos were a highlight but more than that was the community. Living and Learning does such a good job of fostering a rich Christian community so be prepared to be challenged spiritually and emotionally by those around you. But also prepare to be met by a super-loving community that will embrace you fully as you are.

My time studying abroad with Living & Learning changed my life in many ways! It has been a difficult time in college with the social issues of the day and living through a pandemic, so this time abroad in loving community where I grew academically, socially, and spiritually was so healing. Not only was this a deeply transformational experience, but it was also so fun! We had the opportunity to zipline, go to the jungle, hike on mountains, canyon down waterfalls, explore Quito via taxi and trolly, learn to salsa, try delicacies, live with an Ecuadorian family for a month, swim on the beautiful beaches of Esmeraldas and so much more! The people of this program and this country are marked by the virtue of hospitality, and I highly recommend you stop reading my review and just go see for yourself :)

I cannot recommend this program enough! I had such a great experience studying abroad in Quito! I was able to grow so much and was both challenged and supported by staff members who encouraged me in my faith and stood by my side as I experienced many new things. I was able to gain confidence in my Spanish-speaking ability through my classes and communicating with my home-stay family while learning a lot about Ecuadorian culture. One of the highlights for me was being able to intern at a nonprofit organization called End Slavery Ministries Ecuador (ESME). It was such a great way for me to get some practical job experience while experiencing culture in a very unique way. I got to see how nonprofits work in different countries, learn about what life is like as a missionary, and develop deep relationships with the staff members and residents at ESME. The weekend and week-long excursions were another highlight! You get to do once in a lifetime activities like repelling down waterfalls, scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands, going to the Amazon river, going to chocolate farms, and more!! I made memories and friendships that I will treasure forever!