Sit in on a bunch of classes your first week and be open to the idea of switching your schedule around in order to find the mixture of classes that is perfect for you. Take a few classes that count for your major, but also take one or two that you can only take in Ecuador--salsa dancing, mountain climbing, weaving, colonial art, the list is endless! You won't regret it. The only thing that can limit you is yourself.
Sarah Cullinan, Trinity University, Fall 2008
Before living in Ecuador, I was not confident in using my Spanish. However after five months, I can carry on in-depth conversations with my host family and my friends who are natives. You just need to have the courage to start using the language and the confidence will just naturally come.
Alexandra Gold, Elizabethtown College, Fall 2009
You cannot prepare for what you will experience with each new day. There are things that will make you happier than you have ever been, but there are also harsh realities that become a learning experience. Overall you really open up into a more accepting person. You can't avoid the growth, and you cannot prepare for it; its a beautiful thing.
Allysen Arbelaez, Case Western University, Fall 2009
It's great! Use public transportation to get anywhere and travel often! Daniel Bryan is always available and really cares about the students so much. Have fun and explore as much as possible! You're going to have the time of your life.
Emily Eisenberg, Tufts University , Spring 2010