SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador: Dev., Politics, and Language

The social media does not do this program justice. I had an amazing time, 10/10 would do again if I could. The program provided students with invaluable opportunities for cultural immersion and personal growth. The ISP project was a highlight, with so much academic freedom and support I was able to complete a project with a non-traditional format leaving me inspired and ready to continue utilizing my creativity within academic spaces. The coursework strikes a good balance between being rigorous and inclusive of various learning styles, incorporating class discussions and journaling. My Spanish has improved greatly and I feel very confident in my ability to communicate. This program is unique in that you will have 3-4 homestays, this allowed me to form more connections but also observe and reflect on cultural differences not only in Ecuador but within the country itself. The exursions on this program are amazing and Ecuador is a very very beautiful and biodiverse country. The administration of this program is fantastic. I felt that the program director, Fabian Espinosa, and the program coordinator, Sofia Tobar, always had our best interests in mind and supported us in every aspect of the experience. They were more than just professors; they were mentors and confidants. I loved the program and country so much that I decided to stay a month and a half longer (also with my homestay family!) My advice would be: Forming connections is as important as coursework!!! Remember to find a balance. Look for things or self-care activities you like to do and may have more control over. For example, if you like to paint or read bring it with you. This is temporary so enjoy your time and make the most of it, it's going to be amazing I'm so excited for you!!!!

This program can be very challenging, as it moves quickly, exposes you to various different environments, etc, but the amount of learning (both personally and academically) that can be gained makes it well worth it. Personally, I found the ISP (independent study project) especially challenging, but I learned more than I could have possibly imagined about the topic of my research, the process of doing research, and my own personal interests and boundaries. Also, the SIT community in-country (the director Faba, coordinator Sofía and my classmates) formed a really incredible community that was an important support system and also a highlight of the semester.

My study abroad experience with SIT was complex! I appreciated the breadth of experiences. I say complex because there were difficult parts, such as cultural difficulties, but I felt supported overall. I am very grateful for the experience and would suggest it to anyone.