ECUADOR
This small South American country offers a diversity of wonders. With indigenous villages, picturesque cities, Amazonian rainforests, and the breathtaking heights of the Andes – Ecuador packs a punch!
THE REGIONS
Imbabura
Imbabura is in the northern sierra of Ecuador and is renowned for its scenic mountains, overflowing waterfalls, sacred sites, and culturally diverse communities. The region’s capital city of Ibarra is ringed by the Andean mountains and combines modernity with a legacy of colonial architecture. El Valle de Chota, a prominent Afro-Ecuadorian community, welcomes visitors year round to its many festivities and cultural activities. The nearby city of Otavalo is famous for its entrepreneurs and and colorful artisan market.
Cañar & Azuay
Cañar and Azuay are two provinces in the southern sierra of Ecuador, each offering a distinct look at Ecuador’s history and people. You’ll find evidence of the region’s Incan and pre-Incan cultures and Spain’s colonial influence. The people of this region maintain a strong indigenous identity, even as they experience large-scale migration to the US and Europe. Many foreigners from these same countries have come to live in this region of Ecuador, making Cañar and Azuay a fascinating place to learn about and partake in the region’s history of cultural exchange.
Erica Lin
(Ecuador '15, Binghamton University)
YOUR EXPERIENCE
THE HOMESTAY
Ecuadorians place great emphasis on family. More than likely you’ll be welcomed not just into one home, but into a community of many extended relatives living close by. Frequent religious and secular festivals provide opportunities for family gatherings with music, dancing, and special foods. Ecuador’s diverse population means that Fellows have the chance to live with families of indigenous, mestizo, or Afro-Ecuadorian descent, and might even learn the indigenous Kichwa language in addition to Spanish. Fellow homestays range from rural to urban and most houses have electricity and running water.
The Apprenticeships
Work alongside members of your community on projects that make a responsible impact. Ecuador offers the opportunity to learn from real world experience in a variety of different apprenticeship sectors.
Photo by: Anna del Savio, Ecuador '16, The New School
THE CULTURE
Cuisine
Ecuadorian cuisine varies with each of its distinct regions, but common ingredients include rice, potatoes, meat, and veggies. And don’t forget the fruit! Ecuadorian markets are absolutely overflowing with delicious fresh fruits. Be sure to also try local favorites like cuy (roasted guinea pig) and patacones (twice-fried plantain patties with queso fresco).
Experiences
There are daily opportunities to immerse in Ecuadorian culture. Play pick up futbol with the local kids, take lessons in one of the many styles of Ecuadorian dance, explore the local nature, or just take advantage of the slower pace of “Ecua-time” to truly connect with those around you.
Celebrations
Ecuador loves to celebrate! For Dia de los Difuntos head to the cemetery with your host family to remember the deceased and enjoy colada morada (a thick purple drink) and guaguas de pan (sweet bread babies). Around Christmas you could find yourself in a nativity costume for your town’s parade. And come Carnival, get ready for a week long water-fight filled with spray foam, water balloons, and colored flour.
Photo by: Alcyone Magana, Ecuador '15, Watson University
EXPERIENCE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF
A GLOBAL CITIZEN YEAR FELLOW
Fellow / Ecuador
— Anna del Savio
I work with a group of indigenous artisans that make fair trade jewelry.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Amari Leigh
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Basil Wiering
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Fernanda Tornell
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.…
Fellow / India
— Luciana Ribeiro da Silva
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.…
Fellow / Ecuador
— Noah Hapke
I co-teach English classes at the school in my community.…
Fellow / Brazil
— Sarah Murray
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.…
Fellow / India
— Alana Poole
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.…