Ecuador

WHY STUDY SUSTAINABILITY IN ECUADOR?

Begin your Experiment by landing in Ecuador’s vibrant capital, Quito, where you’ll explore the 16th-century gold-adorned churches and colonial architecture of the Old Town. Your journey begins with a visit to the equator, where you can stand at the intersection of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Dive into the rich biodiversity of the Mindo Nambillo cloud forest, part of the unique Chocó Andino region, home to over 600 bird species. Get hands-on with conservation efforts by planting native species, preparing soil and compost, or participating in forest maintenance.

Explore the Andean páramo highlands, a unique tundra-like ecosystem found only in the neotropics. Learn about its rare ecology and discover conservation strategies designed to address human impacts, combat climate change, and protect endangered species like the magnificent Andean condor, the largest flying bird on Earth.

Experience the Andes, the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia, with a weeklong homestay in the charming city of Riobamba. Here, you’ll share daily activities like sports, movies, and walks through town with your host family while practicing your Spanish language skills. You’ll also learn to prepare traditional Ecuadorian dishes such as ceviche or empanadas. As part of your experience, you’ll contribute to a community service project, supporting environmental initiatives or the local community. Before returning to Quito, you will make a short visit to Baños, the gate of the rainforest, where you will see stunning waterfalls.

Your discovery of Ecuador’s biodiversity continues as you travel through the Galápagos Islands, the famous site of Charles Darwin’s research, where scientists and nature lovers flock to study and admire some of the most biodiverse islands in the world. You will have the incredible opportunity to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a biological research facility and active breeding center, where you will learn about the conservation efforts that maintain and improve the ecology and biodiversity of these remarkable islands. Activities include snorkeling, swimming in lava grottoes, visiting turtle-hatching sites, exploring mangrove forests and flamingo lagoons, and observing the courtship displays of rare tropical birds.

Please note: the itinerary listed below for this program is only a sample and is subject to change. 

LEARN BY DOING

The Experiment’s programs are designed to build skills that will help you succeed. In Ecuador, you will learn: 

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Spanish language
• Community service certificate  

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Resourcefulness
• Intercultural communication
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Relationship-building  

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• This is a very active program involving outdoor activities such as hiking and water activities such as boating, snorkeling, and many boat rides. The program moves throughout the country, including two to four-hour bus trips and a flight to the Galápagos Islands. Be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs and to lift it into overhead storage compartments.
• Ecuador has four distinct geographical and climatic zones: the coastal plain with a tropical climate; the Andean highlands at about 8,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level; the eastern jungle in the upper reaches of the Amazon; and the Galápagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast. Rainfall varies from constant rain to severe drought; weather is very unpredictable.
• Dairy/egg products are a staple so following a vegan or kosher diet may be challenging. Vegetarians should be aware that ”vegetarian” may mean the avoidance of red meat; fish or chicken may still be served.
• Access to the internet is limited, and internet speeds and connectivity vary.
• The diverse personal and social identities of participants may, in part, shape their experience abroad. In-country partners will discuss cultural norms and the local context during orientation. Please read our approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for further information. All students will have a safe space within the program spaces and with the local staff and group leaders.
• The Experiment program structure is rooted in experiential learning and cohort-based learning. The participant group experience is a major source of learning for Experimenters and is facilitated by trained Experiment group leaders.