My name is Arianna! I just wanted to reach out and introduce myself. I also wanted to let you know I student taught in Ecuador, Spring 2018, and absolutely LOVED it. Actually, as Dr. MacMillian already knows, I loved it so much that I decided to apply to different Ecuadorian private schools while I was studying there to try to get a job. Fortunately I was able to get a teaching job at one of the private schools called the American School of Quito. I’m currently back in Ecuador now and can not be more thrilled or grateful for this opportunity.

You may have some concerns and questions about Ecuador. Studying abroad will naturally have you feeling a little nervous- it’s a new country for sakes! But for me and as many others agree, it’s an opportunity of a life time!

First off, let me answer one of our questions and break down the costs associated with the program:

1. You’ll probably be staying with a host Mom. They charge $500 a month, since you’re there for two months it will equal to $1000. Your host Mom will provide you breakfast and dinner, so you don’t need to worry about that unless you go away on a trip.

2. Your coordinating teacher will also receive $300 for working with you.

3. Colegio Menor (colegio means college or school in Spanish) offers lunch. You can of course bring your own or you can pay for this at the school in two ways: one way is by paying as you go with cash or two, by giving the cafeteria workers a set amount of cash and creating an account. This option is helpful because rather than paying them at lunch, you’ll just state your name and they’ll reduce the amount you owe from your account. You can always add more money to the account anytime they are open. Lunch is typically $2-$5 depending what you decide to get each day. I’d say I spent probably around $140 for that.

4. For the plane ticket, every flight to Ecuador will be connecting. I ended up taking JetBlue and was able to get round trip ticket for $474. This will differ depending on the airline and time you buy it.

5. As for trips! I set aside around $100 per week to go on a trip every weekend. That was just me personally and I didn’t always spend the $100 for that given week depending where I went and what I did. There is plenty of time to see and do a lot of things! If you have any questions regarding that, I’ll be happy to answer them.

6. If you do eat out, restaurants are fairly cheap. If you go to a non touristy restaurant , you can pay as little as $4 for a meal. If you go to the more touristy ones, then a meal will be about the same as it is in the states.

7. Buying stuff however is a little more expensive. Anything imported will cost more than the United States so if you have a really good snack you like, I recommend bringing that. I didn’t end up buying many things. I think all I need up buying was some extra toothpaste and crackers and chips at the store.

Now I’ll break down more of the student teaching aspect/ life in Ecuador:

You’ll be staying with a host Mom most likely in an area called Cumbaya. This is a valley just south of Quito (the capitol). Colegio Menor is generous and provides transportation to and from school everyday. You’ll be staying really close to the school! The bus ride there takes about 5–10 minutes depending where you’re staying. In the afternoon, there will be a little bit of traffic so coming home will probably take around 15 minutes.

As for student teaching, be open and friendly to everyone! The teachers are there to support you and I really liked my experience at Colegio Menor. My student teaching placement was in 2nd grade. Student teaching will be a little more relaxed than it is in the states. However, I did a few take over weeks and got the opportunity to learn how to better teach ELL students. They love student teachers and are very welcoming and friendly.

Thirdly here are some recommendations to bring to Ecuador:

Small bills. Ecuador doesn’t have a lot of change. My mistake when I came abroad was I brought a lot of $20s. Bring $10s but mostly $5s and $1. Small change like quarters or 50 cent pieces if you can get them) definitely won’t hurt either!
Any comfort snack food like granola bars since they’re expensive here.
Bring layers! It can get warm during the day but then chilly at night, especially in Quito. Cardigans, sweaters, light jackets and a rain jacket are good. The school aside from being professionally dressed also allows teachers to wear jeans (non rips) with flats and a nice top. So if you want to wear jeans sometime, I would bring a few of those.

I know that’s a lot of information I just threw at you but honestly studying abroad here changed the way I saw things and I wouldn’t be back if I didn’t love it! It’s 100% worth every minute.