Study Abroad in Ecuador

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Join me, Lisa, of Footloose Travel and Tours, LLC. on an educational and FUN spring break trip to Ecuador.  A land of cultural and natural diversity, program participants will find themselves on a guided hike in the Amazon Jungle one day, and traversing the rugged Andes Mountain Range the next.  Meeting with an indigenous family and learning how to live off the land will be a highlight.   We will then compare and contrast the native culture with the mestizos who represent a  majority of the population.  

Out of four major ecosystems, this educational tour will present the opportunity to learn about three.  Visits to an Amazon wild animal sanctuary, and an Andean condor park will show the importance of being good stewards of our earth.  Additionally, we will learn about the local history and hear some folklore and legend passed down by the natives.

With dramatic mountains lining the horizon, Quito, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, is home to one of the largest colonial districts in Latin America.  Program participants will enjoy guided walks through the historical area and get a feel for city life in Ecuador's capital.  How is this different from South Florida?  What are some things that are similar?

Learning Spanish through the number one language school in Quito will be fun.  The college educated, experienced teachers will divide tour attendees into very small groups based on current ability.  Brand new to the language?  Great!  Is Spanish the first language?  A teacher will provide instruction at that level, as well as anywhere in between.  Students will receive a total of six hours of classroom time, of which one will be a private lesson.  

Ecuador gets its name from being located directly on the equator.  This group will visit Mitad del Mundo, which is a unique combination of equator monument, living museum, art museum, theme park and science center.  Straddle the line for a great photo and even learn a thing or two about science!  

Along with education, adventure is an important component of this program.  While minds will be opened through education, friendships and bonds will be created and strengthened during adventurous activities.  Depending on timing and weather, the group will participate in some or most of the following activities:  zip lining, hiking, walking through the Amazon Jungle at night, horseback riding on a volcano or cloud forest, river rafting, climbing a waterfall, riding one or more cable cars high up in the mountains, and others.

Many delicious new foods will be tasted (vegetarians will be accommodated) during the journey.  Program participants will also learn how to make chocolate from the cacao plant and even take a cooking class to prepare their own traditional Ecuadorian meal!  

Because this spring break study abroad tour is offered through the Footloose C.A.R.E.S. (Culture, Adventure, Relaxation, Education & Service) program, it wouldn't be complete without some sort of service, or giving back to the community.  The exact activity may not be known until the day of service because it is dependent upon weather and a variety of other factors. The group will spend approximately four hours working in an orphanage, wildlife center, park, poor neighborhood, church, food bank or even a school.  Whatever the task, the volunteers will feel proud of their accomplishments and learn that they have the power to make a difference in the lives of others.

At the end of an activity-filled study abroad program, everyone enjoys relaxing in the famous thermal pools in Papallacta on the way to the airport.  These natural pools are known to be mineral-rich, and are a perfect way to conclude the program.