Ecuador

Each student has a unique and individual experience on their Experiment program. The following essay is a single glimpse into a program from one student's perspective.

Tiffany Kong

My Experiment

My experiment in Ecuador this summer has been more than amazing. Living in Ecuador for five weeks has left me calling it my second home, because in that time I learned to embrace, accept, understand and love the people and culture there.

I decided to go to Ecuador not really knowing what to expect, but my time there was spent better than I could have ever anticipated. Both my group and my host family made my experience what it was. Not even a week into the program it seemed like I had known my group for years. At the airport when we first met we made a constitution guide lining our time in Ecuador and in it we vowed to look out for and support each other, and that we did. By the end out trip I felt that we became more than just friends, each person felt like family to me. We became so close we were always together as a group. Even during our homestays we would all get together with our host siblings included, speaking Spanish so that our siblings could understand. I know I have made great friends for life.

I was able to explore every aspect of Ecuador. The trips to the Galapagos and El Oriente were extraordinary. I'll never forget being chased by friendly sea lions, swimming with giant sea turtles and "vegetarian" sharks, or canoeing at night while searching for crocodiles. There I was able to directly interact with the animals, meet the people that lived there and to see just how they made use of the various plants and trees, especially for medicinal purposes there. I understand now just how important is all is to protect these unique environments. The day trips to Chimbarazo, Baños and Bucay were also just as amazing. I belayed down a waterfall, climbed up a volcano and then got to bike down! The most adventurous things I've done in life. I don't fear much nowadays. Even just exploring Quito was an adventure in itself, interacting with all the locals was always the best part, especially in a soccer match!

My host family was also incredible and so very welcoming. I felt right at home and really there wasn't a moment in my three weeks in Riobamba that I wasn't having fun or laughing. I spent days trying to teach my brother and my niece to speak English, and joking together when they mixed up words. I learned to play guitar and dance to Bachata and to Reggaeton and in my living room with my parents while I taught my sisters how to dance to Hip-Hop. My Mamá y Papí, as I called them did everything to make me feel comfortable, including going out for hamburgers one night; it's an American thing to do. I can't wait to visit my host family again soon and the families of everyone in my group as well because they were just as amazing. It was great just to be welcomed in to their homes and be invited to stay for lunch or to come over anytime.

My summer in Ecuador has afforded me so much. I've had the greatest chance to meet friends and people I probably would never have had the chance to meet. I am very thankful for the opportunity. It has undoubtedly been the best experience of my life, and all of it has had a profound impact on me. My Spanish has improved so much as well and I honestly have a new appreciation for the language. I was more than happy to be able to give back by doing community service. We painted a school in the town of Chaupipomalo. The smiles on the kid's faces and of the rest of the members of the community when we finished was worth more than anything. My experiment in Ecuador this summer was ¡Muy chevere! Because I wasn't just a visitor or a tourist, I lived there; I was an Ecuadorian. And I would do it all again in a heartbeat.