Even after months of research to prepare for my semester abroad in Ecuador I knew there were going to be many surprises. I had never left the United States before this trip and understood that there were only so many ways I could ready myself. Of all the things I searched and questioned, finding my home away from home was not something I anticipated. When I arrived it was hard to get into the flow of speaking a language that isn’t my first. Trying to get my point across often took a little time, and still does, but my host family has been so patient with me and taught me so much. Just one month here has improved my understanding of Spanish so greatly and I continue to learn more each day. It took a little time, but I quickly connected with my host parents and brothers and we’ve made many jokes despite the language barrier. They have helped my time here fly by and yet also somehow feel like I’ve been here four months. There had been some unfortunate events that lead to a small lockdown not long after I arrived, but I am now grateful for those days that I got to spend playing outside with my host brothers, warming up to Skipy, the dog, and getting to know my host family better without the bustle that followed my first full week here. My host family quickly took me in with open arms and I’ve never been more grateful. They have taught me many things including how to take public transportation to school each day. I was nervous at first thinking about taking the bus to my university and was afraid I would get lost or pointed out for not being from here but after my host mom accompanied me and made sure I knew exactly what buses I could take to and from school, how to pay and how to look after myself and my belongings I started feeling like a local. I now look forward to the rides to and from school each day. Although I still have just under a month with them before I depart for the Galápagos Islands I already find myself missing being here with them. I know I have more to experience and see in the islands, but I can’t help but wish for more time here.

Since that first week here, I have had a jam-packed schedule. Between classes, spending time with my classmates on campus, field trips and weekend plans I haven’t had much time to reflect. Leaving my home in the states was hard but I would never take any of it back. Once classes were in session my classmates and I began filling the afternoons with beach volleyball, salsa classes, yoga and relaxing in the movie-like courtyard. Another new hobby I have acquired is applying sunscreen. Although Quito is high in the mountains and has some cooler temperatures, the sun is extremely strong. In Missouri if I missed a little sunscreen it was never much of a deal, but you must keep it up here when you are living on the equator!

Aside from relaxing on campus and trying lots of local restaurants I have done a few hikes. So far my most favorite has been to Condor Machay. During this hike we always had some sort of flowing water alongside us on the trail. Throughout the first half we saw many big and small waterfalls and streams. I thought that there was no way we would have an even better view than we did until we reached the final and largest waterfall. The rest of the waterfalls made the hike worth it already, but this was the cherry on top! Even though we were some of the only people getting in the numbingly cold water we couldn’t help ourselves, the adrenaline and happiness was plenty to keep us warm. On our way out of the forest we ended our hike with another cold plunge which gladly eased our achy feet and slightly sunburned skin. The water was so refreshing, and it was the perfect way to spend the day.

The past few weeks were amazing but all in all I think my past weekend takes the cake. My two-day field trip began Thursday, and we traveled to stay in a cloud forest. We started out doing lots of bird watching. Hundreds of hummingbirds visit the lodge each day and I was able to see some unique species like the violet-tailed sylph. That night we did a hike and found some more funky organisms like tarantulas and scorpions. The next morning, we got up early to do even more bird watching and ended up seeing some toucans! I never actually believed I would see them so up close or even at all. The next day some friends and I traveled close to Cotopaxi to do some horseback riding like the true Andean cowboys, or chagras. We ended up getting a super awesome view of the volcano and having tons of fun.

Even though I was exhausted after all of this, there was no way I was missing out on our IES program’s trip to Otavalo. We first did a short hike to the Peguche waterfall then visited the well-known artisanal Otavalo market. There was a lot to look see but I think everyone in our group found some great souvenirs! After this we had an amazing lunch where I got to try fish and shrimp ceviche before we ended our day trip with a boat ride around Cuicocha lake which happens to be considered an active volcano as gases still arise regularly from below the water. I’m so impressed with how much I have done in the past few weeks and how much I have planned already that I have yet to see. I can’t wait to see where the next month takes me as I make the most of the time I have left in Quito before traveling to the islands. The most important lesson I have learned so far from my classmates is to “sleep when you’re dead.” Sure, I am completely exhausted after days of travel, but I would rather be sleepy in class on the Monday after a long weekend than not to have seen or done what I did. It has also taught me that no matter where I am at or what I am doing I can always make the most of my experience and I will for sure be bringing this mindset back to the States with me! If you have ever thought about studying abroad but the classic trip to Europe isn’t for you, I highly recommend looking into studying in Ecuador! The country and its culture are amazing, but I do have to warn you; you may just fall in love with it!

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Learn more about this blogger’s study abroad program: IES Abroad: Galapagos Islands (GAIAS)