Ecuador

When you choose to live in Ecuador, you choose a country that straddles the equator and is home to the descendants of the great Inca empire. Discover this rich heritage as a YFU exchange student and you will understand Ecuadorian culture as few visitors do.

Among a population of 10 million, Ecuador’s indigenous peoples have maintained a strong cultural identity and are known for beautiful textiles and ceramics. You’ll notice the Spanish cultural influence in Quito’s beautiful colonial churches, which have been well-preserved.

What you might enjoy most about Ecuadorian culture is the haunting Andean music, distinctive for two reasons: the pre-Columbian instruments and the musical scale, which is different than the one we’re familiar with in the US.

As a YFU student in Ecuador, you may find yourself in a large host family since the average family size is five. As in many Latin American countries, family bonds are strong and members gather often to celebrate.

Academic Programs

Students take 13 to 14 courses related to their career goals. Most YFU students choose social studies, but you may choose another area of specialization. Ecuadorian students usually study English so you may make friends by having them help you with Spanish and by helping them with English.

A good way to meet people is to participate in extracurricular activities. Schools often offer institutes you can join for a fee to learn music, attend language classes, or participate in sports.
In addition, you may opt to take a five-day tour of the Galapagos Islands for an additional fee. You’ll travel by boat and have an opportunity to see the islands’ many natural wonders. This trip is arranged by a travel agency in Ecuador and is not chaparoned by YFU staff.  Participants will pay for the trip directly to the travel agency.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as 13th Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Summer Program

Discover Ecuador
If ecology, biology, anthropology, or Spanish fascinates you, join other YFU participants from around the world in this six-week program in Ecuador. You’ll live with and enjoy getting to know your Ecuadorian host family. Living with a family gives you a chance to explore and understand another culture as an insider. 

You may take day trips to places like the colonial section of Quito, hike up to volcanoes, visit the colorful Indian market at Otavalo, or attend cultural performances, such as a ballet with folklore music. Included in your program is a three-day tour of the northern rainforest. Activities include canoeing and observing monkeys, reptiles, exotic plants, and other wildlife in the region. Students will also learn about the rainforest from trained local guides.

Summer students may also opt to take a five-day tour of the Galapagos Islands for an additional fee. This trip is arranged by a travel agency in Ecuador and is not chaparoned by YFU staff. Participants will pay for the trip directly to the travel agency.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Ecuador, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Spanish language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites 
• Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC web site
• Ecuador official web site

"Some of the things that I'll remember forever are the friendships and the things I learned about myself." - Taidgh O'Neill

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated:  September 2008