Quito, Ecuador

During your semester abroad, explore all four regions of Ecuador–the Andes Mountains, the beautiful coast, the Amazon Jungle, and the Galápagos Islands.

You’ll live in Quito, the bustling capital of Ecuador with well persevered historical sites and breathtaking mountains that you can summit over the weekend.

Live and learn alongside other North American college students as you take up to 18 credits, intern at an organization related to your studies and interests, explore the country, and participate in a short-term homestay with a local Ecuadorian family.

We believe that the strong academics, living in community, and engaging with the culture lends itself to lifelong impact in all aspects of your life.

What People Are Saying

  • “This program gives you the unique experience of being able to travel to Ecuador, build community, and do so many fun activities while you're there. Places that I never thought I would go…were a highlight but more than that was the community. Living and Learning does such a good job of fostering a rich Christian community so be prepared to be challenged spiritually and emotionally by those around you. But also prepare to be met by a super-loving community that will embrace you fully as you are.”

    Carlissa Bass
    Spanish Major & Psychology Minor
    Biola Student
    Fall 2022

  • “My time studying abroad with Living & Learning changed my life in many ways…I grew academically, socially, and spiritually [and it] was so healing. Not only was this a deeply transformational experience, but it was also so fun! We had the opportunity to zipline, go to the jungle, hike on mountains, canyon down waterfalls…live with an Ecuadorian family for a month, swim on the beautiful beaches of Esmeraldas and so much more! The people of this program and this country are marked by the virtue of hospitality, and I highly recommend you stop reading my review and just go see for yourself.”

    Lamont Aldridge
    Ministry and Nonprofit Administration Major
    Cornerstone University
    Fall 2022

  • “Over the past decade, we've had nearly 60 students participate in semester-long study abroad with Living and Learning, and our students consistently rave about their experience when they return to campus. They share about the academic quality of the coursework, the opportunities to engage in the local culture, the investment of the staff that leads to spiritual growth…and the great friends they have made. The Biola Study Abroad Office considers Living and Learning to be a trusted partner, and we are grateful for their impact on our students!”

    Austin Burns-Robertson
    Assistant Director of Specialized Advising
    Academic Advising
    Biola University

  • “I cannot recommend this program enough! I had such a great experience studying abroad in Quito! I was able to grow so much and was both challenged and supported by staff members who encouraged me in my faith and stood by my side…I was able to gain confidence in my Spanish-speaking ability…One of the highlights for me was being able to intern at a nonprofit organization…The weekend and week-long excursions were another highlight! You get to do once-in-a-lifetime activities…I made memories and friendships that I will treasure forever!”

    Nanette Steenstra
    Applied Mathematics & Spanish Majors
    Azusa Pacific University
    Fall 2020

 Cultural Activities & Engagement

Study abroad with us and be immersed in culture, ministry, and learning

Class Trips

  • Tour Neo-Gothic and Baroque-style churches in Colonial Quito

  • Visit the Presidential Palace

Day Trips

  • Spend orientation at a Retreat Facility

  • Zip-lining in the Cloud Forest

  • Explore Otavalo Market (largest open-air market in South America)

  • Hike Rucu Volcano (15,696 feet)

  • Hike to the Refuge of the Cotopaxi Volcano (15,748 feet)

Multi-Day Excursions

  • 5-day Amazon Jungle Experiential Learning Trip

  • 5-day trip to the mountain adventure town of Baños (Swing at the End of the World)

  • 5-day trip to the Galápagos Islands

  • 4-day trip to the Coast of Ecuador at the end of the semester

Want to hear a student’s perspective?

Our Student Ambassadors are alumni of our programs and want to share about their experiences!
From budget tips to housing experiences, our Student Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Course Offerings

Whatever your major, you’ll learn from qualified and Christian professors during your semester abroad.

If you are doing our popular Interdisciplinary Track, you will be enrolled in the following courses: Ecuador 250 in order to learn about the culture you are living in, one Spanish course to provide you with a base to understand and communicate in Spanish*, and Vocation in Your Corner of Creation, an internship course for 1-3 credits. You may also select from a variety of other course offerings listed below.

Interdisciplinary Courses

Spanish Courses

*During onboarding, there will be an initial placement test that will correspond to your level of proficiency. Courses will introduce you to the sounds and structure of the Spanish language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Are you studying, Social Work, Spanish, or Education?

We have a special track for you!

All majors are welcome to join us in Ecuador, but we know that some of you need to fulfill certain requirements for your major. That’s why we’ve created three unique tracks that meet those specific requirements. Check them out below!

  • Social Work

    Complete your Junior or Senior Field Placement hours in an international context and deepen your understanding of cross-cultural social work.

    Learn More

  • Spanish

    Immerse yourself in the Spanish language by living with host families for the full duration of the program and taking 12-18 credits of upper-division Spanish courses.

    Learn More

  • Education

    Earn your student teaching hours abroad. Gain hands-on experience teaching in an International setting.

    Connect with your education department to see if this could work for you.

    Let us know you're intersted

Calendar

All things academics, excursions, student life, and more!

Dates are subject to change.

  • Aug 18 - Students Arrive

    Aug 19-23 - Orientation

    Aug 25 - Classes Begin

    Aug 30 - Mitad del Mundo

    Sept 1 - Internships Begin

    Sept 7 - Pichincha

    Sept 15 - Quilotoa

    Sept 20 - Homestays Begin

    Oct 1-Oct 5 - The Amazon Jungle

    Oct 17 - Homestays End

    Nov 8-9 - Otavalo/Cotopaxi

    Nov 17-21 - Finals Week

    Nov 22-26 - Galápagos Islands

    Nov 29-Dec 3 - Baños

    Dec 6-9 - Beach Debrief

    Dec 12 - Semester Ends/Students Depart

  • Jan 12-13 - Students Arrive

    Jan 14-18 - Orientation

    Jan 19 - Classes Begin

    Jan 21 - Internships Begin

    Jan 24 - Mitad del Mundo

    Feb 14 - Homestays Begin

    Feb 25-Mar 1 - The Amazon Jungle Excursion

    March 13 - Homestays End

    March 21 - Pichincha & Quilotoa

    April 13-17 - Finals Week

    April 18-22 - Galápagos Islands Excursion

    April 25-29 - Baños Excursion

    May 2-5 - Beach Debrief

    May 7 - Semester Ends and Students Depart

Host Families & Student Life

L&LI emphasizes growth and development in community. We are committed to providing a program that nurtures the integration of the whole person: intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Your community will include peers, faculty, staff, homestay families, guests, visitors, and numerous other people.

For one month of the program, you will live with an Ecuadorian homestay family. This time is one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester where you are welcomed into their home as if you were a member of the family.

Internships

Our semester program includes a built-in internship opportunity where you will participate in 120-180 hours of internship work in the Quito community. Gain hands-on experience in an international setting. The internship is paired with a course that provides a seminar-based model of learning for you to process and gain constructive learning through academic readings, seminar discussions, and reflective writing assignments to be applied to their individualized internship experiences.

 Summer Internships

If a semester doesn’t work with your academic calendar, join us for eight weeks over the summer and complete a full-time internship related to your major. Receive college credit and gain hands-on experience in your future career.

Program Cost

Please check with your college or university for exact costs. In most cases, if you are a student at one of our partner schools a semester in Ecuador will not cost you more than what you are currently paying for school. If you are not currently enrolled in a college or university and would still like to attend, contact us.

Pricing Breakdown:

$12,000 - Tuition
$3,000 - Room and Board

$15,000 - Total Program Cost

Cost Includes: 

  • 12-18 semester credits

  • All Lodging and Transportation during program events

  • All meals during program events (about 40% of meals during semester)

  • Excursion to the Galapagos

  • Excursion to another region of Ecuador

  • Mission Trip to the Amazon Jungle

  • Final Debrief Trip to the Coast of Ecuador

  • Homestay with an Ecuadorian Family

  • Cultural Experiences and Student Activities

  • Internship Experience (for credit option)

  • Visa

  • International Travel Insurance (not primary medical insurance)

Does Not Include:

  • Airfare

  • Passport

  • Immunization

  • Meals when not with program (about 60%)

  • Personal expenses like shopping, personal needs or personal travel.

How It Works

  1. Talk to your study abroad office and let them know that you’re interested in this Ecuador program.

  2. Reach out to us and let us know you’re interested! We’ll advise you through the application process.

  3. If accepted, we’ll walk you through the onboarding process.

  4. Spend an incredible semester learning, exploring, earning college credit, interning in a field related to your studies, and growing in your faith.

  5. Upon completion of the semester, we’ll send your grades to your university.