Ecuador semester is a GO! The country is open to visitors and we are excited to be able to run the Spring semester.
Italy semester has been cancelled due to an extension on the Italian State of Emergency.
Students can confidently enroll in the L&LI Ecuador semester knowing that they have until 14 days prior to the program start date before a financial commitment to L&LI becomes non-refundable.
New student training on how to live safely and abide by local mandates. L&LI is providing additional supplies, space, and equipment.
*Updated December 15, 2020
L&LI is confidently planning to offer the Spring 2021 semester in person with adjusted operating procedures in light of the pandemic. We are continuing to monitor that status in Ecuador and based on all of the trends, we anticipate the country will continue to be open and safe for students.
As of the drafting of this policy, the status of COVID-19 in the Andean region of Ecuador, where the L&LI program operates, has remained steady. The country of Ecuador has utilized various measures to combat the virus and, as the initial need for broad lockdowns has begun to subside, more targeted policies are being used in an effort to balance managing the virus while also re-opening the country.
Will will continue to give regular updates on the status of Ecuador in the coming weeks and months to enrolled students and their home institutions.
Factors that would lead to L&LI canceling the Spring semester in Ecuador:
*Please note that as a program we do not recommend international travel to students who are in a group that is designated as high-risk for COVID-19.
Currently, L&LI has a 30-day cancellation policy where there is no financial penalty for withdrawing 30+ days prior to the semester start date.
For the 2020/2021 school year, L&LI will adjust this to a 14-day policy. Students and institutions will have the flexibility to make a withdrawal decision with no financial penalty up until the 14th day prior to the semester start. This will allow students and institutions to make informed decisions with the most up to date information as it relates to COVID-19 and Ecuador.
*Please note, your institution may have other financial check-in deadlines. Be sure to check with the study abroad office at your university.
L&LI is uniquely positioned to continue operating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Our projected enrollment for Spring 2021 is between 20-25 students. With staff members, the total program size is close to 30 people at our program events, in accordance with Ecuadorian law regarding large group gatherings.
Students are housed in 2-3 separate student apartments, splitting the cohort into smaller groups. If necessary, L&LI will limit gatherings to specific student apartments. Small class size allows for minimal exposure. The staff to student ratio ensures that students are very well cared for.
If a student has a fever, he/she will be expected to:
In the event that multiple symptoms arise (fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, as articulated by the CDC, WHO, and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health):
If a student tests positive:
*All medical costs and expenses incurred, including emergency room visits and testing, would be the responsibility of the student and his/her insurance. In the case that a student is required to return home early, it would be the responsibility of the student to cover the cost of flight changes and/or fees.
Inter-provincial travel is open in Ecuador is open. This means the program excursions to the Ecuadorian Amazon and Galapagos Islands is a GO!
Currently (Oct 2020), the country of Peru (and Machu Picchu) remains closed but current news sources expect the country to reopen in November 2020. Check back here for updates.
Take a COVID-19 test within 10 days of travel to Ecuador to be show upon arrival; wear a face mask and wash hands regularly while in transit.
Things in Quito are settling in to a New Normal. This includes wearing masks in public, a city-wide curfew of 11pm, and certain group activities and team sports remain limited. Business are open with adjusted operating procedures such as socially distant tables, temperature checks, and disinfectant mats upon entry.
Yes! Internship sites are open and local transportation is moving. Some sites are allowing in-person interns, while others are granting access for remote interns.
Yes! Most of our Ecuadorian families are welcoming students with (metaphorical) open arms. L&LI desires to keep and continue investing in this part of the program. Still, students should be ready to adapt to a potentially different homestay experience than past semesters.