Ecuador

A country rich in diversity of people, birds, plants and natural resources

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A truly fascinating destination, Ecuador has diverse vibrant cultures, historical colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, and dense rainforests. The country also has four distinct regions—the highlands, coastal areas, rainforest, and the famous Galapagos Islands—all making Ecuador an exciting country to explore. Although quite friendly, Ecuadorians tend to be formal in the way they speak and dress.

Ecuadorian teenagers spend most of their free time with friends going to the movies, dancing and just hanging out together.

#familia#partedemicorazon#chola

A photo posted by Anna Gantner (@anna_gantner) on

Host Family & Community

You will probably live in a suburban area, close to a major city like Quito or Guayaquil or in small towns throughout the country. Young people maintain close relationships with their extended family members, so expect to spend lots of quality time with your family.

School

If you live with a family in the coastal area or the Galapagos Islands, your school year will run from April to January. Students living in the highlands and the Eastern provinces, attend school from September to June. Either way, your school day begins around 7 am and ends at 2 pm, and all students wear a uniform.

#papaya gigante

A photo posted by Gioele Douglas (@gioele_douglas) on

Ecuador #Afs #Afsecuador #Lamejor @zvershinina 🇪🇨❤️😘

A photo posted by Clara Marcantonio (@clara_162) on

Language

Spanish is the main language spoken in Ecuador. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.

Food

A typical Ecuadorian diet calls for some kind of meat (beef, pork, poultry, fish or other seafood, cold cuts), rice, potatoes, noodles, vegetables or salad. Beans, yucca and plantains are also quite prevalent. Meal portions are usually large, and your family will be happy to see you enjoy the food they prepare.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

Go abroad with AFS to discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
TEEN PROGRAMS (UNDER 18 YEARS OLD)

Our learning program will prepare you for an amazing AFS intercultural experience. The program begins at your home country with a pre-departure orientation and continues with orientations and other supported learning activities and facilitated conversations will help you maximize your experience, cope the challenges of navigating a new culture and community and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding, throughout your time abroad, and as you return to you home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family through your learning journey abroad.

ADULT PROGRAMS (18 YEARS OR OLDER)

The Global Competence Certificate (GCC) program will support your intercultural learning experience. This state-of-the-art program prepares you to successfully navigate new cultural environments—during your AFSNext experience and long after you finish the program. Online intercultural learning modules combined with in-person sessions help you develop practical and global skills, knowledge and attitudes that employers need and mission-driven organizations believe will help achieve their social impact goals. You will receive your certification upon completion of the training program. 

Explore the Programs Available in Ecuador