General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
I had an AMAZING time in Ecuador over these past three weeks. I learned so much and was able to meet so many cool people! Would 10/10 do it again. The reason I didn't give it 10 stars is that I felt communication was rather poor and disorganized at times, and I had to be veryyy proactive to get information I needed.Country
Overall, Ecuador is a country filled with friendly people and rich culture. However, there are a lot of safety issues that I think should be more talked about before arrival in the country. I had a friend that previously studied abroad in Ecuador, so I was fortunate to get a thorough safety briefing from her. I feel like many other volunteers probably don't have this advantage. My roommate had her phone stolen the first day on the project.
Project & Staff
Overall, the project staff was very supportive. Whenever there was a crisis or I reached out for something, they were always responsive. They really wanted volunteers to be successful.
As I said earlier, I did feel like the communication was disorganized at times. For example, I was given the wrong contact information for the hospital manager and didn't find out until she said she hadn't gotten any of my messages. Airport pickup was also disorganized, as the woman who picked me up did not want to meet me inside. I waited outside the airport in the dark (in a dangerous area) for her to pick me up, which was a little intimidating for it being my first few hours in a foreign country. I was also informed that I would have my own room in the host family, but found out upon arrival that I was sharing a room.
As I said earlier, I did feel like the communication was disorganized at times. For example, I was given the wrong contact information for the hospital manager and didn't find out until she said she hadn't gotten any of my messages. Airport pickup was also disorganized, as the woman who picked me up did not want to meet me inside. I waited outside the airport in the dark (in a dangerous area) for her to pick me up, which was a little intimidating for it being my first few hours in a foreign country. I was also informed that I would have my own room in the host family, but found out upon arrival that I was sharing a room.
Tips
Be very proactive about asking questions to your program coordinator and host family! If you communicate well and research safety precautions, you should have a really positive experience. In Ecuador, the majority of people are friendly, supportive, and excited to get to know you. Also take advantage of friendships with other volunteers!
Some basic safety tips, especially for women:
- don't walk alone after 7 PM
- ubers are the safest mode of transportation
- keep your money/phones/bags concealed and secure under clothes while on buses or in crowded areas
- don't use an iPhone in public while in Quito unless it's an emergency
- Plaza Foch is a notorious area for drugging women by handing them contaminated paper flyers
- have a printed copy of your passport with you all the time
Some basic safety tips, especially for women:
- don't walk alone after 7 PM
- ubers are the safest mode of transportation
- keep your money/phones/bags concealed and secure under clothes while on buses or in crowded areas
- don't use an iPhone in public while in Quito unless it's an emergency
- Plaza Foch is a notorious area for drugging women by handing them contaminated paper flyers
- have a printed copy of your passport with you all the time