Social Work Track

Quito, Ecuador

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Why the Social Work Track?

Living & Learning International in Quito is an amazing mixture of adventure, academic excellence, culture, practical experience, language, mission, and integrated living as you participate in this semester abroad program. During this semester, students will engage in Social Work Field Placement (400+ hours for seniors, 150+ hours for juniors) that will deepen students' understanding of cross-cultural social work.

Each student enrolls in a Social Work Field Seminar taught by MSW qualified Living and Learning faculty. As a part of the program, students participate in orientation, debrief, leadership development, and engage in cultural experiences. During a portion of the semester, students will live with an Ecuadorian family and participate in academic guided tours of the Amazon, Galápagos Islands, and other regions of Ecuador to experience culture and to grow in a Christian community.

Course Offerings

Juniors*

  • This course provides an overview of the history, art, and culture of Ecuador, along with the relationship between various factors. The course includes guest speakers from local organizations and visits to community groups, along with lectures and readings. The one-unit seminar is required for all students. Completing the course for three units is an elective.

  • The emphasis of this course is to introduce key concepts concerning the believer’s vocation and professional life, accepting the Lord’s invitation to participate in his redemptive work. The believer’s vocation and professionalism begin with an understanding of the Kingdom of God and our role in the work that God is already doing. This course will seek to make clear applications to all aspects of life and work, through relationships to God, others (community), ourselves and creation. One of the main goals of this course is to provide students with wisdom and tools to apply when interacting with people in work, community, and other educational or professional settings, in Ecuador and beyond.

  • This course offers the student the opportunity to process the international internship experience under the professional supervision of the professor. This course will discuss re-entry components of the international experience and will incorporate a discussion of globalization as it relates to social work and the diversity of the social work profession in other countries. The senior international seminar is held two (2) hours weekly in which students submit their own practice records for critical study and offer constructive feedback to their peers. Emphasis is placed on the integration of students' social work theoretical knowledge and skills as they enter the profession. Students must demonstrate all social work competencies designated by the Council on Social Work Education.

  • This course provides an educationally directed practicum, introducing the student to agency-based social work practice. The student completes 150 hours in a social service setting, engaging in direct social work practice, under the guidance of a professional social worker. The student begins to integrate theory and practice and demonstrates beginning social work practice behaviors.

Seniors

  • This course provides an overview of the history, art, and culture of Ecuador, along with the relationship between various factors. The course includes guest speakers from local organizations and visits to community groups, along with lectures and readings. The one-unit seminar is required for all students. Completing the course for three units is an elective.

  • The emphasis of this course is to introduce key concepts concerning the believer’s vocation and professional life, accepting the Lord’s invitation to participate in his redemptive work. The believer’s vocation and professionalism begin with an understanding of the Kingdom of God and our role in the work that God is already doing. This course will seek to make clear applications to all aspects of life and work, through relationships to God, others (community), ourselves and creation. One of the main goals of this course is to provide students with wisdom and tools to apply when interacting with people in work, community, and other educational or professional settings, in Ecuador and beyond.

  • This course offers the student the opportunity to process the international internship experience under the professional supervision of the professor. This course will discuss re-entry components of the international experience and will incorporate a discussion of globalization as it relates to social work and the diversity of the social work profession in other countries. The senior international seminar is held two (2) hours weekly in which students submit their own practice records for critical study and offer constructive feedback to their peers. Emphasis is placed on the integration of students' social work theoretical knowledge and skills as they enter the profession. Students must demonstrate all social work competencies designated by the Council on Social Work Education.

  • This course provides an educationally directed practicum, introducing the student to agency-based social work practice. The student completes 400 hours in a social service setting, engaging in direct social work practice, under the guidance of a professional social worker. The student begins to integrate theory and practice and demonstrates beginning social work practice behaviors.

‍*For those enrolling in Junior Field Placement for 150+ hours, they will enroll in the above courses AND have access to the full course catalog which includes additional Spanish courses, Bible courses, and General Education coursework.

Some Field Placement Examples Include:

  • Pan de Vida: Pan de Vida is a U.S.-based, gospel-centered nonprofit and volunteer-driven mercy ministry serving vulnerable children and families in Ecuador. Its mission is to share the message of Jesus Christ while providing hunger relief, education, healthcare, shelter, microbusiness support, and emergency aid. The vision is to help people in need build a personal relationship with Christ and fully develop their God-given potential. Core values include faith, integrity, relationship, and service, all guided by Christian principles and a heart for those in crisis.

  • Camp Hope: Camp Hope is a Christian foundation that provides healthcare, rehabilitation, special education, recreation, employment, and spiritual discipleship to individuals with severe disabilities and limited financial resources. Its mission is to promote the independence and social integration of children, youth, and adults with disabilities. The vision includes well-developed pilot programs, trained staff, and economic stability. The foundation's goal is the holistic development of beneficiaries by involving their families and communities.

  • Casa Mis Sueños: a non-profit in Ecuador focused on releasing supernatural justice, mercy, and love through the power of Jesus. Since 2006, under the cover of Jennifer and Jonatan Toledo, the team has ministered to street children, those in prostitution, special needs kids, youth in prisons, and the poor. They also engage with government leaders and host large church gatherings. Their mission is to reveal God’s glory and love across all levels of society. The team is driven by a mandate to bring justice, defined as the restoration of every violation of love. They believe the world is owed an encounter with God.

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Meet the Social Work Team

  • Headshot of Living & Learning's Social Work Liaison

    Laura Nelson, BSW

    Social Work & Field Seminar Professor

    Laura is a North American social worker who has been living and serving in Quito, Ecuador since 2021. Her role is to be a local liaison with agencies, students, and field directors from home institutions. Laura participates in the weekly field seminar and is currently in pursuit of her MSW. The courses teaches has an MSW professor of record.

  • headshot of staff- Living & Learning's Internship Coordinator

    Elisa Briones

    L&LI Internship Coordinator

    Elisa is an Ecuadorian national who serves as the L&LI Internship Coordinator. She works directly with local agencies to assess their needs and capacity to host North American BSW. Throughout the semester, alongside the rest of the social work team, Elisa troubleshoots any issues that arise at the agencies.

Host Families & Student Life

Students' community will include peers, faculty, staff, homestay families, guests, visitors, and numerous other people. Living in community is a focal point that will encourage growth and development and the opportunity to explore and experience the concept of a Christian community as it is affected by the diverse backgrounds and patterns of thought in our student body.

During the semester program, students will live with an Ecuadorian family for 4-5 weeks. Living with an Ecuadorian homestay family is one of the most rewarding aspects of the semester. We call this our "homestay" program because when you participate in this program, you are not only renting a room in somebody's house, you are being welcomed into their home as if you were a member of the family.

Cultural Activities

  • Group of students in downtown Quito Ecuador

    Class Trips

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

     National Museum of Art

    Various museums and historic sites

  • student at a crater lake in Ecuador

    Day Trips

    Orientation at a Retreat Facility

    Zip-lining in the Cloud Forest

    Exploring Otavalo Market, the largest open-air market in South America

    Hike Rucu Volcano (15,696 feet)

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

    Explore Quilotoa, a crater lake made from a volcanic eruption

  • Students on a boat in the Amazon Jungle

    Multi-Day Excursions

    Amazon Jungle Experiential Learning Trip

    Baños (mountain adventure town of with the Swing at the End of the World)

    Galápagos Islands

    Coast of Ecuador at the end of the semester

Program Costs

Depending on the program you select, you will need to check with your college or university for exact costs. However, 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.

FAQs

How It Works

  • Talk to your study abroad office and share that you’re interested in this Ecuador program. L&LI partners with many Christian colleges and universities.

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

  • If accepted, we’ll walk you through the onboarding process, explain what forms are needed, and share what to expect during your semester.

  • You’ll spend an incredible semester learning, exploring, earning college credit, interning in a field related to your studies, and growing in your faith.

  • L&LI is an accredited program that can transfer college credit back to your university to be used on your transcript. Upon completion of the semester, we’ll send your grades to your university.

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