Quito, Ecuador

The Experience

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.

A group of study abroad students in a river boat on the Amazon Jungle in Quito Ecuador

Program Highlights

  • Live in a culturally rich city

  • Excellent offering of courses and an internship placement related to your major

  • Full-time Christian staff to mentor and support you

  • Weekly chapel and a variety of church offerings

  • Ziplining and hiking opportunities

  • Multi-day trip to the Amazon Jungle

  • Multi-day trip to Baños (Swing at the End of the World)

  • Multi-day trip to the Galápagos Islands

  • Semester debrief on the coast of Ecuador

A group photo of study abroad students with their homestay, host family in Quito Ecuador

Homestay Experience

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.

A photo of three nursing students doing a nursing internship in Quito Ecuador

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 learning model for you to process and gain from academic readings, seminar discussions, and reflective writing assignments, which you can apply to your individualized internship experiences.

Meet Your Guide

Riley Jones will walk with you through the whole process–from your very first question to when you board your flight–she’s with you the whole way.

A professional photo of a white woman
  • “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

  • “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
    Study Abroad Director
    Biola University

  • “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

  • “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

Course Offerings

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

You will enroll in the following courses: Ecuador 250, one Spanish course, and the internship course Vocation in Your Corner of Creation for 1-3 credits. From there, you may also select from a variety of other course offerings listed below.

Tracks for Specific Majors

Semester Schedule

Dates are subject to change

  • August

    • August 18 - Students Arrive

    • Orientation

    • Classes Begin

    • Internships Begin

    • Mitad del Mundo Excursion

    September

    • Homestays Begin

    • Pichincha & Quilotoa Excursion

    • The Amazon Jungle Excursion

    October

    • Homestays End

    November

    • Finals Week

    • Galápagos Islands Excursion

    • Baños Excursion

    December

    • Multi-day Beach Debrief

    • Dec. 10 - Semester Ends and Students Depart

  • January

    • Students Arrive

    • Orientation

    • Classes Begin

    • Internships Begin

    • Mitad del Mundo Excursion

    February

    • Homestays Begin

    • The Amazon Jungle Excursion

    March

    • Homestays End

    • Pichincha & Quilotoa Excursion

    April

    • Finals Week

    • Galápagos Islands Excursion

    • Baños Excursion

    May

    • Multi-day Beach Debrief

    • Semester Ends and Students Depart

Meet The Team

Our team cares deeply for you and will provide support, mentorship, and experiential teaching throughout the semester.

A group photo of the Christian Study Abroad Team in Quito Ecuador
A group photo of study abroad students going zip-lining in Quito Ecuador
  • 12-18 semester credits

  • All Lodging and Transportation during program events

  • About 40% of meals during the semester

  • Excursion to the Galápagos Islands, Amazon Jungle, and other regions of Ecuador

  • 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)

*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 will not cost you more than what you are currently paying at your school.

What’s Included

Pricing Cost for the 26/27 Academic Year: $15,000*

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

Follow Us On Instagram!