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STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
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 Georgia Suidgeest
La Trobe Unversity , Australia
After 10 months in Ecuador I couldn't be happier with my decision to study there. The program at UEES was so much more than simply going to uni in another country. Not only did I learn from my host family, my internship, my classes but also from the weekly cultural seminars that really got me thinking about where I was. Ecuador is a country of contrasts and I was constantly reminded of this working each morning at a school for street children and then going home to a comfortable house where I was fed more than I could eat. I managed to see a lot of Ecuador on my own and on University trips and let me just say, what an amazingly beautiful and diverse country.
I have left Ecuador with a much greater understanding of the people, culture and history, I speak Spanish, I have a bunch of friends from all over the world and some very special Ecuadorian friends and family (well almost). |
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 Scott Shigeoka
Washington State University , USA / International Partnership for Service Learning
My experience this summer has been incomparable. I have learned so much about myself, others around me, and the existing world. I look at situations in a completely different manner and my outlook on life has positively transformed. This summer challenged me to develop goals to make a difference in this world.
Additionally, I've gained cultural competency in a country I never imagined I would visit, and I learned a language that I have always wanted to gain proficiency in. Most importantly, I have a new family in Ecuador : my host family, my foundation, and the friends I have made at UEES. |
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 Israel Monje Favela
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Mexico
Mi estancia en Ecuador ha sido muy enriquecedora, poder aprender de la cultura de un país distinto y conocer sus paisajes, ha sido grandioso. Académicamente, he podido comparar los diferentes tipos de vista que se le da a la administración entre México y Ecuador. La atención que nos ha brindado el Centro de Educación Internacional de la UEES ha sido excelente. Siempre dispuestos a ayudarnos y orientarnos. Tanto Ecuador como la UEES , son lugares que recomendaría ampliamente para visitar y estudiar.
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 Jessica Borrell
University of Pittsburgh , USA / Knowledge Exchange Institute
By the end of my trip, I had fallen in love with Ecuador . I left the country with my initial impression confirmed; the biodiversity and landscape were breathtaking, and my host family and new friends were incredible. Studying abroad was one of my most significant and enjoyable experiences, and I cannot wait to return.
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 Chris Brown
Cornell University , USA / International Partnership for Service Learning
My homestay family was amazing and so caring. I learned a lot about Ecuadorian culture from being immersed in the everyday activities that took place in my neighborhood. From the soccer games that were played every Sunday afternoon on the dirt field to the interesting conversations I had with the guards. My host mother cooked the best soups and made the best and healthiest juices I have ever had in my life. My internship was AMAZING. Working at the health center showed me how the humility of one doctor can go a long way towards helping alleviate the suffering of his fellow Ecuadorians. It was a truly enlightening experience. To wrap it up the CEI staff is so supportive and amazing; they have really helped make the students feel comfortable and safe in a country where that is not always so easy. The classes are fun and the people are friendly and amazing and fun. I am so glad I did this trip and I fully recommend it because it is a once in a lifetime opportunity that you will never EVER regret. |
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 Manuel Cornejo
University of Scranton, USA
The program for international students offered by UEES brings you to all corners of Ecuador , immersing the student in the richness and beauty of Ecuadorian culture, landscape, food and traditions. The variety of opportunities, from volunteer projects to homestay accommodation greatly enrich the experience for the student, with endless opportunities to improve your Spanish!
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 Rachel Wanty
Washington State University , USA / Knowledge Exchange Institute
The homestay experience has been incredible. I am so fortunate to have been welcomed not only into a home, but also into a family! The cultural aspects I have learned and the memories that I have made are permanent; and my language abilities have improved much faster thanks to the patience and help from my family. This experience has been and will be one of my fondest memories of Ecuador . Thank you again for all of your help! Your hard work made a huge difference in my experience in Ecuador . I am truly thankful for all of the work and worry that you put into our group of students. |
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 Ben Smith
SUNY Buffalo , USA
Leaving Guayaquil was a bitter experience. In my time in South America , I had made many friends. My host brother, a crazy Ecuadorian who couldn't stand to be alone for more than a minute, was the best of those friends. I have pictures, but they only make me wish I was back. As all travelers say, I hope to go back one day.
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 Jesse MacArthur
Central Lakes College , USA
I will always carry my experiences in Ecuador with me, and hopefully I will have a chance to return soon. Ecuador is a unique and extremely diverse country, and has a lot to offer to anyone willing to venture with an open mind and heart, and experience something new. I would encourage anyone to check it out.
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 Tarant Borlase
Griffith University , Australia
I really appreciated the cultural seminars: they gave interesting perspectives to the travel side of it, so I was able to appreciate some of the things that wouldn't otherwise be obvious to the western eye.
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 Marybeth Wargo
Duquesne University , USA
The Summer Serve and Learn Program at UEES is a perfect program for anyone who wants an adventure-filled summer and cultural immersion. Living with a host family taught me more about the cultural and language than I could ever imagined. I volunteered in a small health clinic that relies on volunteers to function. The doctor and nurses at the clinic were kind and excited to have us. The other students and I helped with various tasks in the clinic such as height and weight, eye exams, and immunizations. I also spent a second month in a public children's hospital. The program at UEES is well-organized and allows for flexibility. The staff is welcoming, and help you further your cultural understanding with debriefing and cultural seminars. Our weekly cultural seminars ranged from talking to a former President of Ecuador to cooking classes.
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 Loic Mocellin
Université Montpellier II, France
The CEI staff here makes your life easier doing everything they can and even more. The homestay family makes your experience unique and it's the best way to learn about the culture, language and to visit the country.
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 Laura Alessi
SUNY, USA
It is not only the quality of the classes that make this program phenomenal. The people from CEI and the homestay families will be there every step of the way to make it an unforgettable experience.
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 Sheryl Chiles
University of Lethbridge, Canada
During my stay in Ecuador I was taken out of my comfort zone. I was challenged. But looking back...I was fortunate to have such an excellent opportunity. In the end, the sum of the whole Ecuador experience leaves a smile on my face, lasting memories and friendships in my thoughts and a Bachelors Degree in International Management and a Minor in Spanish hanging on my wall. |
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