Author: smithlc

I stepped off the plane and into el Aeropuerto Internacional de Quito only five days ago. Five days ago, I left the States to participate in the most unique and incredible experience of my life. Each morning I wake up here, look at the endless mountains, and remain in awe of how magnificent the world is.

While I have not settled in my homestay, yet (that starts tomorrow), I have found delight and comfort in a number of wonderful people, places, and, of course, food.

Something I did not mention in my pre-departure post was how nervous I was to meet my classmates. I went through the typical, “Will they like me, are we all going to get along, and will we have anything in common?” The answer to all these questions has been, “Yes!” Everyone in my cohort has been marvelous. There are eight of us, and we are all unique. However, by respecting everyone’s backgrounds and participating in amazing “sobremesas,” we have formed connections. These bonds are what really helped me transition to Ecuador.

Keeping busy over the last five days has also prevented much of my expected homesickness. My programs started with an orientation period and part of it was exploring the cities and towns around us. Just yesterday, a groups of us were tasked with going to El Quinche. This is a town very close to Quito. It was like no place I had seen before. In the center of town was a gorgeous church of cultural significance and surrounding it were vendors and businesses selling everything from pan flutes to hand sanitizer, both of which I bought. While we were in town, a friend of mine got a haircut, and that just added to the adventure. We also had lunch in town which was experience of its own.

When I was in El Quinche, I tried seco de chivo (goat stew). It is a traditional meal in Ecuador and one of my new favorites. It was prepared on a stove in the middle of the dining area. We also went to an ice cream shop, and I tried a sundae that has shredded cheese on it. I have had about 22 meals over the last five days. I have also had so many types of freshly squeezed juice. I do not think a flavor has been repeated, yet. In Ecuador, it is common to have a snack between breakfast and lunch and another between lunch and dinner. It has been enjoyable and filling.

From here on out, I will not be counting the days that passed or the ones left to come. Instead, I will be enjoying my time in Ecuador friendship by friendship, trip by trip, bite by bite, and lesson by lesson.

Excitedly,

Lillian Smith

Hello, my name is Lillian! During the 2023 Fall semester, I will be in Ecuador, and I am so elated that you have decided to join me on this journey!

I use the word “elated” because that is how I feel, and also, I have been using the word “excited” exhaustively over the last few weeks. Just about everyone I have talked to recently asked, “Are you excited?” Of course, I am excited, and I would like to share with you why I am.

I chose the School for International Training (SIT) Ecuador: Development, Politics, and Languages because it excited me more than any other program I looked into. I initially started looking into study abroad programs because as a Spanish major, I have to spend a semester abroad in a Spanish-speaking country and my language of instruction has to be in Spanish. I loved the idea of going to South America. Probably the biggest goal of mine abroad is to improve my Spanish speaking skills, and I knew a country with the fewest number of English speakers possible would benefit me. That is why I ruled out Spain.

I am also an International Affairs major and Economics minor who loves environmental science. To my glee, this program will cover all these subjects. Experiential learning is greatly encouraged by SIT. Therefore, outside of the classroom, I will be learning through my homestays and the excursions my program planned. I have the pleasure of staying with at least two different host families while I am in Ecuador which will support the growth of my ability to speak Spanish. My excursions will be geared more towards development and politics. While we start in the capital city Quito, we will travel to the Upper Amazon Basin, the Andean Chocó Reserve, and the Galápagos. The final exciting component of my program is the Independent Study Project (ISP). This is essentially a large research project conducted independently during my final month in Ecuador. I will be sure to keep you updated on my ISP as it develops.

Now, not everything about studying abroad can be exciting. I am certainly nervous to be leaving. In fact, it will be my first time out of the country. I expect to be homesick and sick sick at times. While I am excited to try new food (I am a very adventurous eater), I have been warned to be cautious about where my food comes from and what water it is washed with because it can make me sick. There are also diseases like malaria that I have not had to be concerned about before. However, despite the nerves, I cannot help but be filled with joy at the prospect of going to a country as beautiful as this one. I do not know if this tip will help everyone, but one way I have settled my nerves is by looking at pictures of the places I will be going. I do not want to miss out on the big wide world.

So, let’s get out into the big wide world together!

Excitedly,

Lillian Smith

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