Ecuador

The land of diversity: cultures, fauna, flora and natural resources

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A truly fascinating destination, Ecuador has diverse vibrant cultures, historical colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, and dense rainforests. The country also has four distinct regions—the highlands, coastal areas, rainforest, and the famous Galapagos Islands—all making Ecuador an exciting country to explore. Although quite friendly, Ecuadorians tend to be formal in the way they speak and dress.

Ecuadorian teenagers spend most of their free time with friends going to the movies, dancing and just hanging out together.

AFS Youth exchange in Eucador

Culture & Community

You will probably live in a suburban area, close to a major city like Quito or Guayaquil or in small towns throughout the country. Young people maintain close relationships with their extended family members, so expect to spend lots of quality time with your family.

School

If you live with a family in the coastal area or the Galapagos Islands, your school year will run from April to January. Students living in the highlands and the Eastern provinces, attend school from September to June. Either way, your school day begins around 7 am and ends at 2 pm, and all students wear a uniform.

All you need is Ecuador 😍 #wanderlust #l4l #afseffect #afsvlaanderen

Ein Beitrag geteilt von laura magriet (@lauramagriet) am

Language

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Why Ecuador❔ 🇪🇨🗺📍 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In 2014/15 @simo.schlumpf experienced a life-changing AFS exchange year in Ecuador. We asked him to answer the question for us: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ "From the vivid coastal culture over the mountainous regions to the vast amazonian jungle; Ecuador offers something for everyone.🌊🗻 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This natural diversity reflects itself in the people you will meet. The Ecuadorians openheartedly and proudly embrace their cultural diversity and origins. They will always welcome you in their families and hearts and show you everything they have to offer.☀😍" . . . #afsswitzerland #afseffect #openyourmind #latinoamerica #latinamerica #ecuador #cotopaxi #exchange #southamerica

Ein Beitrag geteilt von AFS Switzerland (@afsswitzerland) am

Spanish is the main language spoken in Ecuador. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.

Food

A typical Ecuadorian diet calls for some kind of meat (beef, pork, poultry, fish or other seafood, cold cuts), rice, potatoes, noodles, vegetables or salad. Beans, yucca and plantains are also quite prevalent. Meal portions are usually large, and your family will be happy to see you enjoy the food they prepare.

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