By Hillary Harder On Sunday, July 26, our students returned to Quito from their service communities and we began our final retreat together! The afternoon was full of joyful reunions as each student arrived at our Quito home, la Casa…
News
First Days in Ecuador
Jan 10 2026
Our time in Quito began at the Casa de Espiritualidad, where we all stayed for orientation, getting to know one another and learning how to be safe and healthy in Ecuador. We successfully navigated our first trip through the city using public transportation, and all students were eager to use the buses again during free time to explore and become more confident with the routes. Klever, our local coordinator, provided us with a primer on Ecuador, and Patricia taught us about common Ecuadorian customs, encouraging us to consider our role in intercultural reciprocity. We also enjoyed an engaging introduction to Ecuador’s history at the Museo de la Ciudad.
Today, we met our host families, who were excited to meet their new hijo or hija. After warm greetings and photos, everyone headed home for the first weekend with their new families.
Study AbroadFinal retreat in Ecuador
Study AbroadLife on the ward
By Dayanara Aguirre-Mulato During my service placement at the municipal Centro Médico in Riobamba, I had the privilege to be able to work alongside other nurses. Day to day each patient comes in to register for their appointment and I…
Study AbroadService visits: opportunities for connection in Ecuador’s “provincias”
By Hillary Harder During the Service term, leaders have the privilege of traveling to visit each student at the home and volunteer assignment where they are spending their time during the second half of SST. For us, that meant traveling…