This past summer, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Ecuador. Being present in the culture of Ecuador during my study abroad influenced my learning experience in several ways. The Spanish language in Ecuador, living with an indigenous family in Ecuador, and understanding the culture/values of the people of Ecuador gave me the opportunity to learn in new ways during my study abroad.
One aspect of Ecuadorian culture that impacted what and how I learned was the Spanish language that is widely spoken in Ecuador. I come from a Mexican household and I am fluent in Spanish which gave me the ability to communicate freely with people in Ecuador. I was able to talk with locals and ask them questions about the history and culture of Ecuador. For example, I had several conversations with our local guide Darwin who has lived in Ecuador his entire life. He told me about what the different cities and regions in Ecuador are like, the cultural significance of certain places such as the Old Town in the capital of Quito, and the history of Ecuador as a country. Because of my ability to converse with people in Ecuador in their language, I was able to get a broader, more comprehensive experience in which I learned so much about the culture and history of Ecuador.
During my study abroad, we stayed for three nights in the Amazon rainforest living with an indigenous family. During our stay with the indigenous family, I was able to learn about their customs, traditions, and dances which are foundational in indigenous culture. For example, we were able to see them perform their cultural dances in their traditional attire which helped me learn in a way that I usually don’t learn. I’m used to watching lectures and reading textbooks to learn so it was a new experience watching the indigenous tribes show us their customs in person. I was also able to see how they prepare and weave colored string and how they create and use their poison darts. The hands-on, in-person experience taught me so much about the way of life of indigenous people in Ecuador.
Being in a country with a different culture and values than the United States gave me a different point of view on the issues of biodiversity conservation and economic development which was the main purpose of my study abroad. In speaking with the locals and the indigenous people of Ecuador, I could hear the pride that they take in the rivers, mountains, and biodiversity which adds value and beauty to their country. Compared to the United States where economic development is the main driving force, in Ecuador the people value their environment and their way of life as much as, if not more than, economic development. This point of view from the people that I spoke to in Ecuador gave me a different perspective on environmental and economic issues in the United States.
My study abroad in Ecuador gave me many opportunities to learn in new ways. I was able to use my fluency in Spanish to speak and connect with locals and hear their knowledge and experience with the culture and history of Ecuador. Staying with an indigenous family over several nights allowed me to better appreciate the way of life of indigenous tribes in Ecuador. Studying abroad in another country with a different culture and set of values gave me new perspectives on issues of conservation and economics both in Ecuador and in the United States. My study abroad experience challenged me and expanded my knowledge and understanding of the world.
