Jaden Garret – “This virtual program to Ecuador was an amazing experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I really learned a lot from this journey, including the culture, traditions, festivities, dishes, and language of the native Kichwa people, why the equator line is a special part of Ecuador, ecotourism in the country, and the importance of Quito. Our hosts were gracious enough to have us join in these customs, which I found to be a very rewarding experience. I firmly believe that traveling to other countries to witness other people’s ways of life helps us to appreciate the world around us and helps to give us a broader perspective. As Mark Twain once said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” (Mark Twain). When we travel, we are able to learn from and understand the perspectives of others, which I agree is the value of the whole experience. Some parts of the trip that surprised me were how the equator line works in Ecuador, as well as the medicinal plants that are used to cure certain diseases. Furthermore, I enjoyed learning about and engaging with the Kichwa’s traditions as well as touring the old city of Quito. I am grateful to have been able to take this extraordinary week-long trip, and now I know a little more about Ecuador than I did prior to this experience.”
Sophia Raimondi – “In general, throughout all of these Zoom meetings, I truly felt as though I was traveling through Ecuador. I enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences between the United States and Ecuador. I often have a hard time opening up and learning about a new place. I am often so stuck in how the United States does things because it feels comfortable, it’s what I’ve known for so long, and because I know it works for other Americans. But I really enjoyed seeing the different culture that Ecuador has, and instead of being closed off to it, I enjoyed learning about it. I want to say thank you again for this whole experience. Although we didn’t actually go to Ecuador, this experience helps embrace the exact feeling of being there. “
Angela Lyons – “Watching the family livestream from Ecuador was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about Ecuadorian culture and daily life. I really enjoyed seeing how rich and diverse their traditions are, from the food they eat to the clothes they wear and the way they live each day. One of the most interesting things I learned about was Chicha, a traditional drink made from fermented corn. It was captivating to see how this beverage is a part of social gatherings and celebrations. I also loved seeing the beautiful clothing that people wore, especially the colorful ponchos that even the children had. At the first livestream, we saw people making music and playing instruments while wearing colorful clothing. The music was beautiful, and everyone looked very happy and content. We also learned about the Kichwa language, which was very interesting. There were also students studying abroad who were staying in Ecuador, and we got to ask them questions about their experience as well. The bright colors and patterns of the outfits that were worn reflected the warmth and vibrancy of the Ecuadorian people. Another highlight for me was seeing the school and all the children who attend there. On day 3, we got to see the school that children attend, and it was so cute. It gave me a glimpse into the importance of education in their communities and how students interact and learn together. The livestream made me appreciate how connected the Ecuadorian culture is. I attended the cooking class last Friday, which I thoroughly enjoyed. We got to not only see Ecuador in real time, but we also got to cook an Ecuadorian dish with them through Zoom. We made Ecuadorian quinoa soup, which is very hearty and consists of quinoa, various vegetables, and fresh herbs. Professor Dunn also brought in some treats (I cannot remember what they were called), but they were stuffed with guava and were very delicious. As a class, we all came together and cooked the meal. Overall, the experience opened my eyes to a new way of life and helped me see how diverse and beautiful different cultures can be. I truly enjoyed learning about Ecuador and its wonderful people, and I hope I get the opportunity to explore another country again.”
John Indjeian – “Before taking this trip to Ecuador, I didn’t know much about it, other than it was a South American country near the Amazon rainforest. I was impressed during the first night of the tour with the dancing and music for the Inti Raymi, especially with the colorful garments one of the dancers was wearing; it really stuck out to me, and how it had faces in all directions. The friendliness of Martina and the tour guides made me feel welcome, something that is lacking in the US, friendly people who take their time and aren’t always in a rush.”
“Over the week, I saw the Equator museum, which I now know Ecuador is the center of the earth, longitude-wise. I also found the Shrunken Head Museum to be cool, as I enjoy military and war history, and the learning process was fun. I thought the school trip was a delight, being impressed by the number of kids who loved math as their favorite subject, and being able to speak Spanish and Kichwa. America was a great speaker for her age, and she did a good job explaining many aspects of her country, especially school.”
“The soup and strawberries (I regret not drinking a cup) was an interesting experience, as it took a while to prepare but worth it. I’ll have to try those leaves on the stomach trick next time I get drunk. Then seeing the monuments and stores on the last day was surprising compared to the small ranch we’ve been to the past few days. But all of this helped give Ecuador a familiar face, and now I’m more interested in the country and its secrets. Hopefully, one day I will tour South America, and Ecuador will be one of those spots that will give me a more worldly view of life.”
Kimberly Ortega – “I just wanted to start by saying that I really enjoyed my experience in Ecuador. It helped me understand more about the culture and how people live all over the country. On the first day, we got to see the music and dancing that they like to play. While I was watching, I had family over, and they were curious to see a bit about their culture too. We saw the beautiful clothes they made and how they danced together. My boyfriend said his roommates always play the same music when it’s cleaning day or when they’re just relaxing on the couch. My boyfriend didn’t grow up in Ecuador, but his whole family and roommates were born and raised there. He grew up in Spain, so he was curious to learn more about his country, even though he was very experienced, and he was excited for me to learn about it too, so one day we can travel there together and experience it in person.”
“It was really cool to see the houses and clothes that were shown. They reminded me a lot of my grandma’s house and the traditional clothing you see in Mexico. On the last night, when we were on the tower, it reminded me of Mexico and the houses you see with all the mountains in the background. My grandma lives in a small village on top of a mountain that takes around three hours to drive up because the roads are steep, but once you get to the top, you can see so many mountains and villages—just like in Ecuador. Everything seemed so familiar. Being in the market felt the same way too—walking up and down the streets, seeing bikes and street dogs everywhere, and all the food stands selling snacks and drinks like ice cream.”
“When we were shown the school where the kids learn, my mom said it looked a lot like her old school in Mexico. She started telling me about her life there and what school was like for her, and I really enjoyed that this trip gave me the chance to connect more with my parents and their life before coming to the U.S.”
“When it came to the food, I didn’t know much at first. I recognized a lot of the ingredients they used, but the dishes were different. The only one I knew was Encebollado, which I love—especially the plantain chips that come with it. It was so fun to see all the different dishes and learn more about what people eat in Ecuador. I really enjoyed seeing all the different areas, the people, and the lifestyles that Ecuador has to offer. Overall, this virtual trip was such an amazing cultural experience that taught me a lot, helped me connect with my family’s roots, and made me appreciate the beauty of different Latin American cultures even more.”
Nicole Amulevicz – “I really enjoyed learning about Ecuadorian culture this week, from the traditional markets and dances to the schools, geography, and cooking. The people’s close connection to their environment and community stood out to me the most. Watching Martina’s story and seeing everyone dance happily in the rain was heartwarming; it conveyed a beautiful sense of togetherness and celebration. I was amazed by the detailed embroidery on the clothes and household items, as well as the handmade rainbow mask, which both showed such creativity and cultural pride. I was also surprised to learn that Ecuador is one of only three countries in the Americas that uses the U.S. dollar.”
“Another highlight for me was the live cooking demonstration, particularly when they used the outdoor brick oven for the bread. Also, just watching her make her homemade bread was so cool. She was so quick and basically perfect, it looked like she could do it with her eyes closed. It really reflected the coziness and customs of their way of life. And since I love dogs, I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them happily wandering around, part of the community. Overall, this week demonstrated to me how Ecuador effectively balances modernity and tradition, from lively marketplaces and eco-hotel projects to schools that teach Kichwa in addition to Spanish and English. I now have a greater appreciation for the country’s natural beauty, determination, sustainability, and deep respect for the environment, animals, and community. Thank you for this opportunity!”
Imani Banks – “Modern online platforms such as Zoom have significantly changed the way we approach learning about other countries and cultures. This virtual trip to Ecuador was more than just watching; it gave me a deep, organized understanding of the country’s amazing geography and its blend of different cultures. While I cannot fully replicate the real-world feeling—such as the high-altitude air or local smells—this journey connected me directly to one of the world’s most diverse nations, offering a new way to explore without leaving home. During this exploration journey, I learned that Spanish is the main spoken language across the country, but there are many native languages, such as Kichwa, which are still used today by local communities. I discovered that Ecuador is a diverse country, just like the USA, with its beautiful landscapes and people. Along with my fellow classmates and professors of GCU Global Lions Club, we had the opportunity to explore the country’s culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Ecuador is located in South America and is known for its diverse geography landmarks, such as the Amazon rainforests, coastal regions, and Andes mountains etc. Some of the most interesting things I learned were that people make their own clothes by hand and use other materials. They also use different natural plants to cure diseases. As I explored more about Ecuador, I discovered that the capital city, Quito, is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Another highlight of my virtual journey was learning how to cook quinoa soup and blackberry juice on campus and learning about the origin of these dishes. I was amazed at how Ecuador has managed to preserve its natural environment while promoting eco-friendly tourism. It showed me how important it is to protect the environment, appreciate what nature has to offer, and be able to create or survive without the use of technology. Ecuadorian culture was also full of colorful traditions and festivals. Throughout this virtual trip, I also learned about the kindness and hospitality of people. They are known for being respectful, warm, and proud of their heritage. Family is very important in their lives, and they value their communities and togetherness. Even though I visited virtually, I could sense of strong bond and pride to have in their country. In conclusion, my virtual trip to Ecuador was a meaningful learning experience.”