Academic Treks - Immersion Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Rural Areas

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: June/July

Description: There is no better way to learn about a culture than to live and work amongst its people. We invite you to experience Ecuador ' its rich history, beautiful topography, vibrant cultural centers and gracious people ' on a 32-day journey that will fully immerse you in the lifestyles and language of the Ecuadorian people. As with all AT courses, Immersion Ecuador is divided into four phases that build upon a common theme, in this case learning the Spanish language. Throughout the phases, language skills are developed through intensive cultural immersion, adventure, service learning and personal reflection, in addition to formal instruction.

Highlights:
Days 1-7: Our first task is to outfit ourselves for our hike in the Andes, down the ancient Inca Trail. Ready for high-altitude adventure' We hike at 14,000 feet across the Andean corridor from Achupallas to the famous ruins of Ingapirca. Our Nights are spent camping under star-filled skies so remote and so near the equator, the constellations of both hemispheres greet us each evening. The trek requires personal resolve and is physically demanding, but we are rewarded with spectacular scenery and shared sense of accomplishment.

Days 8-14: The group settles in at a charming hacienda nestled in a small Andean village. We begin the academic phase of our trip by dividing into small groups for Spanish lessons with our Ecuadorian profesores. This is not like your Spanish class at school. The skills you learn one day will be used the next, as you travel, complete projects and struggle through conversations with locals. When not working with the profesores, visit communities of local artisans working their handicraft. You may even get to try your own hand at some of the trades.

Days 15-20: Off to Cuenca, a vibrant cultural center in Southern Ecuador. Continuing our formal instruction, we live with local families here to maximize the experience. Learn the true Ecuadorian ways of life while continually honing your communication skills. Most participants have never had a "real" conversation in Spanish. Your understanding of the language after years of study in school does not compare to your proficiency after living in a community that speaks only Spanish. A little apprehensive? Don't be. After two weeks in Ecuador, you're ready to take on the challenge.

Day 21-25: We head south to the town of Catamayo to meet our local service partner from Habitat for Humanity. Working side-by-side with Ecuadorian citizens, we cut rebar, haul rocks and lay concrete. You are no longer a visitor, but rather a co-worker and the locals share their beliefs, wants, fears and insights with you as you labor together towards a common goal. Tourists never see this side of Ecuador.

Day 26-32: A time to reflect. We head to Tierra del Volcan, a restored farmhouse where we horseback ride and explore the world's highest active volcano, Cotopaxi. An overnight solo provides an opportunity to contemplate the places, people and lifestyles you have encountered throughout our journey. From the mountains to the urban centers and down to the Pacific Ocean, you have experienced Ecuador as few visitors ever will.

Qualifications: Many of our participants have never been on a wilderness program or traveled internationally. You do not need to have any experience camping, trekking, paddling or traveling. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and ready to have fun. Our instructors teach you all the skills you need one-step-at-a-time. Keep in mind, however, that Phase 1 of this journey is physically challenging and most students will want to do some conditioning before they arrive. Call for details on specific programs.

Salary / Pay: Personal Growth, academic achievement & college credit. Living in a small group, traveling in foreign lands, learning and taking on challenges will cause you to look inward and gain leadership experience. Academic Trek courses provide ample opportunities for physical, social and emotional skill development. Through honest introspection and success in accomplishing difficult tasks, individuals gain knowledge about their own strengths and weaknesses. Cultural Immersion AT programs provide rare opportunities to truly experience different cultures. By working and living alongside locals in foreign countries, our participants receive a level of cultural education that cannot be gained in any other way. Service The AT course design includes much more than a token service project. One week out of each program is devoted to a significant service learning venture during which participants work side by side with locals to make a real difference in the communities we visit.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 16-20

Participants Travel to Ecuador in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993