| | | Spring Semester in the AndesLive and study in Ecuador. Visit the Amazon Jungle. Explore the heights of Peru. 15 January - 8 May 2008 In some ways, life in Cuenca is very similar to life in the US. You get up, shower, have breakfast and make your way to school. But even on “normal” days, there are subtle differences in everything you do. Instead of pancakes, you get tamales for breakfast. Instead of another generic language class, your teacher takes you to the local market to barter for fruit. In other ways, the schedule in Cuenca is worlds apart. Travel to exotic places, living with a family from a different culture and ordering food in a different language are just some of the things that will challenge and stimulate students. Yet no matter how different life seems in Cuenca, students can always count on certain things. The first is a little bit of home wherever they go, as a native English-speaking staff member is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CEDEI also employs a full-time staff member dedicated to helping students get the most out of the host family experience. Additionally, although Ecuador is a very different place, students will have access to many modern amenities, such as supermarkets, English-language movies, and inexpensive phone calls home. | | | | Study in Cuenca, Ecuador, one of the world's most beautiful cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ecuador Photo Gallery | |
| Students on the Semester in the Andes program will live with an Ecuadorian family during their time in the program. Families are responsible for providing a private room (sometimes with private bath), 3 meals a day, and laundry service. However, the true importance of host families in the program is much more than what they are required to provide. Living with a family gives students a chance to participate in the everyday lives of Ecuadorians, an unparalleled experience when one is attempting to learn a different language or culture. Something that sets our families apart from other programs is the fact that we only allow one student per family, something that ensures students the chance to live in a home, instead of just a house. All of our families are personally chosen by our host family coordinator, and students receive any and all support needed from the Office of International Programs. | | |