Eligibility
Program Description
Visa and Travel Documents
Getting There
AFS Orientations and Activities
Eligibility
To be eligible you must:
- Be between 15 years 6 months and 18 years 6 months old at the start of the program
- Have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be in good mental, physical, and emotional health in accordance with the AFS Medical Evaluation Policy
- Have an open mind, willingness to be flexible, and the ability to adapt to new a culture, school, and environment
- Some Spanish knowledge will be helpful.
Program Description
Ecuador is one of the most fascinating destinations in South America with its array of vibrant cultures, historical colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes, and dense rainforest–all in a nation no bigger than Nevada! The country’s ethnic diversity extends from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon. Traditional arts, textiles, and ceramics tell the story of an Ecuadorian culture that dates from around 3200 B.C. and still holds on to its traditions. Four distinct regions–the highlands, coastal areas, rainforest, and the famous Galápagos Islands (where Darwin studied and wrote about evolution)–all make Ecuador an exciting country for you to discover while perfecting your Spanish and making friends.
You’ll probably attend a single-gender school where you may study up to 13 subjects from a standard curriculum. Ecuadorian society values family and friendship, so your host family will welcome your participation in daily activities. Hanging out with friends and family is also a great way to further perfect your Spanish language skills. You’ll meet other AFS Participants at orientations, and possibly take part in an optional trip to the Galápagos Islands at an additional cost.
As with all AFS high school programs, you will be placed with a volunteer host family who will provide you with lodging, meals, guidance and support.
Year program students are placed throughout Ecuador. Most placements (approx. 60%) are in sub-urban areas. Note: All semester students will be placed in the city of Guayaquil.
AFS Ecuador can accept vegetarians who understand that they will have to assume responsibility for their own dietary needs. Please submit a dietary restriction addendum form (available in the supplements and addendums page of the online application) along with your Full Application.
Learn more about life in Ecuador.
Visa and Travel Documents
In order to participate in this program, you must have a U.S. passport that is valid for six months longer than your intended stay.
In addition to your passport, you also need a visa to enter and reside in your host country. The Ecuadorian Consulate requires the following of all applicants:
- HIV test
- Good Conduct Certificate
- Parental Consent form
- Support documentation (provided by AFS Ecuador)
Please note that visa requirements are determined by the Ecuadorian consulates and may vary depending on where you apply.
Many Consulates, including San Francisco and Chicago, require an in-person appointment.
AFS USA will provide you with detailed instructions regarding the required documents and how to apply for your visa in the months prior to your departure.
Getting There
You and your fellow AFSers will travel together from between Miami and Ecuador. Year program participants fly into Quito while Semester program students arrive in Guayaquil. Upon your arrival and after you collect your baggage and pass through customs you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers who will escort you to the arrival orientation site. There you will participate in a 2 day welcome orientation after which you will travel to your host community by bus or plane (depending on the distance) and be picked up by your host family.
AFS Orientations and Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically (the local Pre-Departure Orientation, Culture Trek, and the Gateway Orientation), you and your fellow AFSers will have several orientations while abroad.
The first orientation will take place upon your arrival in Ecuador. This will be a 2 day orientation that is intended to prepare you for your first weeks abroad. This will be an international orientation and your opportunity to meet participants from around the world. In addition to covering the rules and safety tips, there will be an emphasis on approaching your experience from an intercultural learning perspective.
About 4-5 weeks in to your stay, you will have another orientation at the local level. This will last for 2 days and will focus on cultural and school adjustment. You will also meet with AFS staff and volunteers to evaluate your first few weeks and be offered guidance to make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you are participating in a year program, you will also be offered a 2 day mid-stay orientation about 5 months in to your stay. Once again, this will be a time to meet with staff and volunteers, evaluate the first half of your experience, and gain more tips to aid your cultural adjustment.
Finally, there will be an evaluation camp in the weeks prior to departure. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
In addition to the orientations, many local chapters organize activities for students and host families throughout the year. These will vary from chapter to chapter but may include parties or excursions to other cities or regions in Ecuador. Unlike the orientations, these activities are optional and are at the student’s expense.
