06 October 2012

Estadounidense en ECUADOR for a month!

I spent the month of September doing a TESOL course in Quito, Ecuador. Overall it was a fabulous month & I wish it could have lasted longer. But, alas, I had to return to Spain to work as an auxiliar again. (Don't get me wrong, I am very excited to be here too! This time I will be on the Northern coast in Pais Vasco!)

View of Quito from the terrace where we ate lunch everyday!

I had been wanting to go to Ecuador for a long time because for the past few summers, I've worked with a large group of Ecuadorian college students on an International exchange program through their university. I also lived with a host-family in Quito, so outside of my clases, I was always doing things with locals. This was my favorite part of the experience because other times I've traveled (including now), I've known very few locals, if any, upon arrival.

Grabbing coffee with a couple friends
Although it was a short period of time, I made the most of my month in Quito. I was able to visit Teleférico (a mountain overlooking the city), La Mitad del Mundo (the equator), Panecillo (a smaller mountain with a statue at the top on the edge of the city), Cotopaxi (one of the tallest, active, snow-capped volcanos), the historic center, 2 gorgeous cathedrals, go shopping, go to the movies, and try some great food (both in restaurants & homemade). And all of that was just on the weekends as Monday-Fridays were filled with 10 hours of class and a 30 min commute each way.

Hiking [part of] Cotopaxi

I don't have to have the TESOL certification for my job in Spain, but it will make my job easier. There were some things we learned that would have been helpful to use in my classes last year. Plus, the certification is good for life, so if I ever want to spend a summer abroad after I start teaching in the States, it will be much easier. And, more than anything, I just wanted an excuse to visit Ecuador :)

At Teleférico with some of my host-family

Hopefully leaving was just an hasta pronto, not a full out adios!