KEI offers two housing options: homestay and shared apartments. We strongly recommend homestay because of the many advantages this options offers, including cultural immersion and language proficiency. Living with a host family is a great way to become acquainted with Ecuadorian customs and practice your Spanish language.
Families are subject to a rigorous selection criteria.
Most, but not all, families live near the UEES shuttle route.
You are expected to communicate with your family in Spanish, although most have at least one member who speaks a little English.
Students can also opt to share an apartment with others on the program. Apartments can only be arranged if enough students select this option. Apartments are located in Guayaquil, and adjacent cities of Samborondon and Duran. Most apartments are studios and one to two bedrooms with a shared living area, kitchen and bathroom.
Homestays include 1 to 2 meals per day, depending on the family.
You will also have access to the kitchen.
Students who chose to live in a shared apartment are responsible for all meals.
Apartments are furnished with basic cookware, plates and silverware.
Delicacies in Guayaquil include encebollado (a seafood soup), ceviche (another seafood soup), arroz con menestra y carne (rice and beans with grilled or fried beef), patacones (twice-fried plantain slices) and pan de yuca (bread made from cassava). You will also find many types of cheese in Guayaquil. The most commonly consumed cheese is called queso criollo or queso manabita – somewhat similar to mozzarella but saltier.
Beans, corn (on the cob or even toasted) are staples in the sierra and coastal diet.
Ecuador is known for its fabulous exotic fruits, high quality fish and seafood, and the countless varieties of Andean potatoes.
The cuisine varies depending on the region, but in general food in Ecuador is high on starch.
It is possible to have 5 varieties of starch in one meal – green plantain (green banana), rice, yucca, potato and pasta.
We encourage students to take advantage of campus clubs and activities, as well as the cultural and natural diversity in and around Guayaquil. UEES has a very active International Club, with 130 members and growing. Sports facilities at UEES are excellent, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, weight room and an aerobic room.
Downtown is 15 minutes from campus and offers museums, galleries, waterfront parks, free concerts at the “Malecón 2000”, lots of cafes, restaurants and shops.
The Riocentro mall is also a good place to shop or go to the movies.
Nightclubs and discos are fairly close to campus.
The area offers many opportunities for outdoor activities.
Wonderful beaches are 45 minutes from Guayaquil.
Ecologically unique parks are within 1 hour's reach.
Inca ruins are only a 4-hour drive from the city.
UEES offers a shuttle service to and from the campus. The shuttles run 7 routes throughout Guayaquil and Samborondon. UEES will provide students with a timetable and a school ID to ride the shuttle.
Guayaquil has an efficient and frequent public bus service.
There are three types of public urban buses in Guayaquil:
Selectivos – 25 cents (newer buses for seated passengers only)
Populares – 18 cents (older buses which allow standing passengers)
Metrovía – 25 cents (metro system along main avenues)
Taxis are relatively inexpensive and the best choice for late-night transportation.
KEI will provide you with a prepaid mobile phone handset shortly after you arrive in Guayaquil.
The On-Site Coordinator will show you how to place calls.
The phone will have a small amount of credit to get you started.
Additional credit can be purchase as needed.
UEES has excellent computer facilities with wireless Internet at most campus locations. Some homestay options have Internet, but you should not expect this as Internet is not accessible to all families. There are many inexpensive Internet cafes through the city.
Ms. Claudia Cecelia Quimi-Carrasco is the KEI On-Site Coordinator in Guayaquil.
Claudia will arrange the airport welcome with your host family, oversee the orientation and cultural activities with UEES staff, and mediate any problems you might have during the program.
Claudia was born and raised in Ecuador, lived and worked (as an English language teacher) in the USA for 30 years, and recently returned to Ecuador.
In addition to serving as the KEI On-Site Coordinator, Claudia teaches Spanish language at UEES.
Claudia is welcoming and easily accessible.
She lives next to the campus (5 minute walk), frequently on campus to teach and available at any hour by mobile phone.
So don't hesitate to approach her with questions or if you need assistance!
During the first few days you will learn about the academic system at UEES and the basics for living in Guayaquil.
The orientation covers the following topics:
using public transportation
academic expectations
safety and security in Guayaquil
cultural adaptation
housing policies
a few social activities to meet your fellow students
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your On-Site Coordinator!
