ECUADOR: Guayaquil

ECUADOR STUDENT LIFE

Guayaquil has many cultural and entertainment options. Downtown offers museums, galleries, waterfront parks, free concerts at the “Malecon 2000,” lots of cafes, restaurants and shops. The Riocentro mall is a good place to shop or go to the movies.The greater Guayaquil region also offers many opportunities for outdoor activities. Guayaquil is surrounded by four ecosystems. Coastal beaches, Amazon basin, marshlands and Andes mountains are 40 minutes to 2 hours drive. Students are encouraged to participate in campus activities and interact with Ecuadorian students.

Housing & meals

Students live with a host family. 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 process. Most families live in Downtown Guayaquil. Bedrooms are double-occupancy. Students are expected to communicate with their family in Spanish, although most have at least one member who speaks a little English.Homestays include 2 meals per day. Students also have access to the kitchen.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.

Getting around town

Since students live and study in Downtown Guayaquil, most places can be reached by walking. Guayaquil also has an efficient bus service. There are three types of urban buses:

  • 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.

ONSITE DIRECTOR

Primavera Velásquez Fuentes
primavera@KEIabroad.org
Guayaquil, Ecuador

Hello. I look forward to welcoming you to Ecuador, the country where I love to live. I’d like to show you how to explore this land of diversity in climates, landscapes, wildlife, and culture. I was born in Guayaquil, and I’ve lived this tropical city most of my life. I traveled to several countries and have participated in an exchange program in USA, so I know what it is like to live and study abroad. I’ve been a writer, teacher, and photographer before joining KEI. I would be glad to assist you during your stay in Guayaquil and make your experience in Ecuador a great one. Don’t hesitate to e-mail me, I’ll be happy to answer.