Housing for the Intern in Ecuador program differs depending on the location of the internship. Some internships are in Quito, while others are in different parts of Ecuador.
Housing will vary, but if you are living in Quito then you will likely be living in a homestay. The homestay family is a great opportunity to practice Spanish and get immersed in the local culture. They will also provide you with 2 meals a day and you will have your own room.
If you are doing a project outside of Quito, then you will be living close to the project site, usually in shared, dorm-style housing. At most of these locations there are numerous interns from all over the world and everyone lives together. Sometimes this means helping cook meals with other staff. Homestays do exist outside of Quito, in some locations, however.
As you will more than likely be living with another family or roommates from another culture, here are some tips for making it successful:
- Respect your hosts and the other people who live in the building.
- Remember that you are not on a college campus and not in your own home. Respect the property and get out of the “college campus” mentality.
- Talk to your roommates if they do something that bothers you. Talking it through is the easiest way to solve a small problem before it gets bigger.
- Talk to the staff if a problem arises and you cannot work it out with your roommates.
While the housing varies depending on where you are interning, we do expect you to follow our CISabroad Code of Conduct (found in the CISabroad Handbook) and treat others, your internship, and the local culture with respect. If you do break any housing rules or do not act in accordance with our Code of Conduct, we will enact disciplinary measures. These can also be found in the CISabroad Handbook but can include a verbal warning, written warning, or even dismissal from program.