Reflecting on My Time Studying Abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Studying abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was an unforgettable experience—one that challenged me, inspired me, and helped me grow in ways I never expected. When I first arrived, I was excited but nervous. The idea of living in a new country seemed thrilling, but it quickly became clear that there would be many challenges ahead. From language barriers to adjusting to a new culture, my time abroad tested me. However, it also allowed me to discover more about myself, my values, and the positive impact I want to have on the world.

Facing Language Barriers and Cultural Differences

One of the biggest challenges I faced was the language barrier. In the beginning, simple conversations felt overwhelming. I struggled to keep up with fast talkers, misunderstood phrases, and sometimes felt embarrassed when I made mistakes. But over time, I became more confident. The kindness and patience of the locals helped me improve, and I realized that every mistake was a chance to learn. Slowly, I felt more comfortable communicating, and the effort to connect with people became one of the most rewarding parts of my trip.

Adjusting to Ecuadorian culture was another challenge. Life there was slower, and family and community were at the center of everything. The customs and daily routines were unfamiliar and I often felt out of place. But as I spent more time with my host family and local people, I began to appreciate the differences. What initially felt like a barrier eventually became something I cherished. It reminded me that there’s no “one way” to live, and learning from others expanded my understanding of the world.

Building Friendships and Discovering My Values

While living abroad, I met a diverse group of students from around the world. At first, I was surrounded by strangers, but as we faced similar challenges, we started to bond. Many of the people I met became close friends for the rest of my trip. These friendships made everything easier, and they became one of the best parts of my experience.

Through these connections and my time in Ecuador, I began to reflect on my own values. I found myself drawn to sustainability and social justice, especially after seeing how closely the locals in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands live with nature. It became clear that I wanted a career where I could help make the world a better place—where I could work to protect the environment and create a fairer society. My time abroad helped me understand that my future path should be driven by a desire to make a positive difference.

Returning Home and Adjusting to a Familiar Yet Different Environment

Coming back home was more difficult than I had imagined. My surroundings were familiar, but were different as I had just spent 4 months living in a different place. The fast pace of life and the comfort of my old routine felt strange at first, and I realized adjusting back to “normal” would take time. To ease the transition, I focused on building healthy habits and a balanced routine. I made time for self-care, continued learning, and worked toward my goals. But I also reminded myself to give myself grace. Adjusting to change isn’t easy, and sometimes the best way to settle in is by taking breaks and allowing time to recharge.

Looking back, my time in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands was life-changing. The experiences I had, the lessons I learned, and the people I met shaped my view of the world and my place in it. Most importantly, studying abroad helped me realize that I want to be a person who contributes to positive change, both in my community and beyond.