When I think back to my year in Ecuador, I immediately think of all the people I met, the experiences I had, and how privileged we are in Europe. Moving to a country on the other side of the world was both exciting and challenging, but it turned out to be one of the most meaningful and best experiences of my life.

Discovering Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries I have ever seen. Although it is a relatively small country, it offers an incredible variety of landscapes and experiences. During my year abroad, I was able to discover different parts of the country and was amazed by how much nature and culture can change within only a few hours of travelling.

The coast is known for its beautiful beaches and the ocean, where you can enjoy a completely different atmosphere. The Sierra, the mountainous region of Ecuador, is characterized by impressive mountains, volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes. In the Oriente, the eastern part of the country, you can find the Amazon rainforest with its incredible biodiversity and unique nature.

This diversity makes Ecuador a very special country. Every region has its own traditions, landscapes, and way of life, which made travelling through Ecuador an unforgettable experience.

Working in a Women’s Shelter

During my stay, I volunteered in a women’s shelter for women affected by violence. Most of my work involved taking care of the children while their mothers participated in activities or received support. I also made cooking workshops with the women, were we cooked typical Austrian food.

Even though there were language barriers at the beginning, I quickly learned that kindness, patience, and a smile can often communicate more than words. Working with the women and children gave me a new perspective on life and made me appreciate the strength and resilience of the people I met there.

Living with a Host Family

One of the best parts of my year abroad was living with a host family. It gave me the opportunity to experience Ecuadorian culture in a way that would not have been possible otherwise. I became part of everyday family life, shared meals, celebrated special occasions, and learned about local traditions firsthand. Living with my host family also helped me improve my Spanish. At first, communicating was not always easy, but over time I became more confident and comfortable speaking the language.

Life in Cuenca

For the entire year, I lived in Cuenca, a beautiful city in the south of Ecuador. What I loved most about Cuenca were the people, building and that it is near the mountains. There are many groups for hiking, three rivers and also expats from all over the world, which made it easy to meet people and make new friends.

At the same time, Cuenca felt very safe and welcoming. I enjoyed exploring the mountains, spending time climbing, walking through the historic center, and discovering the local culture.

How This Experience Will Help Me as a Teacher

As a future teacher, I believe this year abroad has given me valuable insights. I now better understand the challenges that students may face when they are learning in a language that is not their first language or when they come from a different cultural background.

The experience has shown me how important empathy, patience, and encouragement are. These are qualities that I want to bring into my future classroom.

Personal Growth

Looking back, I can see how much I have changed during this year. My Spanish improved significantly, but I also became more confident and independent. I learned to trust myself, step out of my comfort zone, and handle unfamiliar situations on my own.

Most importantly, I found amazing friends from Ecuador but also from other countries. These friendships made my year even more special and taught me the value of openness and connection.

My year in Ecuador was much more than just a stay abroad. It was a year of learning, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences. Even though the year is over, the memories, friendships, and lessons I gained will stay with me for a lifetime.

Photos & Text: Anna-Maria Poscharnig