The In-Country support in particular allowed for a smooth transition into life abroad, and the relationships that the program allowed me to form with other volunteers made my experience absolutely unforgettable.
What I enjoyed most about my Quest in Ecuador was getting to know so many genuine, compassionate and kind people throughout my trip. From the pre-departure support in Boston, to the In-Country Coordinators, to other UP volunteers, to tour guides, to local Ecuadorians, and, last but not least, my host family, I was touched by such a warm and collaborative environment overall, and I had never experienced such a beautiful thing on such a large scale before. Everyone I interacted with before and during my Quest was helpful and supportive, and my experience would have been very different if so many people had not reached out to me during the program. I also loved being able to experience so many different aspects of service in Ecuador in such a short amount of time. The In-Country Coordinator provided much freedom and flexibility in the itinerary, which allowed me to see and do so much more than I had anticipated, which was quite the pleasant surprise.