Article August 6, 2018 Issue

Love dissolves cultural barriers

Courtlyn Reekstin

I had been looking forward to this trip for months. I would be traveling to Ecuador, where I’d be volunteering as an assistant teacher—teaching and tutoring third-grade students—and doing some sightseeing. I couldn’t wait to experience everything the country had to offer: the people, history, sights, natural wonders, food, and so much more.

I felt especially fortunate that I would be living with an Ecuadorian couple and a few other volunteers. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to immerse myself in Ecuadorian culture and traditions, and I was excited about everything I would learn.

My homestay family and I got along very well at first, and they welcomed me in as part of the family. We enjoyed conversing in Spanish in the mornings and evenings over yummy Ecuadorian meals.

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