University of Wisconsin–Madison

Ecuador: Loghan Holland (Daily Life in Ecuador)

Daily Life in Ecuador

A courtyard paved with tile has plenty of seating, and is surrounded by pink, white, yellow and red buildings.
USFQ campus.

My host family’s house has easily become my home away from home. My days are filled starting with an early morning breakfast consisting of tea and fresh fruit; followed by a walk to campus; morning classes; lunch consisting of local Ecuadorian cuisine; afternoon classes; and finally, a walk back home.

My favorite part of the day is my morning walk to campus when I can spend time observing the beautiful mountains and valley of Cumbayá, Ecuador. During my thirty minute walk I can truly appreciate my privilege and opportunity to study—and live—in Ecuador. I deeply enjoy spending my mornings connected with nature and observing the morning bustle as Ecuadorians welcome the new day.

A red car is parked on the side of the road next to a sprawling cactus and a bush with pink flowers.
Scenery from my morning walk to campus.

Though I truly appreciate my morning walks, I have come to enjoy the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), my host university’s campus. The campus of USFQ is a semi-outdoor campus with a small lake with coy fish, turtles, and plenty of open grass surrounding its banks. During the afternoon hours, it is very common to see Ecuadorian students basking in the sun. I have a feeling that the campus of USFQ will always hold a special place in my heart because of its welcoming nature. While on campus, laughter is commonplace—and smiles are never far off from the sound.

A green-tinted lake is surrounded by palm trees on a sunny day.
A stunning view of USFQ campus lake.

 

Loghan smiles in front of a blurred background indoors.

Loghan Holland

Major: Botany, Cello Performance

Hometown: Blue Springs, Missouri

Program: Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon