Is my Ecuador trip logical or wise?

Question

Im planning a month long volunteer trip to a developing animal refuge imeadiatly after i finish high school. I've never been on a plane. I'm taking French. I would be going alone.

With those facts i probably sound pretty dumb, but it's something i really want to experience & I am not afraid. should i be? i don't know.

I am a very responsible person

I'm not going to stray far from my designated path of travel, only because i can't speak the language

I'm fundung the entire thing myself [d**n air fare]

I am going to be a starving college student in the fall

what do you think?

Answer 1

Ecuador is a beautiful Country.  The people are very friendly and the food is great.  Be careful if you are going to be near the Colombian Border.  If you are going to the Amozonas be aware of the mosquitoes and the yellow fever, and Malaria diseases.  See whatever you can when you are there, meet with some locals and get to know them.  It would be helpful to learn Spanish, as most people in Ecuador don't speak English or french, but there are a lot who do so you can get around with help.  Make friends, and enjoy yourself.  Go see Cuenca, and eat Couee when you can.

Answer 2

I was in Ecuador 2 weeks ago. I have pretty poor spanish and i was fine. beware of what you take on the streets there. my aunt is ecuadorian and has lived there her whole life and she says she never carries a purse because of the pickpocketers. you will have people there who will look after you if you are with a program. things there are pretty cheap compared to the USA. dont pay over $5 for a meal unless you are at a fancy place. everyone is super nice and helpful there. if you are going to be traveling you have to visit cuenca and papallacta. and of course otovalo. have fun!

Answer 3

Wow, that sounds fantastic!  I say go for it!  It might be tough with some hard work but you will never regret the experience.   You will learn so much about yourself and people from other places while doing a little bit of good for the world.  

You are young, you are responsible, you are free to do what you want to do.  Don't restrict yourself if people you know are saying you're nuts.  I assume you're going with an organization down there that will help you out if anything happens.

Remember to get your shots and bring strong insect repellent  and clothes that cover your skin.  

We visited Ecuador and the Amazon basin region and absolutely loved it.  I am very jealous of your plans and would do the same in a minute.  The language won't be too much of a barrier and you will pick up some "Service Spanish" )words used in restaurants/hotels/tourist industry) and many service workers speak some English there.    

I went to England for 3 months in college to work (also by myself, the first time away from home and the first time flew on an airplane too!) and it was the best, most rewarding and growing experience of my life.  You're going many steps further.  I wish you all the best! Go!

Answer 4

Every foreign country is going to be dangerous. Actually alot of cities in the US are very dangerous too! lol

I would learn some spanihs..French is not going to help you in ecuador. Im sure at the refugee camp ppl will speak english but you should  learn spanish.

Just be careful and dont go off to isolated areas

Answer 5

You will do fine!  Nothing at all wrong about your trip and Ecuador is friendly and easy to get around. Is the animal refugee called Insi Wara Yasi?  I've only heard great things about it!  You will love it I imagine and you will meet many other doing exactly what you are doing if you feel like you need the support.  And you are only a starving college student if you spend poorly.  I was able to take a 3 week international vacation every year of my college carreer (Ecuador being one of them) working only as a parking attendant and financing it all myself.  

Also, the word is Cuy, not couee and it is Guinea pig.  I had it and liked it but knowing what it is made it difficult especially since I had two as pets at the time.  

Good luck!