"Saying goodbye to Tena is hard, and now that the reality of leaving is sinking in, I am starting to appreciate its magic even more. But rumor has it that anyone who comes and drinks guayusa is bound to return, and I know it’s only a matter of time until I’ll be back."

Lydia, Earth Sciences

"My main project was focused around an incredible homestay experience at the local community of Mushullacta where my task was to create conceptual maps of the local chacra systems using GPS and create informative data sheets on what species they grew there. Coming from an ecology and conservation background, I found this very interesting! In addition to this, interacting with the local children, listening to historical tales from the family members and taking part in morning Guayusa ceremonies was wonderful and truly humbling to be a part of."

Alice, Agroforestry & Environmental development

"With tears in my eyes I say goodbye to a place I can call home, to an experience that has been altruistically generous and to the heart of people I have dearly loved. I leave with infinite gratitude and a bag of tools that will serve me in my next jungle adventures in the massive city of London. And most important of all, I can say I have lived courageously, loved fearlessly and explored wildly."

Isabela, Herbal Medicine

"The rainforest is a lot muddier than you would expect! Rubber boots are your best friend. On a more serious note, I’m so grateful for having had this opportunity. I’ve always wanted to do something like this, and I’ve learned so much and have grown so much as a person. In the future, I really hope that I can continue working in Latin America with conservation and the environment in a way that continues to incorporate science and culture."

Sam, Biology and Spanish

"All of the people involved in the project I naturally would gravitate towards, anyways. And the interns and staff, I feel really comfortable being here even though it’s a foreign country, and the group of people I am surrounded by facilitates an environment of supporting one another as we try to expand and explore and push ourselves. There is so much to explore and Ecuador is such a beautiful place in so many ways."

Isaac, Sustainable Energy Management, Agroforestry and Sustainable Development

"My favorite part of the past 7 weeks has been being in the amazon forest. I think that this in environment allowed me a lot of time for self-reflection that could have not taken place in a city environment." 

Hideyoshi, Rising sophomore