Boats on Shore – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Group Photo in Red Truck – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Arjia Grant and Host Family – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Group Photo – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Ecuador Skyline – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Ecuador Students – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Ecuador Landscape – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26 
Group Photo in Ecuador – Courtesy of Arija Grant ’26
By CLANCEY COCKLE ’26
Updated 11:50 a.m. EDT, 04 April 2025
During the spring 2025 semester, Arija Grant ‘26 has been studying in Quito, Ecuador as part of a study abroad program through Living and Learning International. The organization provides Christ-centered education programs throughout the world, including other locations such as Italy, England and the East Coast of the United States.
Grant has been staying with her cohort in an apartment in Quito, where she can walk to her classes. During the week, she spends her time attending classes, working on homework, spending time with her cohort and exploring the city. On the weekends, all of the students go on excursions exploring other parts of Ecuador including mountains, volcanoes, beaches, jungles and other breathtaking sites. A couple of months ago they spent a week in the Amazon jungle where they partnered with a missions group called Jungle Kids for Christ.
Soon after they returned, they all split up for a month-long homestay with local Ecuadorian families. This was one of Grant’s favorite opportunities that she has experienced during her study abroad.
“It was so cool to experience the hospitality of the Ecuadorians and how they welcomed me in as one of their daughters,” Grant said, and added that, “I am grateful for the relationships I was able to form with my host family, as well as being able to experience family life in Ecuador – from long mealtimes filled with meaningful conversation and laughter, to having water fights to celebrate the national holiday of Carnaval, to trying all the new Ecuadorian foods!”
Grant has also learned so much from studying abroad, and not just from the classes she is currently taking. She has gained a lot of perspective on the world and has developed more understanding and empathy for those who live cross-culturally while also learning a new language. She grew up learning Spanish from kindergarten through high school, but being immersed in Ecuadorian culture and being surrounded by people speaking Spanish has helped her to better understand and speak Spanish more than she could have ever imagined.
While it is very helpful and eye-opening, there are definitely challenges associated with living in a different culture and being surrounded by a different language. Overall, the biggest challenge for Grant has been having to live in the city for the majority of the semester. She was not used to living among so many people with so much noise, but she has been able to feel refreshed from weekend excursions in nature.
Grant also said that she has been growing personally and spiritually during her stay in Ecuador.
“I have learned the importance of slowing down and really being intentional with people,” she said. “Ecuadorians live the day to day at a much slower pace and they really value relationships. Their hospitality and kindness has shown me more about how Jesus wants us to care for others and welcome others into the family of Christ.”
For someone who is considering studying abroad, she highly recommends it.
Grant said, “It truly widens your perspective on the world. It is so fun to see different ways of life, explore beautiful landscapes, and make new friends from all over the U.S. and the world. There are so many opportunities abroad that have classes that fulfill credits for your major and/or fulfill general education requirements. It is so cool to study and experience another part of the world for a semester.”
Grant will return at the end of the semester, just in time to see her sister Phebe Grant ‘25 graduate in May. She would appreciate people keeping her in their prayers as she finishes out the final stretch of her study abroad! ★
