Anyone ever been to Quito Ecuador? I'm going there for study abroad... just wanted opininos/advice/etc

[phatj]

So I've decided to travel to Quito Ecuador to study for a term. It's supposed to be the best place (or one of best) to study the spanish language in south america.

Has anyone ever been to Quito? What were your experiences? Any advice? Anything would be helpful at this point. I leave in June so I have plenty of time to prepare.

I've read the Wiki and some travel guide sites but no real personal experiences.

 

[shortspanishguy]

I have been there 3 times. The majority of my family was born there or in Guayaqil. If you have a specific questions I can try and answer them.

Be careful of the old part of the city at night and I recommend NOT driving. Lots of reckless driving. Cabs are VERY cheap.

 

[Juno]

habla en espanol?

 

[jjones]

Friend of mine just went there a month or so ago. Said he'd never go back. The authorities hassled him for hours about being a drug dealer. Don't let that put you off though; he's a suspicious looking guy anyway.

 

[phatj]

Originally posted by: jjones
Friend of mine just went there a month or so ago. Said he'd never go back. The authorities hassled him for hours about being a drug dealer. Don't let that put you off though; he's a suspicious looking guy anyway.

uhhh that sucks.... was he dealing drugs? lol

I hope that doesn't happen to me... I actually read that the police really crack down on drugs there in one of the travel guides...

 

[phatj]

bumpers

 

[Qacer]

I suggest you watch this documentary: Pack, Strap, Swallow

Some people have landed in South American jails because they were not careful about their luggages.

 

[phatj]

anyone else?

 

[Mill]

You'll be fine in Quito. Make sure to make friends with some of the local students you study with, and take in the local culture with them. Leave the city and travel around with them if you have time. Ecuador is pretty safe, and their Spanish is decently clear. The best thing you can do is not to worry to much, and meet people that are interested in helping you with your Spanish, and then of course you help them with their English. There's nothing more rewarding than visiting their homes and meeting their parents, and seeing all the non-touristy areas that most gringos avoid.

 

[phatj]

christmas eve bump

 

[phatj]

un mas

 

[Turin39789]

I'm from Louisville Ky, which is a sister city of Quito. So expect the public transportation to be pretty crappy, but remember to try their bourbon.

 

[StevenYoo]

ummm... don't drink the water?

 

[phatj]

bizzle bump

 

[mrkun]

Originally posted by: phatj
It's supposed to be the best place (or one of best) to study the spanish language in south america.

Based on what?