YOUR COUNTRY GUIDE
ECUADOR Guayaquil
FACTS, FIGURES & A GENERAL OVERVIEW GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECTÂ
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE? Traveling to a new country can be absolutely thrilling, but it can also leave you feeling excited, nervous, and probably full of uncertainty. We totally get it! At the Global Autism Project, we approach world travel with curiosity and respect. We work to ensure you have all the tools you need to explore with these values, which is why we've created comprehensive country guides to prepare you for your SkillCorps® journey overseas! This country guide will give you an overview of Ecuador including currency, politics, maps and key phrases! Of course, we encourage you to do your own research as well, but use our country guide as a starting point!
As a new member of the Skillcorps team you will be invited to join an app that contains pertinent information about your trip!
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EXPECTATIONS AT A GLANCE Capital City Quito Population 17,159,300 (January 18 2019 est.) Major Religions 80.44% Catholic 11.30% Protestant Official Language(s) Spanish
Ecuador lies directly on the equator, but the climate you will experience depends largely on where you are in Ecuador since there are four distinct geographical areas—the Sierra (mountains), the Oriente (eastern rainforests), the La Costa (Pacific coastal plains), and the Galapagos Islands. The temperatures in Ecuador don’t change much throughout the year. However, Ecuador experiences a wet and dry season each year, though the timeframe of each varies by region. October-May tends to be wet unlike the months of June-September. January through April are often rainier and warmer on the coast, while the months of April through November are most rainy near the Amazon.
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WHAT'S THE BIG PICTURE? Political/ social climate The Department of State suggests exercising normal precautions when traveling to Ecuador. Since January 2018, a transnational crime group has been targeting Ecuadorian citizens, mostly in Esmeralda's province. Ecuador is a patchwork of ethnic identities, a complex legacy of its indigenous and colonial past. Nowadays, political and economic stability may be in sight since the recently elected President, Lenin Moreno, is trying to boost the country's productive sector. What kind of content does the government sensor? Although the Communications Law exempts social media users from sanctions, the government has issued orders forbidding “the dissemination of unauthorized information by any means of social communication, whether public or private or via social media.” How will we get around? In large cities, there are bus services that are fast and cheap. Additionally, taxis are abundant, low-cost and available everywhere. If you are taking a taxi please make sure that it is through a reputable service. Exciting Events! January New Year’s Day March Carnival April
Good Friday
May
Labor Day / May Day
May
The Battle of Pichincha
August
Independence Day
October
Independence of Guayaquil
November All Soul’s Day November Independence of Cuenca December Christmas Day
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GET READY! It's so exciting, right?! So much to prepare for, so much to share... You're ready today! Hold on to that enthusiasm, that's exactly why you made the team!
DON'T WORRY! We're not going to send you into the field with nothing. To ensure we're sharing the most up-to-date information, we will post a live clinical video in the app at least 3 weeks before you travel. The video will discuss training objectives, strategies, and expected priorities for your time in the center. Additionally, at orientation you'll review the site's clinical folder and learn all about our training model!
GET YOUR VISA! If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you do NOT need a visa to travel to Ecuador. If you're not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, visa processing information can be found in the Skillcorps app.
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A TYPICAL DAY MORNINGS We spend our mornings at the hotel having breakfast as a team and planning for the day. We will discuss the wrap-up from the night before, and get excited for our new day!
WORK TIME Work time is a time to be present and energized! We bring professionalism and enthusiasm to the center each day, and will provide training in the form of role-play, workshops, reenactments, and even games.
EVENINGS Each evening will vary, but we typically make a team decision to either relax, call home and connect for a bit, or explore the city. We will also spend time each evening debriefing and working on training for the next day, as well as an inspirational wrap-up.
DOWN TIME Down time is up to the team! We always stick together, but we try to make time for team activities. From Batik shopping to karaoke with the staff at Rumah Tiara, we will keep you rested, yet entertained.
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BUDGETING & PLANNING
NATIONAL CURRENCY | U.S. DOLLAR Accessing Cash ATMs are ubiquitous in Ecuador, however it’s very hard to make change for a bill over $5, especially in taxis. If you are retrieving money from an ATM, be sure to request a denomination ending in 1 or 5 (most ATMs will dispense money in multiples of $1) so that you won’t have to worry about breaking a large bill. If you are stuck with big bills, try to use them in restaurants to make change. Daily Expenses Expenses will vary depending on individual and situational needs, but below is a sample budget for a typical working day at the partner site. We will leave budgeting for souvenirs and gifts up to your discretion. Small meal: 3.50 $ Bottle of water: 0.48 $ Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff): 2.41 $ GOOGLE FOR THE EXCHANGE RATE, IT CHANGES DAILY! GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
YOUR LOGISTICS OVERVIEW ACCOMMODATIONS You will be staying in local apartment style housing while in Ecuador. The location is a short drive from the center, and is near shopping malls and many restaurants. You will likely share a room with a teammate. THE CENTER Centro Enigma is located in a safe neighborhood in Guayaquil. Your work day at the center will typically go from 8:30am until 4:30pm, though the schedule is subject to change.
TRANSPORTATION A driver has been organized for your time in Guayaquil. They will handle all airport transportation as well as a ride to and from the center as needed. Taxis can be arranged for any additional activities!
MEALS You will have the opportunity to grocery shop as a team and plan meals. The Global Autism Project will cover one or two meals per day, often breakfast and/or lunch.
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HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE?
Will I be able to use my cell phone? Yes, but make sure that your phone is compatible/covered by an international plan. If it isn't, you may be charged high roaming and usage fees by your domestic service provider or may not be able to use your phone at all. Internet Access The internet is widely available in Ecuador, especially in urban areas that offer a wide range of options for going online. Apart from the hundreds of Internet cafes, Wi-Fi is available at large malls and airports as well as some restaurant chains and big hotels. Please keep in mind that it may not always be free or fast.
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FRIENDLY REMINDERS: VACCINATIONS The Global Autism Project does NOT employ medical physicians, therefore we cannot advise your medical decisions. We do, however, recommend you visit the website of the Center for Disease Control and schedule an appointment with a travel physician.
FLIGHTS Please frequently check your email for updates regarding the timeline for booking flights! Typically, you should be booking your flights nine weeks prior to travel. After you have submitted your travel form, you will be contacted by travel agents who will guide you through every step of the process!
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HOW SHOULD I DRESS? What do people wear in Ecuador? Although there is no official dress code in Ecuador, great attention is paid to etiquette. We recommen dressing in layers so that you’re ready for temperature changes throughout the day. A raincoat or jacket is useful at night since it can get chilly. Please also consider keeping knees and shoulders covered when possible. We are aware that Ecuador is not necessarily as modest as other parts of the world, but when representing the organization, we ask that you dress in a professional and mindful way.
Tip: You can find a quiz in the Skillcorps app to help you with your packing list!
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MORE TO THINK ABOUT What is the legal status of the LGBTQ+ community in Ecuador? The LGBTQ+ community in Ecuador may face some legal challenges not experienced by the non-LGBTQ+ residents. Although both male and female homosexuality is legal in Ecuador, same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not allowed the same legal protection as heterosexual couples. In 2013, gay activist Pamela Troya filed a lawsuit to legalize same-sex marriage in the country, but the lawsuit is still pending with the Supreme Court. Will I be safe traveling to Ecuador? Ensuring your safety and comfort during your SkillCorps trip is of utmost importance to us. As is the case with any travel, we ask that you take necessary safety precautions. We also advise that you check government websites and local news sources prior to embarking on your trip. Ecuador's media outlets are often exaggerated, so only check reputable sources (The New York Times or Reuters.) In case you do run into any problems during your stay, please look up the contact information for the local U.S. Embassy.
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WHEN YOU TRAVEL, REMEMBER THAT A FOREIGN COUNTRY IS NOT DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE. IT IS DESIGNED TO MAKE ITS OWN PEOPLE COMFORTABLE. -CLIFTON FADIMAN
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MAPS & PHRASES
IMPORTANT PHRASES
Yes/no Si/ No Hello Hola Goodbye adiós My name is...
Thank you No meat Sin carne No milk Sin leche Vegetarian
Vegetariano
Me llamo... GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
Gracias Where is the bathroom? ¿Dónde está el baño? Check, please La cuenta(el cheque), por favor
Restaurants:
FOOD & ACTIVITIES:
Plaza Lagos - Tapas restaurants with different types of food including traditional Ecuadorian, Peruvian, etc. - There may be a DJ or live music at night Sweet & Coffee - Similar to Starbucks - Many locations throughout the city Eddy’s - Known for their chicken wings with different flavors Bolon de Tere - Hearty breakfast food Cevicheria Pepe 3- - Peanut butter in your ceviche Domicilios.com Food delivery app, only a couple of dollars extra for delivery charge Activities: Parque Historico - Cool tropical animals (e.g., tropical birds, monkeys) Escapology - Escape room San Marino mall - Close to the center with a play zone and food court Morgen Boat Cruise - For sunset, music and great views of the city - $7 per person Faro (lighthouse) - Beautiful walk up to the lighthouse - Lots of karaoke and bars along the way
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MORE INFORMATION: Good things to know: Fybeca Pharmacy is open for 24 hrs and provides delivery service if needed U.S. plugs and voltage are used Same currency as in the U.S. (USD) Toilet paper should be thrown in the trash rather than the toilet In public (e.g.,park), you may need to purchase toilet paper or bring some in your purse/bag. EasyTaxi, Cabify (more secure), and Uber are all easy ride share apps that you can use. There can be some issues with EasyTaxi and Cabify in terms of glitches when trying to sign up, but Uber is very cheap and easy to use. Staff in Ecuador: They are very motivated to do well and appreciate modeling and feedback while working with the students. The center is interested in developing a training manual for new members, they are considering more objective ways, such as procedural integrity sheets and feedback forms, to evaluate as well as keep track of staff progress.
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A LITTLE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Meet Maria Fenanda. Maria studied ABA at Simmons College in Massachusetts. Upon completing the program she moved back to her native country, Ecuador, to start the first ever ABA centre-based program for learners with autism. Word-of-mouth has spread throughout Ecuador and opportunities have become available for her to create more programs throughout the country.
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TESTIMONIALS "I have known Maria since we were in graduate school together many years ago, and watching her journey of disseminating ABA from Boston to Ecuador has been amazing!" -Ksenia
"What a beautiful city and culture, I can't wait to fundraise and go back next year!" - Hannah
"Centro Enigma is a fantastic ABA center that strives to excel in evidence-based practices while having so much fun with their clients and staff. I can't wait to go back!" -Kathryn
“Even just stepping out onto the streets felt like a new city around every corner. Guayaquil is colorful and old, but feels like a metropolitan city full of life.” - Allie
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EXPLORE WHAT'S HAPPENING AT CENTRO ENIGMA! Located in Guayaquil, Ecuador our partner center is one of the only programs in the country offering ABA services to learners with autism! Centro Enigma currently has 22 students and are actively expanding their reach to increase awareness in their community through outreach efforts and community events. They have a satellite program in Manta, Ecuador and are effectively demonstrating that good programming for learners with ASD can lead to amazing results. Â Partners since:Â 2018 Current focus: supervision, behavior reduction programs, individualization of programs, parent engagement, academic programs, dyads and small group instruction GLOBAL AUTISM PROJECT
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
KATHRYN PETERSEN , MS BCBA Kathryn is a BCBA located in San Diego, CA. She has traveled with the Global Autism Project to the Dominican Republic, Kenya, Indonesia, and Ecuador. She has served in a variety of roles with the Global Autism Project including as a SkillCorps® member, trip leader, Discovery Fellow, and most recently, Regional Supervisor for the Americas. She is passionate about Global Autism Project’s focus on sustainability and providing effective support for autism centers around the world.
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GET READY FOR THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME!
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