As you prepare to come, here is some information about Ecuador and where you will be staying.
NILI PRE-TRIP INFORMATION
In the Quito airport, you will go through immigration, retrieve your luggage, and proceed through customs. Make sure you keep your claim tickets for your luggage, as you will need them at this point.
Click here for details on Arriving in Quito
NILI staff members will meet you at the airport after you exit customs. Look for a sign that says “Bienvenidos a NILI!”
MONEY/SECURITY
Ecuador uses the US dollar. You can get cash at ATM machines. MasterCard and Visa may work at some of the larger stores/events. Personal checks or Travelers checks are not accepted. Just as in any large city, you need to be careful for petty theft of all personal items such as wallets, purses, cameras, etc. It is also best if you keep your apartment locked when no one is there.
LIVING QUARTERS
The living quarters for NILI will be with Ecuadorian Christian families. A bedroom, bathroom, study space, closet, and a place to wash clothes will be provided. Sheets and towels will also be provided by the family for daily use, but you will need to bring your own towel to take on some of the trips. If you prefer and have space, you can bring your own pillow.
WEATHER
The temperature in Quito/Highland regions varies between 60-75F during the day. At night, temperatures vary from 45-60F. When the sun shines, the days are warm and the nights are cool. When it is cloudy or rainy, days are cool also. Buildings are not heated.
October – May = Rainy Season
June- September = Dry Season
Depending on your health, it might take a few days to get used to the Quito altitude, which is over 9,000 feet. Symptoms might include headache, shortness of breath and fatigue. When traveling to the coast, the Galápagos or the jungle, the weather is hot (tropical).
STUDY MATERIALS
All Spanish books will be provided. If you will take Christian Faith and/or New Testament during your time at NILI some books may be provided depending on the current syllabus for these classes.
You will need to bring your own notebooks, pens, index cards, etc. If you have a laptop, this would be helpful. We have wireless Internet on campus. Keep in mind that you will be living in a South American country, and Internet access can be sporadic.
WHAT TO BRING
• A flexible attitude
• Camera, batteries, chargers
• Personal items
• Towel
• Bible
• WATER BOTTLE (important for trips)
• Swim suit (women: one piece or tankini—modesty is important)
• Sun glasses and hat
• Variety of clothes for springtime climate: for sports, for the variety of climates, for church (business casual), for work, for class
• Jacket or light-weight coat (It can get cold in the evenings and mornings)
• Textbooks (if needed)
• Spanish/English Dictionary
• Passport
• Insect repellent with deet
• Thank you card(s), for host family to be given at the end of stay (stationary can be expensive and difficult to find in Ecuador)
• Laundry bag for taking laundry to and from washing machines
• PLEASE BRING SMALL WEEKEND BAG!!
• EXTRA SPACE IN YOUR SUITCASE-you will want to buy many souvenirs and gifts So don’t load up coming to Ecuador because you will probably be full going home.
Galápagos SPECIFIC
These items are OPTIONAL but have proved helpful to past NILIs.
• Underwater Camera
• Good walking shoes, sandals, water shoes for island hikes-Chacos, Tevas or Crocs are great!
• Long sleeve shirt or rashguard
• Head lamp/flashlight
• Motion sickness medicine (Bonine is non-drowsy)
• Ginger Pills (also helps with sea sickness)
• Address for family and friends