"This course provides students with an intensive linguistic and cultural immersion experience in Ecuador," reads the description for Spanish 233, the equivalent of Spanish 232 taught in just four weeks. Twenty-one students chose this intensive experience as an alternative to a snowy Interim on The Hill.

When we stepped off the plane in Quito, Ecuador's highly populated capital, we all exclaimed at the warm, breezy weather. However, we soon learned that due to the location of Quito at an average of 9,186 feet above sea level, the altitude keeps the temperatures from soaring too high. Overall, weather in the Andes is similar to Minnesota in September. Mornings are cool, requiring a jacket, afternoons in the upper 60s, if sunny, and cool again in the evenings. January also marks the arrival of Ecuador's rainy season, which meant we had showers most afternoons.

The greater portion of our time was spent in Quito; each student lived with a host family. Most families scarcely spoke English, so communication was always a challenge, but also a great learning experience.

Andean Study Programs (ASP) in Quito was our host institution. In their building we attended four hours of class a day, all of which were in Spanish. In addition to our St. Olaf professors, ASP provided two Ecuadorian professors who helped us improve our Spanish conversational skills by leading discussions on all facets of culture in Ecuador.

During our four week stay, there was ample opportunity to explore Quito. Because of its location in a valley between the high peaks of the Andes, Quito occupies an area 24 miles long by 1.8 to 3.1 miles wide and its population is around two million. Quito has two distinct areas: the colonial area with its churches, convents and colorful homes, and the newer, modern section, which has middle to upper class residential areas, shopping centers and businesses.

Quito is also rich in areas to explore the country's history and culture. We spent one morning in old Quito, touring the Government Palace and La Compañia church, which took 163 years to finish and has been named "Quito's Sistine Chapel" due to its ornate decorations. We also visited the Museum of Guayasamín, Ecuador's best known artist. His works depict both Ecuador's landscapes and people.

Each weekend we visited other notable places in this small country. During the first weekend we spent two days in and near Otavalo, a medium sized village about two hours north of Quito, but still high up in the Andes Mountain range. Otavaleños are world famous for their weaving skills; their products include wool sweaters, tapestries, rugs, bags, belts, and other clothing. All products are made with natural materials, including natural dyes. Their traditional Saturday market is well attended by both locals and tourists. It spreads on infinitely through the city streets; it would take all day to see everything, if that were even possible.

We were also fortunate enough to spend a weekend near Tena, in the Amazon Rainforest. We spent one night in a small village with a family of the Quichua tribe. The following morning, we helped them clear a small tract of land, which was to be used for growing yucca which, in Ecuador, is a potato-like plant. Afterwards, several Quichua men led us for a two hour hike into the Amazon, with most of the walk being straight up a river. We spent the night on a wooden platform, falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle.

The final weekend we visited the sub-tropical town of Baños, which translates to 'baths' in English. Baños is famous for its steamy, thermal pools, which are furnished with warm water from nearby volcanic streams.

Overall, the people of Ecuador are extremely friendly and very eager to make a person feel at home. They frequently asked us how we liked their country and of course, we always replied that we were loving it.

Ecuador is often called one of the most diverse countries in the world. Not only does it have four geographical regions (the Andes, the Amazon, the coastal area, and the Galapagos, which we unfortunately did not see), but the people are just as varied, if not more, in their culture and customs.