I live in Quito, too, though I am looking for a rental in the valley of Cumbaya. I love it here. I can get around easily and find whatever I am looking for by just asking people. It helps that I speak Spanish. Going out of the city is pleasant as well as the cultures around are diverse and fascinating. I have enjoyed my time here tremendously and hope to continue living here for long time to come. I have several children and also find there is plenty to do and discover with them. So far, so good! I feel plenty safe here, though I don't spend time in the evening in the mariscal area or anywhere I feel uncomfortable (which could be said of any major city!) I am enchanted and grateful to be here. I live in Quito, too, though I am looking for a rental in the valley of Cumbaya. I love it here. I can get around easily and find whatever I am looking for by just asking people. It helps that I speak Spanish. Going out of the city is pleasant as well as the cultures around are diverse and fascinating. I have enjoyed my time here tremendously and hope to continue living here for long time to come. I have several children and also find there is plenty to do and discover with them. So far, so good! I feel plenty safe here, though I don't spend time in the evening in the mariscal area or anywhere I feel uncomfortable (which could be said of any major city!) I am enchanted and grateful to be here.

ALAN: Myself, Luis Anton & Daniela are forming a group to meet once or twice a month at a regular place here in Guayaquil. Luis & Daniela are bilingual. Sincerely, jamesskalski@mac.com Hi, is there an expats club in Guayaquil?

Wow! Painfully honest ... You take "you" with you whereever you go...

I will be transferred soon out of Ecuador so while looking for schools at the new location I found this page. I have my son at Academia Cotopaxi and I disagree with some of this review. I agree there is room for improvement in all issues mentioned here but it is not as bad as it is said. Actually I would give this school an A- or B+ and I would recommend it for arriving students. Academic program is very good for those who want to study and learn. This school makes an effort to hire the best teachers. The school has a clearly defined policies on bullying, drugs, discipline and I have seen they really care. I could see it last year when I suspected bullying could have been happening and the HS principal commited himself to fix it. Thank you for this information, definalty do not want our children to go to a school where bullying is acpeted just becuse of status, so sad. I am seriously considering moving to Quito, Please can you recommend a bilingual school that;s top priority is teaching not only acedemics but morals too? my email is juiaalexsandra@hotmail.com, it is very important to me that our children enjoy there new school. thank you! Julie

Hello, I am seriously considering attending a TESOL course in Quito either May or July of this year. The school lists itself as, "Located near the Carolina park, in a quiet but well equipped neighborhood in northern Quito, the centre is small and intimate." This is a 4-week course and I would like to know if it is feasible to rent a furnished apartment for two months. Ideally, it would be great to walk to training each day and be able to explore on the weekends. My plan is to come down a couple of weeks early, get settled and stay a couple of weeks after securing employment. If this works out, I will return to the States, get the proper resident visa for a long term stay, ship my personal property down and locate someplace close to work. One thing at a time.............. Any thoughts on a furnished apartment in the above mentioned area for two months? Thanks, John This is extremely helpful! Do you have any suggestions on Spanish schools to study at? My husband and I are hoping to give ourselves a month "jumpstart" when we first arrive...

We are looking at moving to Ecuador and are investigating school options for our nine year old boy. We so not have a property picked out yet, which much of this will depend on a good school. Are there public schools and do they have a rating? Davidpdq

Excellent information. Very easy to find online. Super. Michael, I will soon be sending an email. Gracias, Claudia Jakelislaxel Excellent information and easy to find online. Super. Michael, I will soon be sending you an email. Gracias, Claudia