An Expat Talks about Moving to We always recommend that you have some understanding and aptitude in Spanish prior to moving here - or any Spanish-speaking country for that matter. Obviously, the more comfort you have in communication, the easier it is to adapt. That said ... as Rosetta Stone theoretically emphasizes, total immersion is really the best way to learn a language. R.S. Spanish (Latin American) will give you some basics in pronunciation, vocabulary, and understanding but the best way to improve and gain proficiency in the language is to USE IT EVERYDAY!! Don't be afraid if initially, you only have a limited vocabulary and find ( especially on the coast ) that the locals speak much faster than the speakers on Rosetta Stone. The longer you are here and the more you MAKE THE EFFORT to communicate with native speakers, the faster you will learn and the more at ease you'll feel. People here are very, very patient and polite with gringos who are trying to speak Spanish. They won't bite! They won't laugh at you ( unless you are laughing at yourself ... then they'll politely laugh with you )., Ecuador

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

We always recommend that you have some understanding and aptitude in Spanish prior to moving here - or any Spanish-speaking country for that matter. Obviously, the more comfort you have in communication, the easier it is to adapt. That said ... as Rosetta Stone theoretically emphasizes, total immersion is really the best way to learn a language. R.S. Spanish (Latin American) will give you some basics in pronunciation, vocabulary, and understanding but the best way to improve and gain proficiency in the language is to USE IT EVERYDAY!! Don't be afraid if initially, you only have a limited vocabulary and find ( especially on the coast ) that the locals speak much faster than the speakers on Rosetta Stone. The longer you are here and the more you MAKE THE EFFORT to communicate with native speakers, the faster you will learn and the more at ease you'll feel. People here are very, very patient and polite with gringos who are trying to speak Spanish. They won't bite! They won't laugh at you ( unless you are laughing at yourself ... then they'll politely laugh with you ).