FAQs
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” - Miriam Beard
Who can participate in El Nomad programs?
Anybody that is 18 years of age or over is welcome to apply to and participate in any of our programs. Individuals under the age of 18 must have parental consent to apply to and participate in any of our programs.
Is funding help available?
If you are a university student, then it may be possible or you to obtain financial aid through your university to help pay for your El Nomad Immersion program. Since every university and country have different policies on the use of financial aid for study abroad, you should consult your home institution’s financial aid office for additional. El Nomad also offers select scholarships for some of our programs. You can find additional information on these scholarships here.
What will I get out of participating in an El Nomad Immersion Program?
Some of the benefits you are likely to receive by participating in an El Nomad Immersion Program:
• Improving your language skills
• Meeting students from Ecuador and around the world
• Making new international contacts (especially if you intern or volunteer)
• Becoming part of an Ecuadorian family
• Developing your understanding of the culture of Ecuador
• Gaining international experience and expanding your views of your life, the world, your field of interest
• Build your resume, making yourself more marketing in the job market
• Having a new and unforgettable semester or school break
What support will I get prior to leaving for my program?
Once you apply for a program and pay your deposit we will provide you with all of the information you need; from visa issues to recommendations on what to pack. In addition, at any point before you come to Ecuador you have questions, you will be able to contact an El Nomad employee by email or phone to have your questions answered.
What support will I get when I arrive in Ecuador?
El Nomad is based in Ecuador and has on-site staff who will be there to help you every step of the way. They will have everything organized for you prior to your arrival and will look after you during your time in country. Someone will meet you at the airport in Cuenca, show you around the city, help you get settled in to your accommodation, show you where your school, internship, or volunteer site is, sort out any issues you may have with your accommodation, classes or internship/volunteer placement, take you on your included excursions, inform you about cultural activities, and be available 24 hours a day in case you need them.
Will there be an opportunity to meet other people participating in El Nomad programs before I go?
We will put you in touch with anyone else participating in a program at the same time you are as early as we can. Your ability to meet one another prior to departure depends on you and where you live.
Do I have to travel alone?
El Nomad Immersion Programs can’t book your flights for you. However, we can help you find cheap flights or direct you to travel agents who can help you find the best flight for you.
What vaccinations do I need before coming to Ecuador?
You can get all of the medical advice you need, including recommended vaccinations from http://studentsabroad.state.gov/ for US students, http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/ for Australian students, and http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx for students from the UK. Your general practitioner can also advise you on which vaccinations you should have.
Does my country of citizenship affect my application?
It will not affect your application. We encourage anyone interested in an El Nomad Immersion Program to apply! However, please note that the visa process will vary depending on which country you are from. We are happy to help you with your visa application, but please make sure you apply as early as possible as visas can take time.
In which areas does El Nomad offer professional internships?
You can intern in any are you are interested in as long as you have sufficient command of the Spanish language and, in some cases, a 2.5 GPA. A sample of our professional internship can be found on our programs page. However, if you do not find something that interests you please contact us as we are always adding new internship opportunities.
In which areas does El Nomad offer volunteer experiences?
You can volunteer in any are you are interested in. However, some of our volunteer placements will have language requirements, where as others do not. A sample of our volunteer opportunities can be found on our programs page. However, if you do not find something that interests you please contact us as we are always adding new volunteer experiences.
