Hello GU2B,                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

We are Heyssel and Diana your Program Coordinators during this summer. We are excited to share about this beautiful Andean city called Guaranda and also meet about each of you. Our itinerary includes a lot of activities in which you will be immersed in the culture and traditions of Ecuador, so be sure to packing energy and curiosity.

Before you arrive, we want to share a little about ourselves and some recommendations for your trip.

My name is Diana. I’m from Cuenca, a beautiful city in the south of Ecuador. I studied Sustainable Development Engineering at the Technological Institute of Monterrey thanks to a basketball scholarship. With this in mind, you might rightly imagine that my passion is athletics, but it is also group work. I believe that my experience in high school, national, and university teams changed me not only by being constantly engaged in activity but also by having the opportunity to interact with different people and worlds. So far, I have worked primarily on developing civic participation and environmental sustainability. I believe that the best tool to change the world is education, one fact that inspires me to work with Global Glimpse. I also like to sing and play the guitar.  People say that sorrows and joys should be sung, so feel free to express your emotions singing with me or dancing with my partner – we will have a lot of fun!

My name is Heyssel, but feel free to call me Ssel.  I am a Nicaraguan who studied environmental technology and climate change in Oregon. Since my studies abroad, I have discovered my passion for cultures, education, and international experiences. I have worked with Global Glimpse in Nicaragua and the DR, and I am currently leading this summer program in Ecuador. I love dancing, reading, hiking, and going to the beach. I enjoy making connections with local communities and supporting you along the way, but I am also eager to learn from you and get inspired by your personalities.  I am personally committed to becoming a better global citizen and I fully believe in youth development through purposeful education.

You have already received a comprehensive packing list, but we would like to highlight some things that are extremely important to bring: a good coat, rain jacket or poncho, bug spray, allergy medicines, light clothing (layers), rubber rain boots (if you have), board games. We also encourage you to pack an extra outfit and toiletries in your backpack to use during the first day. In addition, you are welcome to bring donations for our host communities such as school supplies.

We have been exploring beautiful communities with the presence of indigenous people, rich in culture, traditions and ancestral roots. Ecuadorian cuisine is a mix of different regions on the same plate. We know it might look different from home but we encourage you to try everything and explore new flavors. Be ready and eager too to explore the thundering Chimborazo volcano and the entrepreneurial town of Salinas.

Through this journey, we hope you will be inspired to become a true global citizen. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have specific questions or concerns.