Simon and Janet Williams are both teachers at the British School Quito. Today we look at brief glimspe into life in Ecuador..

Where do you teach and which subjects do you teach ?

Maths and Art, both of us are teaching at British Sshool Quito.

First impressions, if you could describe a little what’s it like living
there ?

A beautiful country, very varied in weather, terrain and big gap between rich and poor.

How has it changed over the past few years and do you notice new thingscoming in weekly ? Lots of building going on in the valley we live.

Mainly american style shopping mall, in some parts less safe than when we first visited first in 1998, in some ways more developed.

What kind of accommodation is on offer to teachers? free to choose within allowance ?

Most are small houses or apartments if on one alllowance. Most are in guarded compounds or lotizaciones.

What are the major pros and cons for teachers thinking about a post in Ecuador?

Beautiful country, great place from which to explore South America, a good chance to learn Spanish,  safety issues a con.  A good standard of living by comparision to most locals.

What do you get up to weekends?

Exploring old city of Quito , parks, museums or walking around volcanoes. Outdoors in general.

What do you during the breaks? 

Amazon, beaches, mountains. Other SA countries.

Anything a must see and do for the teachers?

The variety of the country,  amazon basin and snowy peaks,  galagapos. (though v pricey now).

Is it dangerous to walk the streets after dark ?

In and around the city, yes.

Tell us about the locals ?

Lovely friendly people outside of the city and working classes in general. Middle classes less polite.

Are there many international hospitals and tell us about the standard?

Lots, usually small and many of a low quality

How do the teachers adapt to the local food and what’s your favourite
food?

Basic fish, meat and rice. many teachers enjoy a more international range of restaurants.

 

How much for a beer ?

$1.50.

What’s the nightlife like?

In Quito itself okay,  in valley where our school is, quite limited.

14. How do you get about ?

Car, bus , taxi (v reasonable).

Any advice for teachers thinking about moving to Ecuador? School life and your teaching career?

Learn Spanish.

What can teachers expect from in international schools there ?

In general fairly demanding parents and laid back students compared to Asia.

What kind of extracurricular activities do students get up to ?

The usual IYA etc.

Does your school have any wow factors?

Setting on the side of an extinct volcano.

Is Ecuador going to explode with foreign investment and international
schools ?

Not likely.

Any tips for teachers out there looking to give up the classroom of the
UK and beyond and make it internationally?

You’ll  meet very like minded colleagues Apply from TES. first of all or email directly to schools. the schools will appreciate saving money on their recruitment budgets rather than using search etc.

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