I have enjoyed reading a few of the exchanges on the site. I plan to continue researching the site and I'm sure I will find a great deal of information to help us transition.
We are considering a move to Ecuador for a short period of time, August-December. A little bit about me, first. I am married with two girls. They are going into 7th and 10th grades. We have spent about 11 months here in Costa Rica. We had previously only thought to remain out of country, US, for one year, but now we are thinking of extending thru December. None of us are fluent Spanish speakers. I can get by in most situations because I have studied a lot and really want to learn the language. The kids are learning as they attend a bilingual, international school here in CR, and I have paid too much money for private lessons for them, but they are still at the beginner level, as am I. I want all of us to reach a good level of fluency before returning back to the States. That being said, the only way I can see that happening is if we are in an area that forces us to speak Spanish. Here we can go all day and utter only a few words of Spanish. I have spent so much money of Spanish lessons here and online courses, and paying for someone to just communicate with me, its ridiculous.
I really want to be prepared and not extremely disillusioned once we hit the ground, so I have a few questions that I would really like honest, even if its not rosy, responses to.
Here is what I want. A SAFE environment where we are forced to speak and learn Spanish all the time, low cost of living since we are not working, good school even if we have to do the private school route, and decent climate, as it is extremely hot here in the Guanacaste area of CR by the beach. I am not as concerned about being in the center of a bustling city, but I would like to be about an hour from an airport and decent medical care. I want a place with a lot culture, not over ran with expats because I know I will lean toward being around people I can comfortably converse with, instead of speaking Spanish, and not so touristy like here, but welcoming and patient with people who are foreigners trying to learn the language and embrace the culture. Any ideas on any place in Ecuador that would fit the bill?
What city would you think would be better for a family who wants to make connections with the local people? My children really want to make friends but tend to be shy.
Were you able to get around easily without a car? We would have to make that decision promptly. Not sure we want to buy something for only 4-5 months.
Cost of living, rentals, food, restaurants, etc?? We would need a 3bed-2bath home in a safe neighborhood, you know with a guard or something. I have looked at rentals on line, but I have not reserved anything yet, and I am hesitant to do so sight unseen. I reserved the place we currently live in on-line from the US with no problems, but there have been people I have met here who were not so lucky.
Is eating out expensive? I have read blogs that say you can get a good meal for less than $5. Believable or not? Is the food in the grocery store expensive like here. We have gotten used to non-USA brands, so I am not really looking for those types. But food here tend to be very expensive, even the local brands. Are there taxes like 23% in restaurants like here, also?
I have read that the education system in Ecuador is very good and that public school can be an option. I am wondering if that is true, because the girls will have to return to the States in January and I would like for them to be close to the same level as the other students in the States. I guess I could always augment their classes if necessary.
Do I have to have an extended visa to stay in the country for 4-5 months? Here I have had to leave the country every 90 days.
Also, if you think of some things/concerns that I have not mentioned but should know about, please tell me. All your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. I will continue to scour this site for more answers to my questions.
Brena
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