Dealing with loneliness in Ecuador

Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. 

What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Ecuador?

The number one factor would be lack of knowing the language competently because it reduces the pool of potential people one can socialize with to probably 1% or so percent. This 1% would represent other expats and for some I imagine that it works out well especially if they live in areas that have a high concentration of like-minded people.

Another factor is adaptability and something akin to you can’t teach an old dog new tricks. So even if one knows the language but is unable to adapt to way things are done here it would lead to a level of isolation. 

How do you deal with feelings of loneliness?

I keep busy. I work 2-3 hours in the morning, I’m also working on a business project that I am halfheartedly into because I rather spend my time learning Spanish as it's my passion. I aspire to enroll in a university and get a degree in either Latin American History or major in Spanish. So these two conflicting interests, business project and studies, take quite a bit of my time and one or the other will dominate my time for the foreseeable future.

Is it easy to expand or create a social network in Ecuador?

From personal experience it is easy to socialize once the language is not a barrier. But like anywhere else quality relationships (genuine) will require a good amount of effort and time to develop and sustain. Ecuadorians IMO require consistent interaction so once a relationship develops it's a good idea to be reciprocal. 

Are there any activities or events that encourage social meet ups and networking opportunities?

There are expat functions that I read about now and again, so I guess for people seeking that sort of thing there are opportunities.

Yes, as was stated in the previous post by simple, not being fluent definitely cuts down on social opportunities.  While I'm a fairly solitary person, there are times that I´d like to share a conversation and a meal with someone who speaks my language, as speaking Spanish is still a strain for me.  However, my 4 hour a day M-F Spanish lessons provide social activity, cultural information, entertainment, and language practice all rolled into one.  I purposely picked a location to live that is essentially all Ecuadoran, there's not a word of English to be heard in this neighborhood - so I knew what I was in for.  Little by little as my Spanish improves, I've been able to start speaking to the folks in the stores I frequent and the neighbors in my building.  As for expat functions, I haven't been able to find out about them before they occur, have just seen them on historical lists.  All in all life is what you make it and the effort to learn a new language and a new culture reaps huge benefits.

Hola,, I live in the Mirador San Jose, which everyone speaks english and french,,, which is an issue,,not learning spanish,, but it get lonely sometimes too, as everyone does there own things..

Hi Michael,

Where did you find great Spanish lessons 4 hours per day m-f?

Thanks

Alan

@Martina2Hello, in which city of Ecuador do you live?

Hello everyone,

This thread being old and inactive, I invite you to start a new thread on the Ecuador forum to ask your questions.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team.

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