Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Ecuador, whether for a few months, several years, or for retirement, is a bit like changing planets without leaving Earth. Between the Andean Sierra, the Pacific coast, the Amazon, and the Galápagos, you move from one world to another in just a few hours by bus. But even amid volcanoes, beaches, and colorful markets, a reality catches up with almost all expats: homesickness.
Between 20% and 90% of expats suffer from it during their first year, and up to 75% of the general population has experienced it. This nostalgia is normal, usually decreases over time, and strategies exist to manage it without harming your experience in Ecuador.
This article offers a very concrete overview: understanding what homesickness is, how it manifests in Ecuador, and then how to take action—through language, culture, food, technology, social and professional networks, and, if needed, psychological support—to regain control.
Understanding homesickness: an open-air grief
Homesickness is not just a “little dip in morale.” Psychologists describe it as a separation reaction combined with an adaptation reaction. By leaving your country, you lose a whole set of reference points: language, social codes, family, friends, weather, even the smell of the streets. It is not just a lack of people, it is a lack of an entire familiar universe.
Research on homesickness describes it as a grieving process, with two main dimensions: the ‘Separation Reaction’ (missing what was left behind) and the ‘Adaptation Reaction’ (difficulty adjusting to the new environment). In Ecuador, where the culture is very family- and community-oriented, this tension can be particularly strong for expats coming from more individualistic societies.
Homesickness can strike from the first few weeks or appear later, once the “honeymoon” phase is over. A study (Ying, 2005) shows a gradual decline over two years, but this timeline varies enormously from person to person. What varies much less, however, are the symptoms.
What homesickness can cause on a daily basis
Many expats will recognize themselves in these typical manifestations:
Homesickness manifests across several dimensions. Emotionally, it can involve diffuse sadness, anxiety, irritability, crying for no apparent reason, feeling lonely even when surrounded, or feeling out of place in your new city. Cognitively, it translates into intrusive thoughts and idealization of the home country, negative comparisons with the new environment, and difficulty concentrating. Physically, it can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, recurring aches, and lowered immune defenses. Behaviorally, you often see withdrawal, avoiding social outings, only spending time with compatriots, excessive use of home country social media, and loss of motivation.
When these symptoms persist and intensify, they can lead to a real decline in quality of life, and even to depression or anxiety disorders. In professional contexts, studies have shown that unaddressed homesickness leads to errors, decreased productivity, team tensions, and early returns.
The goal in Ecuador is therefore not to “tough it out” by gritting your teeth, but to understand the mechanisms of this nostalgia so you can actively work through it.
Why homesickness can be intense in Ecuador
Ecuador combines two particularities: a warm but highly coded culture, and an environment very different from what many North American or European expats are used to. This mix can amplify the initial shock.
An omnipresent language: Spanish everywhere, English very little
The first barrier is language. Spanish is official, English is little spoken, even in major cities like Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca. Studies on acculturation show that a large “cultural gap” increases the risk of homesickness and adaptation stress. Here, this gap largely involves communication.
Although Ecuadorians are patient with beginner Spanish speakers, handling everyday tasks (banking, housing, government procedures) in Spanish can be taxing if your vocabulary is limited. This concrete difficulty, a source of feeling out of control, is a recognized factor of vulnerability to homesickness.
Social codes and daily “little shocks”
The other source of disorientation comes from social norms. Where some countries value efficiency, discretion, and a certain distance, Ecuador operates largely on relationships, presence, and slow time.
A few concrete examples that often surprise newcomers:
– Here, not greeting each person individually when entering a room is seen as rude; using “buenos días / buenas tardes / buenas noches” is constant, even for a quick question
– Using “tú” is not automatic: “usted” remains the norm with strangers, older people, and certain professions, especially in the Sierra
– “Punctuality” is more flexible; “ya mismo” or “mañana” don’t necessarily indicate a precise deadline
– Physical contact is more frequent, personal space is smaller, and lines are more “flexible”
– Noise—parties, music, firecrackers, dogs, church bells—is part of the landscape and can be hard for people used to a more controlled sound environment
All these differences, added together, can create that feeling of being the “permanent foreigner,” even after several months. And it is precisely this sense of not belonging that fuels homesickness.
The permanent foreigner
Bureaucracy, delays, insecurity: the extra layer of stress
On a practical level, Ecuador also demands a good dose of patience: visa procedures, cédula, setting up internet, renting, opening a bank account, interactions with government offices… The country has a three-tier system for public mental health, with clear processes on paper (MSP, IESS, number 171, 911), but in practice you have to deal with lunchtime closures, documents that need notarization, and officials who are rarely authorized to bend the rules.
Add to that the constant safety advice: watch out for pickpockets on buses, in the historic center, at markets; avoid certain neighborhoods at night; prefer Uber or Cabify over hailing a taxi on the street. This climate of constant vigilance is draining and can reinforce the need to cling to the “safety” of your home country.
Creating a “home” in Ecuador: routines, places, objects
Faced with this storm of new experiences, a first powerful lever to ease homesickness is to recreate familiarity. In other words, gradually build a “home away from home.”
The importance of a structured daily life
Stress studies show that increasing predictability reduces mental load. In Ecuador, establishing a routine is anything but uncool—it’s a lifeline.
Many expats who feel good in Cuenca, Quito, or Vilcabamba report that they built a regular rhythm: roughly fixed work hours, dedicated time for learning Spanish, reserved slots for sports, outings, and administrative tasks. This structure gives the feeling of regaining control over your life, while the country itself remains unpredictable.
The number of hours of change of scenery needed to significantly reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, according to Finnish researchers.
Making your living space your own: from a simple room to a personal haven
On an emotional level, it is crucial to turn a rental apartment into a true refuge. The literature on homesickness recommends surrounding yourself with a few highly meaningful objects: family photos, a blanket, a mug, some books or artwork, a candle with a familiar scent. Expats often say they gave up the idea of moving everything and instead focused on a dozen key objects that were enough to “bring home” with them.
To create an atmosphere that aligns with you, local markets and shops in Antigua offer everything needed to personalize your interior.
Find clean, authentic furniture in the Santa Clara or San Roque neighborhoods.
At Mercado Central, buy plants and flowers, such as roses, at very affordable prices.
Discover beautiful ceramics to add a touch of local craftsmanship to your decor.
Staying connected without getting stuck in the past
From a psychological standpoint, the connection to the home country needs to be finely calibrated. A large study of expats in London showed that regular contact with family reduced homesickness, but daily or even multiple-times-a-day contact could make things worse by preventing you from putting down roots in the new reality.
Practically speaking, in Ecuador, it can be helpful to schedule regular video call appointments (e.g., once a week on weekends, accounting for the time difference) rather than staying on WhatsApp constantly. The tools are plentiful: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, which allow large group calls. The important thing is to turn these exchanges into feel-good appointments, not a systematic escape whenever a challenge arises on the ground.
Food as a powerful antidote to nostalgia
One of the most sensitive areas of homesickness is the plate. It is often underestimated how much tastes, textures, and smells are tied to childhood, family rituals, and identity. In Ecuador, discovering local gastronomy can become a fantastic tool for healing… provided you balance novelty and familiarity.
Exploring local flavors without losing your bearings
The country is a culinary paradise: ceviche on the coast, locro de papas in the Sierra, encocado de pescado with coconut milk, llapingachos, hornado, menestras, encebollado, humitas, empanadas de viento, helado de paila… Markets overflow with fruits that many are discovering for the first time: maracuyá, naranjilla, tomate de árbol, chirimoya, granadilla, mora, and many more.
Embarking on this exploration literally fuels the sense of discovery. Some travel research shows that intensive culinary experiences over a few days (cooking classes, market visits, tastings) provide a deep understanding of a culture. Applied to an expat life, regularly planning “micro-gastronomic adventures” helps create positive memories associated with the host country, which counterbalances the idealized images of the home country.
To discover Quito’s street food with peace of mind, well-reviewed specialized tours, walking groups, and guided visits combining heritage and tastings are available. These guided options allow you to taste while feeling reassured, get out easily, and meet other people—both locals and expats.
Recreating your classics: where to find “from home” products
But to ease homesickness, tasting a good encocado is not always enough. Sometimes, it is a simple cheese sandwich “like at home,” a pie, a specific type of bread or sauce that brings a little comfort. Expats who have been settled for several years say that over time, their list of “must-import products” has drastically shrunk, but at the beginning, being able to recreate a few recipes from home was crucial to getting through.
In Ecuador, there are several channels to get ingredients and familiar products:
| Type of product | Where to find them mainly | Useful notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic local products (rice, yuca, beans, vegetables, fruits) | Markets like Mercado Central, Iñaquito, Santa Clara, Mercado 10 de Agosto, Feria Libre | Very low prices, great freshness, but labels in Spanish and sometimes variable hygiene |
| Imported “Western” products (certain sauces, cereals, snacks, gluten-free products) | Supermaxi, MegaMaxi, Coral Hipermercado | Limited selection and higher prices than in the home country |
| “Gourmet” or specialty products (nutritional yeast, special flours, supplements, plant-based milks) | Superfoods, Bhumi, Yuniq, health food stores, some specialty shops | Often concentrated in Quito / Cumbayá and a few major cities |
| Vegetarian / vegan products (meat substitutes, plant-based milks) | Superfoods, Ital Deli (Cuenca for Beyond Meat), some Supermaxi | Availability fluctuates; plan B options recommended |
This table is not meant to be an exhaustive directory, but it shows a reassuring reality: you can cook very local, very fusion, or very “like home” depending on your emotional needs at the moment.
Many expats combine traditional markets for fresh produce, supermarkets for basics, and a few specialty stores for “comfort” products. Over time, the balance often shifts toward more local products, because tastes evolve, habits change—and your wallet thanks you: imported products remain expensive.
Cooking together: recreating family rituals
Preparing a dish from your country for Ecuadorian friends or other expats has a double effect: it boosts your mood and strengthens social bonds. The literature on cultural integration strongly emphasizes the role of shared rituals (meals, celebrations, traditions) in reducing the feeling of displacement.
An effective strategy against homesickness therefore includes:
– continuing to celebrate your holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, national holidays) by adapting them to the local context
– inviting local friends to these celebrations, which allows you to explain your culture instead of living it in a bubble
– participating in Ecuadorian festivities (Fanesca at Easter, Colada Morada and Guaguas de Pan for Day of the Dead, independence celebrations, Pase del Niño in Cuenca, etc.)
You can’t replace a family Christmas with a dinner in a foreign country; but you can create new memories that soften the nostalgia, while honoring what you miss.
Breaking the isolation: finding your tribe on the ground
One of the most powerful factors in homesickness is loneliness. Studies on expats show that those who remain locked in purely virtual circles (family via WhatsApp, home country social media) experience more emotional distress than those who invest in the local social fabric, even gradually.
Joining expat communities… without getting stuck in them
In Ecuador, cities like Quito, Cuenca, Manta, Salinas, or Vilcabamba are home to long-standing and very active expat communities. You find all kinds: North American retirees, remote workers, families, students, entrepreneurs.
Several platforms make it easy to connect:
| Platform / organization | Primary role | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| InterNations | Global expat network, present in 420 cities | Formal and informal gatherings, parties, themed groups (cooking, hiking, etc.) |
| Expat.com (Ecuador section) | Expat network and forum | Practical information, classifieds, Q&A |
| Facebook groups (“Ecuador Expats”, “Cuenca Expats”, “Expats and Amigos in Manta and Manabí”, etc.) | Daily exchanges | Very responsive for concrete questions; be aware of occasionally heated debates |
| More specialized networks (sports clubs, churches, co-working spaces like Shungo or Quena in Cuenca) | Interest-based communities | Allow friendships built around an activity rather than just the shared expat status |
Many testimonials illustrate the impact of these networks: a Portuguese woman in Quito says she met a group of friends playing tennis weekly within days; a retiree in Manta found a circle of friends through golf; a couple arriving in Cuenca says their integration started with a simple lunch invitation from an already-settled expat.
These groups serve as a decompression chamber to ask questions, share difficulties, and get recommendations for English- or French-speaking professionals (doctors, lawyers, psychologists). While you should not limit yourself to this circle, they are a valuable asset in fighting homesickness.
Reaching out to Ecuadorians: the other half of the equation
Research on cultural adjustment among African students in the US, or expats from the “Global South” in Europe, shows a recurring result: spending time with locals facilitates adaptation much more than staying within your own national group. In Ecuador, this is especially true, as society is very family-, neighborhood-, and relationship-oriented.
To reduce homesickness, it is crucial to multiply contexts for meeting Ecuadorians.
– Take in-person Spanish classes (not just online), whether in Quito, Cuenca, Montañita, or Olón
– Join dance groups (salsa, bachata), hiking clubs, photography workshops, cooking classes
– Frequent mixed spaces like co-working spaces, cafes that host language exchanges, cultural activities (free concerts, exhibitions, festivals)
– Get involved in a local volunteer activity, when possible (tutoring, community projects, environmental associations)
The language barrier makes these steps intimidating, but that is precisely where the magic happens: as your vocabulary grows, exchanges become less exhausting and more rewarding. And every meaningful relationship built in Ecuador counterbalances the idea that “real life” is only back in your home country.
Learning Spanish: the structural remedy for the feeling of exile
All studies on expats in Ecuador converge: those who never really speak Spanish, even after years, often end up isolated, dependent, and more bitter; those who consistently invest in the language gain autonomy, self-esteem, and see their homesickness fade more quickly.
Ecuadorian Spanish: an unexpected ally
Good news: the Spanish spoken in many areas of Ecuador, especially in Quito and Cuenca, is known for being clear and relatively slow, making it an excellent learning environment. Well-established schools like Simon Bolivar in Cuenca or Don Quijote in Quito offer courses at rates significantly lower than in Europe or North America. Some families report paying around $180 per week for two adults, covering four hours of class each afternoon.
This is the hourly cost in dollars for private lessons, allowing affordable language immersion.
Learning strategies adapted to life on the ground
Effective methods identified in the literature on rapid language learning can be easily adapted to daily life in Ecuador:
To make effective progress in Spanish, it is recommended to set aside a daily amount of time (e.g., 30 to 60 minutes) rather than a long weekly session. Work on skills in a balanced way: listening (Ecuadorian radio, series), speaking (tandems, classes), reading (newspapers like El Comercio), and writing (a journal). Prioritize learning vocabulary useful for your daily context: housing, health, transportation, banking, food, and your children’s school. Use apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Anki, but always combine them with real interactions. Finally, don’t aim for perfection but for communication: accept that making mistakes is a necessary condition for progress.
The effect on homesickness is profound. The more you can manage on your own for a doctor’s visit, a discussion with your landlord, or signing up for a sports club, the less you feel that sense of helplessness that fuels nostalgia.
Cognitive and emotional benefits
More general studies on travel show that new experiences, especially exposure to a new language, increase cognitive flexibility by about 20% and stimulate creativity. Psychologically, this translates into a feeling of renewed mental energy, which helps better manage the emotions tied to separation.
In other words, Spanish is not just a practical tool: it is a lever for rebuilding yourself in your new country.
Technology & the bond with the home country: finding the right balance
In a hyper-connected world, managing homesickness without considering technology would be nonsense. Phone calls, video chats, social media, streaming platforms can be immense resources… or traps.
When technology truly brings you closer
Research by the Ericsson Consumer Lab or Padilla-Walker’s team shows that moderate use of interactive technologies (phone, video conferencing, co-viewing movies, shared video games) strengthens the feeling of family connection and well-being. During the pandemic, many families experienced Zoom aperitifs, online birthdays, and synchronized movie nights.
Applied to life in Ecuador, this can concretely look like:
To maintain family bonds despite the distance, several digital practices have developed. For example, grandparents read bedtime stories to their grandchildren via WhatsApp or FaceTime. Families organize “shared” meals where everyone cooks at home but shares the mealtime through a screen. Online game nights are also popular, using quiz platforms or simple multiplayer games. Finally, instant sharing of photos and videos via family WhatsApp groups or Google Photos albums allows everyone to follow each other’s daily lives.
These digital rituals create emotional “bridges” that ease the fear of being forgotten or missing important moments.
When technology fuels nostalgia
Conversely, excessive or poorly calibrated use can be like constantly scratching a wound. A large literature review on social media and family notes that unregulated consumption can increase social comparisons, feelings of lack, and reduce the time actually spent with people physically present.
Expats in Ecuador who spend several hours a day following their friends’ lives on Instagram, reading news from their home country, and commenting on every political event ‘back home’ without investing in their immediate surroundings risk developing a very negative view of their new life, because their mind remains constantly ‘elsewhere.’
To avoid this pitfall, psychologists recommend setting up a “family media plan” even while expatriated: screen-free times (meals, one or two evenings per week), limited notifications, grouping calls at specific times rather than constant interruptions.
Recognizing when to seek professional help
In most cases, homesickness decreases over time as local social networks strengthen, Spanish improves, and reference points stabilize. But sometimes, symptoms settle in, worsen, or turn into depression, severe anxiety disorders, or suicidal thoughts. At that point, it is no longer just “difficult adaptation,” but mental health in the strict sense.
Warning signs not to ignore
Professionals recommend consulting when:
– sadness and anxiety are nearly constant for several weeks
– you have no interest in anything anymore, including activities that used to bring you joy
– you are isolating yourself more and more, avoiding contact and outings
– sleep is very disturbed, appetite too
– dark thoughts impose themselves (“I’m useless,” “everyone would be better off without me”)
– suicidal thoughts appear, even fleeting ones
For an expat, there is sometimes added a feeling of shame (“I should be happy, it’s a beautiful country, I’m lucky”), which further delays seeking help.
Expat
The mental health system in Ecuador: options and limits
The country has a three-tier public health system under the Ministry of Health (MSP). Psychiatric emergencies are accessible via 911 or hospital emergency rooms, regardless of nationality. For non-urgent care, the pathway can go through:
– the number 171, option 6, which offers first-line psychological listening (in Spanish)
– local public health centers (prevention, initial follow-up)
– general hospitals with mental health units (USM)
– specialized facilities like Hospital Julio Endara or the San Lázaro center for complex cases
For expats, the main challenges are the language barrier and a healthcare system often different from that of their home country. It is therefore recommended, when possible, to consult private health professionals accustomed to treating international patients.
Useful resources for finding appropriate support
Several avenues exist for those looking for a psychologist or psychiatrist who speaks English, or even French:
| Resource / organization | What it offers | Particularities |
|---|---|---|
| International platforms (“It’s Complicated”, TherapyRoute) | Directory of psychologists in many countries, with filters for language, approach, location | Allows you to find practitioners based in Ecuador or accustomed to working with expats |
| Universidad San Francisco de Quito – CSM | University mental health clinic, psychological services at reduced rates | Work based on scientifically validated approaches; most consultations in Spanish, but the university is very internationally minded |
| Anima EC (Guayaquil) | Psychological support hotline for crises, member of the Befrienders Worldwide network | Access by phone, WhatsApp, app; English-speaking volunteers available |
| Expat networks (InterNations, Facebook groups) | Informal recommendations of local therapists who speak English or other languages | Useful for getting feedback and checking cultural compatibility |
It should be noted that in Ecuador, the title of “clinical psychologist” is not as regulated as in some countries. It is therefore advisable to verify the level of training (at least a Master’s, ideally with references from recognized universities) and the therapeutic orientation (Cognitive Behavioral, ACT, EMDR, etc., have proven effective for depression, anxiety, and homesickness).
A key element, regardless of the chosen framework: the feeling of safety with the therapist. Studies show that the quality of the therapeutic relationship strongly influences treatment effectiveness. Don’t hesitate to use the free initial sessions offered by some platforms to test the fit.
Adjusting expectations: from the “perfect life abroad” to real life
A silent source of homesickness often lies in the gap between the fantasy of life in Ecuador and concrete reality. Before leaving, you may have idealized the volcanoes, beaches, lower cost of living, and South American “simplicity.” Once there, you also discover power outages, firecrackers at 2 a.m., endless bus rides, spotty internet, picky bureaucracy, and occasional insecurity.
Studies on the ‘relocation effect’ indicate that approaching a move abroad as an adventure, accepting an element of the unknown, reduces the difficulty of adaptation. It is advisable to replace the demand for immediate success with a more flexible attitude, giving yourself 6 to 12 months to experience this new lifestyle with its ups and downs.
Some expatriation coaches even explicitly recommend giving yourself a “trial period” (e.g., one year) after which you calmly reassess: do you stay, change cities or regions in Ecuador, go back, or try a third country? Allowing yourself this reassessment removes enormous pressure and reduces the anxiety of having “stuck yourself” permanently.
Weaving a hybrid identity: neither from here nor from there, but from both
In the long run, the best “solution” to homesickness is not to choose between the home country and Ecuador, but to build an identity that includes both. Intercultural psychology researchers sometimes speak of “integrated biculturalism.” Rather than living in permanent nostalgia or radical detachment, it is about accepting that you will never be exactly the same as before… and that might be a good thing.
Concretely, this translates into:
A French-speaking migrant in Ecuador may maintain the use of their native language at home while fluently using Spanish in social and professional life. They also keep certain habits from their home country (cooking, TV series, holidays, music) while adopting local customs like meal times, greetings, or national holidays. This integration creates a dual identity: they are seen as ‘the French person / the Canadian / the Belgian’ by Ecuadorians, and as the ‘Ecuadorian at heart’ by their family back home.
Studies show that this type of identity integration protects against psychological distress. You no longer live by constantly comparing the two worlds, but by situating yourself at the junction of both.
Managing homesickness in Ecuador is therefore neither denying what you left behind, nor trying to dissolve entirely into a new country. It is a delicate work: arranging a daily life that reassures you, daring to engage—linguistically, culturally, socially—using technology to maintain connections without getting trapped, and, if needed, relying on the mental health resources available.
Nostalgia is not a failure, but a sign that something truly mattered. The country, through its diversity, warm culture, landscapes (volcanoes), and experiences (markets, ceviches, greetings), offers many levers to integrate those memories and build new attachments.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
