Water for Life – Preparing to Go Checklist!
- Passport: Verify that your passport will not expire within six months of your return from the program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire soon, please apply for one as soon as possible and send Ceiba a scan once you receive it. Passport processing can take up to six weeks, and you cannot enter Ecuador without one. We recommend considering expedited passport services if needed. For more information, visit the U.S. State Department website.
- Read the Course Details & Syllabus and FAQ sheet in their entirety. These documents contain important information to help you prepare for the program, including helpful tips on preparation, arrival, and living in Ecuador. They will be emailed to you shortly after enrollment.
- Sign Ceiba’s Liability Release form and Code of Conduct Form by October 20th
- Complete the Photo Release Acknowledgement Form by October 20th
- Complete both USFQ Disclaimer Forms by October 20th. There are two USFQ forms included in this email. The first form is a longer waiver covering expectations for being on the USFQ campus and following university rules and guidelines. It must be reviewed and completed in full. Please note that this is a broad form used for many types of international and exchange students, so some sections may not directly apply to your Water for Life experience. Even so, the entire waiver still needs to be completed and signed. The second form is a laboratory use disclaimer, which should also be reviewed and completed and sent back to Ceiba
- Make your flight reservations and email your itinerary (including flight number) to courses@ceiba.org by Friday, October 20th. Please refer to your acceptance letter for the recommended arrival date and time.
- Pay your tuition. The University of Wisconsin will bill you for tuition and administrative fees.
- Obtain any required textbooks or other course materials outlined in your Course Details & Syllabus document. Please contact the instructor with any questions.
- Attend the virtual pre-departure orientation. The W4L 2026/27 orientation will take place on November 19th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. CST on Zoom. Register for the orientation here.
Of course, you are always welcome to reach out with any questions!
- Course Instructor: Dr. Mauricio Lascano — mlascano@ceiba.org
- Program Coordinator: Lilly Pearson — lpearson@ceiba.org
- Programs & Administration Assistant: Geri Ikelheimer — gikelheimer@ceiba.org
Helpful websites:
Ceiba on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/ceibafoundation/?hl=en
Ceiba on TikTok
https://www.tiktok.com/@ceibafoundation?lang=en
BBC News Country Profile – Ecuador
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/country_profiles/1212882.stm
Centers for Disease Control – Health Information for Travelers
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/ecuador.htm
U.S. Department of State Consular Information Sheet
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html
U.S. Passport Application Website
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
