Eric Braun
From EcuadorWiki
I am looking forward to beginning Spanish lessons, and seeing some interesting Animals in Ecuador, as well as immersing myself in the culture.
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Background
I am a Sophomore at Alma College, majoring in Business with a sociology minor. I also run track, and am proud to be a Scot. I am from Hale, Michigan, and love being outdoors. I enjoy lots of activities such as hunting, running, biking, and boating. During the summer I work for the department of natural resources as a summer ranger.
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Roommates
I will be roomming with two other people on this trip and they are:
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Expectations
- Learn basic Spanish
- Experience the culture of Ecuador
- View wildlife in the Galapagos
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Individual Project
As my individual project I would like to look at the Economy of Ecuador, specifically, Dollarization and its effects on Business.
- Ecuador was the first country in Latin America to dollarize, soon followed by El Salvador. Guatemala uses both the Dollar and the Quetzal.
- Ecuador began using the dollar in 2000-01 in response to a hyperinflated economy, and bankng crisis of the late 90's. This was a product of natural disasters and sharp declines in the world's petroleum prices.
- Although all types of U.S. Currency are used in Ecuador, Dollar coins are the most prevalent. Nearly 500 Million of the gold coins were sent to Ecuador in 2000 when they began using the dollar.
- Before the Dollar, Ecuador used the "Sucre." They dollarized in hopes of settling foreign debt.
