In Ecuador, Scholarships Help Displaced Students Level Up

Since 2004, HIAS has supported hundreds of displaced students to complete their university studies through the DAFI scholarship program in Ecuador. 

DAFI was founded by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in 1992 and has since helped more than 27,000 students pursue higher education in 59 countries with the cooperation of organizations like HIAS. 

In addition to providing refugees with study grants and professional development, HIAS offers mental health and psychological support to help students cope with the stress of displacement. Recipients also receive cash and voucher assistance (CVA) to cover their basic needs, as well as legal support and economic assistance. 

In 2025, HIAS Ecuador will support 45 students in pursuit of higher education. Read on to learn about three graduates who have successfully launched their careers and are pursuing their dreams. 

Jessica

When Jessica González arrived in Ecuador, she needed help continuing her studies. HIAS provided Jessica with legal support in validating credits from her previous studies as well as supporting her with mental health care and helped her make connections and find community during her studies. At just 21 years old, Jessica graduated with a degree in Occupational Safety and Risk Prevention. 

“Accessing education was the first step toward integration,” said Jessica. “[HIAS] was always there to follow up with me, and beyond their interest in my academic commitments, I felt that they cared about my well-being.” 

Today, after distinguishing herself as an intern with her high grade point average and professional commitment, Jessica found employment as a workplace safety advisor. Now, she not only helps ensure the safety of others, but is a leader in her field. 

“I chose this career because it allows me to care for workers and promote their rights through prevention,” she said. 

Jessica’s advice for other young displaced people: “Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to discover what you are capable of.” 

Giselt

Thanks to the support of the DAFI program, Giselt Quintero graduated with a degree in psychology and is now a mental health professional, entrepreneur, and mother.  

“It changed my life,” said Giselt. “DAFI gave me the opportunity to study 100% and expand my vision.”  

She values the mental health and psychosocial support and professional development workshops HIAS offered, which helped her obtain her degree, even while pregnant. 

“[HIAS} was always looking out for us and how we were doing. And they supported me with my son,” Giselt said. 

After completing her studies during the COVID-19 pandemic, Giselt decided to start her own psychology practice. She currently works as a therapist and is dedicated to connecting with more people who need mental health care. 

“The need to help has always been within me, but thanks to my professional training, I can now do so with the support of knowledge and ethics,” said Giselt. “I believe that higher education is a transformative tool for anyone, especially those who are displaced or seeking refuge.” 

Laura

Laura Salgado joined the DAFI Scholarship Program when she was in her third semester of college, after financial reasons forced her to suspend her schooling. During Laura’s studies, her mother passed away, and she was living alone. The support she received from HIAS and the DAFI program helped her to keep going. 

“The program really provided comprehensive support, not only financially but also socially and psychologically,” said Laura. “[HIAS] was very concerned about following up with me and helped me not to feel alone,” 

During her training, HIAS and the DAFI program provided her with essential job skills, including resume-writing workshops, guidance on registering her qualifications, and meetings with other scholarship recipients, which created a supportive network.  

“I developed skills such as assertive communication, which I now apply in my work when dealing with clients,” said Laura. “The DAFI scholarship program can be key to paving the way for more accessible education.” 

Laura now has a degree in clinical and histopathological laboratory science and works as a commercial advisor in a laboratory supplies distribution company. She holds a position that has traditionally been reserved for men with more experience and resources.  

“I was the only clinical laboratory graduate who applied for the job — and I got it,” said Laura. “My professional training made me stand out.”