Semester Abroad in Ecuador
Programs
Students can chose to study at:
- University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) , Quito:
- A full Spanish immersion program located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
- Spend a semester living in Andes! Quito is a bustling and historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site of approximately 1.69 million located at an altitude of over 9000 feet.
- Explore with USFQ's Office of International Programs, who organizes excursions around Ecuador, including to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon.
- Immerse yourself in the Spanish language with your host family and by joining one of USFQ's student clubs.
- Galapagos Academic Institute of the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) , San Cristobal Island (Galapagos)
- An English language program which features hands on classes and field trips, based in the Galapagos Islands, with an introduction month in Quito.
- Experience Ecuadorian culture and the opportunity to live in one of the most unique and amazing places on Earth.
- Excursions to Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuadorian highlands and cloud forest included, as well as tour of Galapagos Islands.
- Learn about ecology, marine biology and sustainable tourism, as well as Ecuadorian culture, while also having the opportunity to conduct hands-on research.
Academics
USFQ:
- USFQ Quito Academics
- Students take regular university classes taught in Spanish with Ecuadorian and other international students.
- Small class sizes, similar to Linfield.
GAIAS:
- GAIAS Academics
- Tracks of study include: Human Ecology and Marine Communities, Evolutionary Biology, Native and Introduced Plants, Population Ecology and Marine Life. Each track normally includes 5 intensive courses, taught in English in three-week modules.
Dates
- Fall semester (late Aug to mid-Dec) or spring semester (early Jan through mid-May)
- Students majoring in Spanish may study a full academic year at USFQ
Additional Requirements and Recommendations
- B average in Spanish language courses
- It is highly recommended that students take TCCA 230 (Intercultural Communication: Global Perspectives).
Specific to Quito:
- Minimum 2 years of college Spanish
- Minimum 1 year of Spanish
- One course each of biology and ecology required for the "Evolution, Ecology, & Conservation" track and "Marine Ecology" track
Housing
- Students live with host families in both programs.
Cost:
Other Information
- Program Brochure
- USFQ Information Booklet (PDF) - on safety, suggested budgets, student guides, etc.
- GAIAS Information Booklet (PDF) - on safety, suggested budgets, student guides, etc.
- Student Blogs