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Overview

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and sits at an elevation of 9,300 ft. Although Ecuador is only about the size of Nevada, it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and students will be able to experience its many regions and climates throughout the semester. Students will study at the and at the . Excursions include a Quito city tour, Otavalo, and Cuenca. A pre-program five day Galapagos Islands voyage is included when a minimum program participation number is met. Find more information for international students through the  

Minimum GPA required by host program: 2.5 GPA. 
  (this program is offered as a fall semester only)

View the for more details about the 2022 program. 

Academics

During the first month in Quito students will take an intensive Spanish course at ACLAS which counts towards four (4) credits at WU. Another credit will be a result of a service learning component students complete during the semester. Visit the to watch videos about Quito, ACLAS courses, Living in Quito, and much more. 

After the month-long course at ACLAS you will start your semester at the where you will earn the remaining credits. USFQ is one of the only liberal arts universities in South America. All classes are taught in Spanish. Recommended majors include Spanish, Latin American Studies, History, Politics, Rhetoric, Psychology, and Computer Science. USFQ is not limited to these majors. ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ the available courses on USFQ's website. To find courses, go to the Class Schedule at USFQ website. See the tips below under Predeparture Resources for how to search the schedule. 

The language prerequisite for this program is Spanish 232 or equivalent - students must take a Spanish course the semester prior to studying abroad. 

Service Learning

All students will complete a service learning experience arranged and supervised by ACLAS.  Students will discuss their interests with ACLAS staff before being placed in a service learning site. Students may work with children, the elderly, environmental non-profits, social service organizations and others. Students will earn 4 ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ credits upon completing their service learning component.

Housing

Students will live with host families in Quito within a short walk or bus ride of ACLAS. USFQ is a fifteen to twenty minute bus ride from ACLAS. Most meals will be taken with the host families with some at restaurants and cafeterias near the university.

Dates

This program is available in the fall only. The program begins in mid July and ends late December. A yearlong program may be available, please contact the OIE for more information regarding the year option.

Cost

Please see the ºìÐÓ¶ÌÊÓƵ Sponsored Programs Cost Matrix for detailed explanation of the cost of each program. The fee includes full room and board, home to university transportation costs, program planned excursions and on-site support.

Pre-departure Resources

• To find USFQ classes, go to the Course Schedules at USFQ website. Use these search features:
  • Período:  Primer Semestre (plus academic year)
  • Oferta Académica:  NUEVA
  • Area: Search for desired subject areas
  • Lugar: Cumbayá Presencial (daytime classes taught at the Cumbayá campus). 

• Ecuador visa information- PENDING UPDATED INFO (do not start the visa process until advised by the OIE)