Ecuador

Spanish Language and Culture at Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador

Overview

Learn Spanish at the beginner level or perfect your intermediate or advanced Spanish language skills while you discover the natural beauty of Ecuador exploring the beaches, snowcapped mountains, and jungles.

Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador with nearly three million inhabitants, is the commercial, industrial, and import export hub of the country. Situated on the Guayas River and the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is known for its contagious informality, lively social life, and year-round tropical weather. Guayaquil, known as the Pacific Pearl, is the main port of Ecuador. Malécon 2000, the largest architectural development in the last century of Guayaquil's history, is a waterfront boardwalk that runs from Cuenca Street in the south of the city, all the way to Barrio las Peñas on the north.

The Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that achieved high prestige in the community. Católica has an attractive campus and a very active student life, including numerous social and recreational facilities as well as computer labs. The campus is served by public transportation. More than 5,500 students are enrolled in degree programs such as Architecture, Law, Business, Sociology, Education, Literature, Communications, Psychology, Economics and Engineering.

Studying 

Fall Semester Academic Program

La Universidad Católica Santiago de Guayaquil is located in the commercial, import-export hub of Ecuador. La Universidad Católica is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that has achieved high prestige in the community. Católica has an attractive campus and a very active student life, including numerous social and recreational facilities as well as computer labs. The campus is served by public transportation. More than 5,500 students are enrolled in degree programs such as Architecture, Law, Business, Sociology, Education, Literature, Communications, Psychology, Economics and Engineering.

Course Offerings

The Semester Program in Guayaquil combines intensive language instruction (at all levels) with the study of Ecuadorian history and culture. Students earn 12 to 15 credits. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment. Students must complete a course pre-registration form, provided to them prior to departure.

Spanish Language 

Taught in six levels, Spanish instruction places heavy emphasis upon oral communication and uses an interactive methodology. Students receive personalized attention in the small classes ranging from two to eight students. The Spanish courses are taught in one-month intensive sessions. This enables students to take more than one level in one semester.

Elementary Spanish Communication I
Elementary Spanish Communication II
Intermediate Spanish Communication I
Intermediate Spanish Communication II
Advanced Spanish Communication I
Advanced Spanish Communication and Composition II
Contemporary Latin American Literature (for students with advanced Spanish fluency)
Special Topics in Spanish (Spanish Conversation)
Social Science Contemporary Ecuadorian Issues*
Modern Latin American History**These two courses can be taught either in English or in Spanish, but not both, depending on the level of language knowledge in the class.

Winter and Summer Academic Programs

Special Topics in Spanish (4 credits) Students improve their fluency. This course is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of the Spanish language. Strong emphasis is placed on acquiring conversational and comprehension skills using practical and interesting situational materials that stress both language and culture. Grammatical patterns and syntax is stressed with the aim that students can read and write what they have learned to say and understand. Elementary Spanish Communication II (4 credits) Students build upon skills acquired in the first semester course and are able to express themselves in a variety of more complex situations in Spanish. Prerequisite: Elementary Spanish Communication I or instructor's approval Intermediate Spanish Communication I (4 credits) Students improve their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills, demonstrating the ability to report on various aspects of Spanish and Latin American life and culture, using more complex language patterns. Prerequisite: Elementary Spanish Communication II or instructor's approval. Intermediate Spanish Communication II (4 credits) Students demonstrate the ability to speak, read and write Spanish, in order to learn more about current Spanish and Latin American culture and customs. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish Communication I or instructor's approval. Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I (4 credits) Students demonstrate ability to discuss freely in Spanish, topics relevant to Spanish and Latin American civilization. Students also write compositions, using standard Spanish syntax and grammar, about themselves and their interaction with the societies mentioned, as well as research papers dealing with important trends and issues in the Hispanic World. Prerequisite: Intermediate Spanish Communication II or instructor's approval. Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition II (4 credits) Students demonstrate the ability to write coherent and meaningful papers and reports, as well as use grammar patterns previously learned through intermediate and advanced Spanish courses. Students also demonstrate the ability to read stories, newspaper articles, and other materials commonly consulted by native speakers of the language. In addition, students are exposed to conversational situations that enrich their communication skills. Students also demonstrate mastery of advanced elements of Spanish writing and grammar. Prerequisite: Advanced Spanish Conversation and Composition I or instructor's approval.

* Course credits indicted are as approved at the College of Staten Island. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment.

Course credits indicted are as approved at the College of Staten Island. Students who are placed into the appropriate levels may be able to get CSI equivalencies for SPN 113 or 114 (first year college Spanish), SPN 213 or 215 (second year Spanish), or SPN 313 or 315 (third year Spanish). All courses are subject to minimum enrollment.

Living

All programs participants live with Ecuadorian host families. The arrangement gives each participant the opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture first-hand. Students gain support in the new country from interaction with the family while following the host family's customs including: eating meals, respecting host norms, and being sensitive to Ecuadorian culture. Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Seafood is particularly good, even in the highlands.

Exploring

If you’re into wildlife and nature, don’t miss visiting the Parque Histórico, a combination of living museum and zoological park where history and nature meet and you can observe the traditions of a centuries-old culture.  Malecon 2000, the place where you can sit and enjoy an Ecuadorian sunny day on the Guayas River, has helped revitalize the city.  Here you can shop for handcrafts and taste some delicious traditional Ecuadorian fare.  If you’d like to cool off on the weekends, some of Ecuador’s most spectacular beaches lie just a short bus ride away to the west of the city.  To the east you can escape to the picturesque colonial city of Cuenca, located high in the Andes mountains, where you can enjoy the perpetual spring-like climate.

Eligibility

2.5 GPA or better required. No previous knowledge of Spanish required.

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all terms available.  Please note all dates are subject to change.

Costs Included: Tuition and fees, room and partial board, local field trips and program activities, pre-departure and on-site orientations, sickness and accident insurance, and airport pickup

Estimated Costs Not Included: Airfare ($800-$1,000), personal expenses ($1,500 for semester, $300-$500 for short term), books ($100-$250 for semester only)

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change.

Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.

Spanish Language, Culture, and Liberal Arts at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador

Overview

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Latin America. Located in the Andean mountains at the foot of Mount Pichincha 9200 feet above sea level. Beautifully preserved colonial churches, convents, palaces, and other buildings of note contrast with the contemporary architecture of modern Quito, a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity.

Studying 

Semester Academic Program

The program is designed for students who wish to study Spanish in an intensive format and who wish to explore the world of the Andes. Student take 12-17 credits over a full semester. All courses are taught in Spanish; therefore, students should have advanced Spanish language proficiency before enrolling in semester programs. Students (who are not native speakers) are required to have completed at least two years of college-level Spanish prior to enrolling in the program. Students are tested and placed in language classes before arrival in Quito. Some lecture courses are limited to students who place in the more advanced levels of Spanish language ability. Course offerings change each term, so visit the USFQ website for the most up-to date information.

Sampling of Semester Course Offerings:

• Andean History
• Art in Hispanic Quito
• Latin American History
• Spanish Composition
• Spanish Conversation
• Cultural Anthropology
• Drama
• History of Ecuador
• Introduction to Latin American Issues
• People of the Andes
• Rural and Urban Sociology
• Tropical Ecology 

LOERI Program: USFQ’s LOERI program allows students to conduct a research project in conjunction with a USFQ faculty member in various fields of study.  This is a semester-long 3-credit independent study course students participate in while taking other courses in various subject areas.  For more information, please visit USFQ’s LOERI page. 

Summer Academic Program

During the Ecuadorian Culture in Spanish Program, students take 3 courses and earn 9 credits. Improve your Spanish language skills! Courses are taught in Spanish. Course offerings change each year, so visit the USFQ website for the most up-to date information. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment.

Sampling of Summer Offerings:

• Andean History
• Andean Anthropology
• Art of Ecuador I: Art in Hispanic Quito
• Latin American Boom Literature
• Latin American Themes
• Intermediate Spanish I
• Intermediate Spanish II
• Advanced Spanish I
• Advanced Spanish II

NEW Summer Internships!  

Research Opportunities: The program consists of diverse and individualized opportunities within USFQ faculty research projects. Suitable candidates will be selected for the available placements each summer depending on their interests and ongoing projects. The project is undertaken as a 3-credit independent study course in the field of relevance over the duration of the summer. CCIS students can access additional research projects run by the Galápagos Science Center Consortium (of which USFQ is an affiliate member) under their own rates. These costs will be provided by the exchange coordinator upon request and all costs related to the program will be negotiated between the parties before the arrival of students depending on the nature of the research.

Quito Municipal Government:  Participating students will be placed in internships in an office of the government  and complete 272 hours of work. Placements are available in a variety of city offices (see examples on USFQ's website).

As part of the program students also participate in a mandatory 3-credit internship seminar held at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Topics covered include Ecuadorian culture and the workplace, as well as an analysis of their internship experience in the local context. Participants can also take part in an optional Spanish language class (3 credits) offered by USFQ for an additional fee.  Please see requirements here.

Living

Housing: Students are placed with local families in Quito. This arrangement gives each participant the opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture firsthand. Students gain support in the new country from interaction with the family while following the host family’s customs.

Student Life:  Student services include a library and bookstore, computer labs and internet access, advisory services, as well as health and safety services.

The Global Dragons is a program founded by the Office of International Programs at USFQ. It is comprised of local students who identify as active global citizens working to create positive change starting with the community at USFQ. The Global Dragons program creates integration opportunities for international students and leadership opportunities for local students in order to enrich the community here as well as those of incoming international students through cultural exchange, understanding, and teamwork. Students involved in this program are interviewed and selected by the Office of International Programs for their academic excellence, cultural competence, responsibility and potential to be global leaders. The selection process takes place every Summer.

Included in the program are talks, a day trip, and an ongoing orientation.  A field trip to USFQ's Tiputini Biodiversity Station can be arranged at an extra cost.

Exploring

In the northern part of the city is Mitad del Mundo, or Middle of the World.  There you can stand on the equator, the line the country was named for, and be in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once!  While there’s plenty to do in Quito, USFQ offers optional field trips during all sessions. A field trip within Ecuador is organized during the semester and four-week summer program. You can explore the Amazon in Tiputini, join the Andean adventure in Peru, or discover the cloud forest in Mindo.  This isn’t a place you can run out of interesting things to see, do, or eat!

Eligibility

2.5 GPA or better required, advanced Spanish language proficiency required.

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all terms available.  Please note all dates are subject to change.

Semester Program Cost includes: Tuition, Room and Partial Board, Administrative Fees, International Medical and Travel Insurance, Orientation in U.S. & Ecuador, Field Trip, Airport Pick-up
Semester Estimated Additional Costs: Airfare $800- $1,000, Books $50-$100, personal expenses $1,500 ($300-$500 for short term), Lunches $200-$400 

Summer Program Cost includes: Tuition & program fees, Room & partial board, Orientation and program activities, Health and accident insurance, Airport pickup
Summer Program Cost does not include: International airfare $800- $1,000, Additional meals $200, Personal expenses $800, Optional field trips $1,210

Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.

Biology and Darwin in the Galapagos and Quito, Ecuador

Overview

Spend your winter in the “living laboratory” of the Galapagos archipelago some 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast.  The Galapagos are a “United Nations World Natural Heritage Site,” a national park, and marine reserve. But for you, they’re your classroom.  When you’re not in the Galapagos, you’ll be in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and one of the most beautiful regions in Latin America.  Located in the Andean mountains at the foot of Mount Pichincha at 9,200 feet above sea level, Quito has a spring-like climate all year. Preserved colonial churches, convents, and palaces all contrast with the contemporary architecture of modern Quito to provide you with a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity.  Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is recognized as one of Ecuador's leading institutions of higher education. Quito is located in the Andean mountain region, more than 9,000 feet above sea level. The "living laboratory" of the Galapagos archipelago, set in the Pacific Ocean some 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast, consists of 61 islands and islets. The Galapagos are a "United Nations World Natural Heritage Site", a national park and a marine reserve.

 Studying

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Galapagos and understand how the Islands influenced Darwin's ideas regarding evolution during this unique three week field biology program offered in collaboration with the Macaulay Honors College at CUNY while earning 3 credits for BIO(H) 518 “Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation in Ecuador and the Galapagos.”  The field research component of the course focuses on the evidence presented by animals and plants of the Galapagos that illustrates the relationships among taxonomy, comparative anatomy, embryology, physiology, genetics, paleontology and the theory of evolution. In addition, you will spend time in the capital city of Quito learning more about Ecuadorian culture and participate in short service placements while there.

Living

  Throughout the program, you’ll be staying in local hotels and most of your meals are included.

Exploring

Aside from the abundance of things to explore in the Galapagos, you will also be participating in excursions in and around Quito, including a city tour, visit to the equator, and a trip to Mindo cloud forest.

Eligibility

CUNY students only.

Dates & Costs

Below you will find the current dates and costs for all terms available.  Please note all dates are subject to change.
 

Included:  Tuition (3 credits), housing, some meals, airport transportation, in-country transportation where included in itinerary, activities and field trips in the itinerary, orientations, and sickness and accident insurance, administrative fees. 
Not included: International Airfare - $800, books, personal expenses and extra meals - $300-$500.

Typical deadline:
Winter: October 20
 
Please ask for application cycles currently open, and any applicable extensions.