Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant, modern city with roots in the Incan Empire and Colonial Spain. Roughly the size of Colorado, Ecuador offers the environmental megadiversity of a much larger country. With four eco-regions - the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands - Ecuador is home to a wealth of flora and fauna and attracts biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world.
Over the course of the summer, you will come to know Quito's vibrant neighborhoods and winding streets. IES Abroad’s Quito Summer program offers enrollment in IES Abroad courses focusing on environmental studies and the Spanish language, homestays with Ecuadorean families, and field trips throughout Ecuador; you will have the opportunity to meet Ecuadorean and international students alike. Starting at the IES Abroad Center in downtown Quito, near the financial district and just steps away from the neighborhood favorite Parque Carolina, you will gain a meaningful cultural experience and a deeper knowledge of what it means to be a citizen of the world.
Study in Quito this summer!
Designed for students interested in environmental studies in South America, IES Abroad Quito summer program combines coursework with field visits to give you the opportunity to explore the richness of Ecuador's ecology in various parts of the country and to discuss a range of issues related to environmental management and conservation. The program is organized in cooperation with the the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and Galápagos Academic Institute for Arts and Sciences (GAIAS). No prior study of Spanish is required.
Curriculum Highlights
These dates are preliminary and are subject to change. Students should not book flights according to these dates.
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad experience possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
This is a list of potential course offerings. Final course offerings will be available during on-site registration.
Listed below are the course options for IES Abroad Quito Summer. You will take 9 credits.
IES Abroad Quito organizes field study trips that complement what you’re learning in the classroom, and contribute to your general knowledge of Ecuadorian culture and society.
You have a private, furnished room in the home of a family or señora in Quito. Homestay hosts provide three meals daily.
Part of making you feel at home in Quito is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it’s the orientation program that prepares you for what’s ahead, your housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services. This is just one of the things we’re known for.
Orientation takes place in and around Quito during the first few days of the summer program and attendance is mandatory. Conducted by the IES Abroad Quito staff and local faculty members and Ecuadorian students, orientation includes:
IES Abroad Quito Summer sponsors field study trips to:
During your field study trips, you will also examine current environmental, political, and economic issues. The cost of these field study trips is included in the program fee, and participation is required
IES ABROAD Quito Av. República de El Salvador N34-229 y Moscú | Edificio San Salvador, Piso 3 | Quito, Ecuador
Situated near Quito’s financial district, the IES Abroad Center is housed in a new, modern building. Features include:
Eduardo OrtizIES Abroad Director Through LASPAU (Latin American Scholarship Program of American Universities), Eduardo Ortiz, a native of Quito, received a Fulbright Scholarship to obtain both his B.A. and his M.A. in Psychology at SUNY Geneseo in New York. After receiving his degrees, Eduardo returned to Quito, where he worked as Senior Official in the Ecuadorian Institute of Educational Loans and Scholarships (IECE) and as Ecuadorian Coordinator for an international educational exchange program (Canada World Youth). He also worked as Associate Professor in two leading Ecuadorian Universities (Catholic University of Ecuador and Army Polytechnic University). Eduardo also has experience as a project manager for USAID (United States Agency for International Development) in Ecuador where he managed projects in tax administration and education. Additionally, Eduardo has international consulting experience in training, organizational development, human resources management, and institutional strengthening in several International Development Agencies including IDB, the World Bank and Universalia Management Group from Canada.
IES Abroad Staff
Gladys ArgotiStudent Services Coordinator
Rene BuenoAcademic Coordinator
Juan Carlos SanchezAdministrative Support
Mariuxi LópezStudent Services Coordinator - Galapagos Islands Program
IES Abroad Faculty Fernando Martín, Ph.D.
Christopher Minster, Ph.D.
Angélica Ordóñez, Ph.D.
Diego Quiroga, Ph.D.
Ana Rodriguez, Msc.
Evelyn Rodriguez, Msc.
Gabriela Rota, Msc.
Iván Ulchúr, Ph.D.
Hugo Valdebenito, Ph.D.
Marcelo Varela, Msc. MBA
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