Ecuador
You are here
Study abroad in Ecuador and experience one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world.
Roughly the size of Colorado, Ecuador has the environmental megadiversity of a much larger country. Four eco-regions—the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands—offer a wealth of flora and fauna that attracts biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world. These internationally known natural wonders are at your fingertips when you study in Ecuador.
Adventure and learning opportunities will surround you when you study abroad in Ecuador. Snorkel in the Galápagos Islands as you study biodiversity, learn about indigenous culture as you stroll through Otavalo Market, and study environmental science in the Amazon rainforest! To make the most of your time in Ecuador, study abroad is a great opportunity to not only visit, but also learn about this stunningly diverse country.
Cities
Located to the west of continental Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are some of the most biodiverse islands on Earth.
Cousins Rock
Cousins Rock is a centrally located diving site in the islands and was recently named “one of the most photographically productive dives in the central islands” by Scuba Diving magazine. Octopi, sharks, sea turtles, and sea horses are among the myriad of species seen on a dive in this area.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Established in 1964, the Charles Darwin Research Station is located on the island of Santa Cruz. Scientists conduct research and projects here aimed at preserving the unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Galápagos Islands.
Darwin Island
Named after the famous scientist, Charles Darwin, Darwin is the smallest island of the Galápagos measuring one kilometer in area. The highlight of the island is the marine life as the island itself is not open for land visits.
Sierra Negra Volcano
Sierra Negra is a large shield volcano at the south eastern end of Isabela Island in the Galápagos that rises to an altitude of 1124m.
Dragon Hill
Dragon Hill is one of the best places to view land iguanas and other terrestrial species unique to the Galápagos.
Quito, located in an Andean valley, is Ecuador’s capital and second largest city.
Carondelet Palace
Located in the Plaza de Independencia, the Carondelet Palace has been the home of the Ecuadorian president for more than 300 years. With an exterior designed with neoclassic architecture, the building is ornately decorated inside as well.
La Plaza de San Francisco
Previously the spot for local trading, the Plaza de San Francisco still bustles with activity today. Built on an incline, the Plaza provides beautiful views of Quito.
La Mitad del Mundo
La Mitad del Mundo, located 12 miles outside of Quito, marks the equatorial line. Visitors can discover more about Ecuador's indigenous people at the Museu Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo and experiment with the gravitational pull by testing balance, water flow, and resistance.
El Parque Carolina
As the largest park in Quito, El Parque La Carolina boasts an expansive space for recreation including a boating lake, playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts, and restaurants. It is situated near several shopping centers and is home to art festivals on the weekends.
The Latest from Ecuador
Family or Friends: Ecuadorian Style
It has been over a month now in Ecuador, and it has become quite obvious the different social groups all international students fall into. At the university, you will meet other foreign students from various countries, immersion programs, and at different Spanish speaking skills. However, the goals you have for your study abroad experience will heavily influence your niche. Personally, making friends while studying abroad was something I was quite hesitant about from the beginning.
Field-trips, Field-trips, Field-Trips
Before leaving to study abroad, I hoped that classes in Ecuador would offer a different perspective and challenge my own ideas about people and the environment. Yet, over the past three weeks I have been happily surprised to find that classes abroad go far beyond introducing new perspectives, and every class has a plethora of opportunities to physically apply academic discussions to the surrounding environment through field trips.
Falling in Love with Ecuador
Two weeks have passed, and every day I fall more in love with Ecuador. When I first hopped off the airplane my mind was filled with nervous excitement, fear of losing my luggage, and a cautious sense of serenity. But, within a few minutes I found my luggage, was greeted by my incredible host mother, and made my way to my new home in Cumbayá, Ecuador.
My First Week in Ecuadorian Food
While preparing for my semester in Quito, it completely escaped my mind to research the food and eating habits of Ecuador. Based on the meals I had been served in local Mexican and Columbian restaurants at home, I had the misconception that most meals would consist of rice, beans, a protein and vegetables by the side…however, I was totally wrong.
Lists y Lista: Ready for a Lifetime Experience
Bienvenidos a todos a mi blog y estoy emocionada para compartir mis experiencias en Ecuador con ustedes. (Welcome everyone to my blog and I am excited to be sharing my experiences of my time in Ecuador with you all). I leave tomorrow morning, and I still feel like I have another month to spend at home. My name is Tabitha Ato, and I am a senior (I still cannot believe it!) at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., but I call Oakdale, Minnesota, home.
