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Quito - Area Studies & Language
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Academics
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.
We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language, Ecuadorian history and culture, as well as other topics, through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at prestigious local universities enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
You take 16–19 credits per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits unless otherwise specified. All courses at IES Abroad and our partner university are taught in Spanish and are offered both fall and spring semesters unless otherwise noted.
Craft your own academic experience by selecting from the following required and optional program components:
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (at least one is required, 3 credits each)
- Partner University Spanish-taught courses at USFQ (optional, credits vary)
- Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)
- Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO)
- Service learning placement (optional, 4 credits)
Courses
This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account.
To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication.
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 301 - The Cultural Diversity of Ecuador | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CU 322 - Andean Popular Arts | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES 302 - The Environmental Diversity of Ecuador | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/IN 395 - Internship and Service Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 326 - Indigenous Literature | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO 304 - Politics and Society in Latin America | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/IN 395 - Internship and Service Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SO/AN 301 - The Cultural Diversity of Ecuador | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP 353 - Spanish Language In Context: Independent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| SP 403 - Spanish Language In Context: Emerging Competent Abroad | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
Partner Institution(s)
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)
www.usfq.edu.ec
A modern institution of higher learning, USFQ is one of Ecuador's most prestigious universities and offers a full range of programs and courses. Its faculty includes almost half of the Ph.D.’s in the country, and its library and information technology is the most up-to-date in Ecuador.
Courses
You take an official language placement exam before your arrival in Quito. The score of your placement exam in Quito determines your eligibility for USFQ courses. You are allowed to participate in any course in any department provided you meet the discipline and language prerequisites, as demonstrated on the Spanish language placement exam. Specific course listings are available through the USFQ website: http://evaluaciones.usfq.edu.ec/banner/ssb/cursos.htm
The following are some of the numerous disciplines in which IES Abroad students have previously enrolled:
- Architecture
- Arts
- Business Administration
- Communications
- Culinary Arts
- Education
- Engineering
- Health Science
- Hospitality
- Humanities & Economics
- Languages
- Management
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Spanish Language
Registration & Advising
Please note that course offerings vary from semester to semester. Exact course availability is determined shortly before the start of each semester and official registration takes place prior to your arrival in Quito. You will receive further instructions on how to register for courses through their MyIESAbroad account.
Location & Commute Time
The USFQ campus is located in the suburb of Cumbayá in Quito. The commute time from USFQ to the IES Abroad Center is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Service Learning
Participating in a service learning experience in Quito is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience first-hand some of the social issues that affect Quito while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A service learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit service learning seminar. Through the seminar, you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.
Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
- Community health
- Economic development
- Social issues unique to Quito
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Quito, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the cultures and traditions of your host country. There is an additional fee for multi-day field trips. Here are a few possible destinations.
Amazon Rainforest Region
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Hike the world’s largest and most biologically diverse rainforest with a local guide.
Otavalo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit an indigenous market and learn about the crafts and food being sold.
The Galápagos Islands
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are academic trips associated with courses. They are organized to complement IES Abroad courses and contribute to a general knowledge of Ecuadorean culture and society. Participation is based on course registration. All course-related trips are included in the program cost. Here are a few possible destinations.
Guayllabamba Ecological Zoo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
See more than 45 species of native fauna representing the different regions of Ecuador at the Guayllabamba Zoo, not far outside the city of Quito. The zoo was developed to conserve Ecuadorian biodiversity, and they specialize in conserving endangered species of fauna.
Latacunga
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit Latacunga, a town 60 miles outside of Quito, to observe a religious Andean Fiesta and discuss its cultural development and significance.
Mindo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Go to Mindo in the Nublado Andino Forest to experience Ecuador’s biodiversity.
Mitad del Mundo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Straddle the equator and enjoy views of beautiful snow-capped mountains.
Quilotoa
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Visit Quilotoa, a water-filled caldera (a cauldron-like volcanic structure) in the Ecuadorian Andes, to learn about the region’s ethnic groups.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, course-related trips, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Daily Life
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.
Orientation
The program begins with a mandatory orientation that introduces you to the IES Abroad Quito staff, your fellow students, and the city of Quito. Topics such as academics, housing, transportation, and health and safety are covered.
Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on cultural adjustment, goal achievement, and preparing for the return home.
Housing
We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Quito, it will feel like home.
Homestays - You have a private, furnished room in the home of a family or señora in Quito. Homestay hosts provide three meals daily.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Redefine the way you live and learn in Quito through our cultural events and activities, such as visits to:
- Participate in a Quito cultural Chiva, an open bus with a brass band that makes city tours
- Attend Andean folkloric music concerts
- Take workshops on making Ecuadorian meat pastries
- Participate in soccer games
- Visit museums and other local hot spots
University Clubs & Events
USFQ's extracurricular program includes clubs for yoga, ultimate frisbee, salsa, and Ecuabuddies. You learn more about these unique opportunities once on-site.
Get to Know Your New City
Stand on the Equator
Travel via bus to the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet and stand at the middle of the Earth.
Wander Through Historic Old Town
Stroll the streets to get a feel for the city and see the historically charming architecture.
Climb a Volcano
Trek to the top of Volcano Pichincha just outside the city for beautiful views of Quito and its surrounding landscapes.
Try Authentic, Local Cuisine
From grilled plantains to freshly-squeezed juices, your taste buds will thank you.
Explore and Unwind in Itchimbia Park
This hilltop park is home to Quito's cultural center and offers running paths, picnic spots, and more for a relaxing day in the sun.
Program Cost
Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Our Center
IES Abroad Quito
Situated near Quito’s financial district, the IES Abroad Center is housed in a new, modern building. Features include:
- Two well-equipped classrooms
- Student lounge
- Staff offices
- Small library
- Computer lab
- High-speed Internet and printer access
Our Staff
Tania Ledergerber de Quiroga
Center Director
Tania has been the Director of the Quito and Galápagos Islands programs since 2018. Tania brings a wide range of international education administration experience. She directed the International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership Program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), and spent 10 years as the Resident Director in Quito for Kalamazoo College. Previously she taught for IES Abroad, instructing our Internship Seminar and Social Science and Service Learning classes at USFQ. Tania has traveled and worked around the world, spending nearly 20 years devoted to NGOs.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Ximena Paredes
Student Affairs Coordinator in Quito
Juan Carlos Sanchez
Administrative Support
Maria Cristina López
Student Affairs Coordinator in Galápagos
Latest from Quito
Spending time with my host brother, Johnny, after an 8-mile hike through the mountains near Mitad del Mundo.
Enjoying the artsy style of Mindo after a day of hiking
Ready to go! An Ecuadorian travel guide, a book of Spanish poetry and another book full of Spanish logic puzzles will all help to improve my immersion into Ecuadorian culture and language.
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
