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Quito - Area Studies & Language
$6+ Million in Scholarships & 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 literature and culture, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.
Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 16–19 credits per semester. All courses at IES Abroad and partner universities are taught in Spanish.
- IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits)
- IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (at least one course is required, 3 credits each)
- Area studies courses at USFQ (optional, credits vary)
- Community-based learning seminar and placement (optional, 4 credits)
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES/AN 367 - Ecological Anthropology | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| SO/AN 301 - The Cultural Diversity of Ecuador | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| 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 |
| ES/AN 367 - Ecological Anthropology | Fall | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT 326 - Indigenous Literature | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS/PO 304 - Politics and Society in Latin America | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
| 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 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SS/PO 304 - Politics and Society in Latin America | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 3 |
Partner Institution(s)
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)
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 PhDs in the country, and its library and information technology is the most up to date in Ecuador.
USFQ offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a variety of disciplines. Specific course listings are available through the USFQ website.
Note: You may take up to two USFQ courses at no additional charge. If you would like to take more than two USFQ courses, additional fees will apply.
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
- Environmental Science
- Health Science
- Hospitality
- Humanities & Economics
- Languages
- Management
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Spanish Language
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.
Community-Based Learning
Participating in a community-based 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 firsthand some of the social issues that affect Quito, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution.
A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit community-based 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 outside the city to discover the cultures and traditions of your host country and beyond. There is an additional cost for field trips. The Otavalo trip is included in the program cost.
Amazon Rainforest Region
4 days | Fall & Spring
Hike the world's largest and most biologically diverse rainforest with a local guide.
The Galápagos Islands
4 days | Fall & Spring
Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos Islands, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.
Otavalo
1 day | Fall & Spring | Orientation
Explore this largely indigenous town where residents are famous for weaving textiles. The “Plaza de los Ponchos” in Otavalo is the largest indigenous market in the world.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.
Course-Related Trips
Course-related trips are academic trips associated with courses. They are organized to complement your courses and contribute to a general knowledge of current environmental, political, and economic issues. The cost of these course-related trips is included in the program fee, and participation is required.
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.
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
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues once you arrive abroad and introduces you to the IES Abroad Quito staff, your fellow students, and the city of Quito. During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.
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 a señora in Quito. Homestay hosts provide three meals daily. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels, and laundry is provided too.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Take advantage of the cultural events we organize in Quito, such as:
- 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 attractions
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.
Scholarships & Aid
Featured Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Robert McNeill, member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for 25 years (6 years as Chairman). Open to students who have an interest in international business. Majors might include management, marketing, economics, finance, international relations, and social and behavioral sciences.
Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship
This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.
Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.
William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Kathleen Kervin Diamond Endowed Scholarship
Kathleen Diamond is a consultant, entrepreneur, and business leader in the language services industry. In 1979, she founded Language Learning Enterprises, Inc. (LLE®), a full-service language company based in Washington, D.C. She is recognized as an early pioneer in Telephone Interpreting, launching LLE-LINK in the early 1990s. Over the next 20 years, under her leadership, the company grew into a dynamic, multimillion dollar corporation, serving a wide range of clients, in both the private and public sectors, across the United States, and worldwide. In 2009, Ms.
Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers
The Study Abroad Scholarship for Future Engineers was established by an anonymous donor to encourage more engineering students to have the enriching, life changing experience of study abroad.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
Situated near the financial district, the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a new, modern building walking distance from La Parque Carolina, Quito’s largest historic park.
Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.
- Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
- Meet with staff in their offices
- Study in the library
- Meet up with friends in the student lounge
Other features include: WiFi, printing facilities, and a computer lab
Our Staff
Tania Ledergerber
Center Director
Tania has been the director of the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center 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 Community-Based Learning classes at USFQ. Tania has traveled and worked around the world, spending nearly 20 years devoted to NGOs.
IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Staff
Ximena Paredes
Student Affairs Coordinator in Quito
Maria Cristina López
Student Affairs Coordinator in the Galápagos Islands
Health & Safety
With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter what time zone you’re in.
In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.
How We Support You
We plan for "what if" so that you don't have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.
Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:
- International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
- 24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
- Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
- TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
- A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
- Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
- And more!
Health & Safety Resources
You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.
Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:
- IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
- Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
- IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
- And more!
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Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
