Quito, Ecuador

Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Study Abroad

Program Options:

Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning

•

Length:

Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Spring 2026: January 03 - May 12
Fall 2026: August 08 - December 19

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$22,720

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Homestay

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

2 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

About the Program

While in Quito, take your courses at USFQ alongside local students. Founded in 1988, USFQ is one of the most distinguished private universities in Ecuador and has the largest international exchange program in the region. The University has a faculty that includes almost half of the Ph.D.s in the country.

Follow Your Academic Interests

Students with almost any academic interest can find options at USFQ.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in a community-based learning placement.

Live in a Homestay

You’ll have a private room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito.

Receive Predeparture & Enrollment Advising

We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs.

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

Early January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Oct 1, 2026

Program Advisor

Sarah Fang

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

At a Glance

Program Dates:

Spring 2026: January 03 - May 12
Fall 2026: August 08 - December 19

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Estimated Cost:

$22,720

Visa Required:

Maybe

Housing:

Homestay

Language of Instruction:

English, Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

2 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

About the Destination

Why Quito?

Quito is perfect for the adventurous soul. With its surrounding mountains, you’re always just a climb away from a breathtaking view of the valley and a bird’s-eye view of the colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city famous. Plus, Quito is a great base for trips to the rainforests and marine habitats that Ecuador is known around the world for. We invite you to Ecuador to improve your Spanish while enjoying all that this amazing country has to offer.

Learn More About Quito

Get to Know Your New City

Stand on the Equator

Choose from more than 1,500 courses in a variety of disciplines.

Climb a Volcano

Enroll in a community-based learning placement.

Try Authentic, Local Cuisine

You’ll have a private room in the home of a family or a señora.

Explore and Unwind in Itchimbia Park

Join IES Abroad field trips to destinations around Ecuador.

The Student Experience

Aidan Darling

Aidan Darling, Dec 18, 2025

My Semester Recap: Highs and Lows

Now that I've been back in the U.S. for a couple weeks, here are my final thoughts about my semester abroad. Highs and lows and everything in between!

Re-Entry Editor's Choice

3 Tips for Handling Illness Abroad

Abroad Must-Haves: Ecuador Edition

View All Blogs

Program Dates

Spring 2026

Program Dates:

January 03 - May 12

Application Deadline:

Oct 9, 2025

Fall 2026

Program Dates:

August 08 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Mar 26, 2026

Academic Year 2026-2027

Program Dates:

Early August - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Mar 26, 2026

Spring 2027

Program Dates:

Early January - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Oct 1, 2026

Academics

Partner Institution

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

A modern institution of higher learning, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (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.

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.

Visit Website

Courses

You will take all of your courses at USFQ (excluding the community-based learning seminar) and enroll in 15 to 19 credits per semester. 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 assessment.  Courses offered are both Spanish-taught and English-taught.

Universidad San Francisco de Quito offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a variety of disciplines; the following are some 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

Visit Website

Search USFQ's course catalog via the link below. Note: When selecting a term, "Primer Semestre" = Fall Semester / "Segundo Semestre" = Spring Semester. Course codes with an 'E' are courses that are English-taught, i.e. "Fundamentals of Marketing 1001E."

View Course Catalog

In addition to your courses at USFQ, you can participate in a community-based learning placement and enroll in IES Abroad's Community-Based Learning Seminar.

NOTE: 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. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

IES Abroad Courses

Community-Based Learning (1)

Course name	Term	Language	Credits
CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar	Fall, Spring	Spanish	4

Requirements

Eligibility Requirements
Application Requirements
Passport & Visa Requirements

18 years of age
In good standing at your home school
2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
2 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent
Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date

Submit Your Online Application

Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

Home School Authorization — Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
Foreign Language Assessment — Fill out and sign the top portion of the PDF form and give the assessment form to a college-level language professor who has taught you in the target language.
USFQ Application — Instructions will be available in your MyIESabroad account.
Photo — Submit a recent photo of yourself (head and shoulders with a plain background). Must be jpeg or pdf format not exceeding 40KB.
Color Passport Copy — Submit your passport signature page and photo page only.
Personal Essay (300-500 words) — Describe how you will benefit both academically and personally from this program, including the connection between your interests and the program’s academic content.
Letter of Recommendation (Optional) — This is only required if you are applying for the LOERI program. Note that only five international students are selected per semester, so this is a competitive process. Learn more about LOERI undergraduate research options.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

Apply Now

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Most U.S. citizens who will only study for a single semester in Ecuador can enter with a Tourist Visa and remain in the country throughout the duration of the program; however, there are certain rare circumstances in which US citizens still may need to apply for a student visa.

Learn more about applying for a student visa for Ecuador.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and  contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

IES Abroad Quito & Galapagos Islands Staff

Ximena Paredes

Interim Center Director

Robert Balfour

Student Affairs Coordinator

Lupe Escobar

Administrative & Activity Coordinator

Maria Cristina López

Student Affairs Coordinator in the Galápagos Islands

Juan Carlos Sanchez

Office Services

Housing

four people including one holding a dog standing in front of a home near bushes

Homestay

Homestay

You have a private, furnished room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito & Galapagos Islands. Homestay hosts provide two meals daily. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels, and laundry is provided too.

Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Quito, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

One student taking a selfie while swimming in the Amazon Rainforest with a group of other students in the distance behind her

4 Days ($) Fall, Spring & Summer

Amazon Rainforest Region

Hike the world's largest and most biologically diverse rainforest with a local guide.

students swimming in Las Grietas on Isla San Santa Cruz

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.

A person wearing traditional Otavalo wear (white shirt, shawl, and skirt) sits with a child wearing a "Keep Calm and Rock On" t-shirt. They are surrounded by handmade quilts and are smiling.

Otavalo, Imbabura

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit one of the most touristic regions in Ecuador. See a beautiful waterfall, volcano crater, and the famous indigenous Otavalo Market. Explore this largely indigenous town where residents are famous for weaving textiles. The “Plaza de los Ponchos” in Otavalo...

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2026

Tuition

17,655

Housing

4,320

Insurance

300

Total

22,275

Spring 2026

Quito Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$17,655
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$4,320
• Option 1: Homestay (21 meals provided per week)	+$0
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$22,275-$22,275

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Required Visa Extension Fee (paid to immigration officials after arrival)	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$500-1,800
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$450
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Homestay (21 meals provided per week)	$0
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$80
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$650-1,950
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,900
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

January 03 - May 12

Application Deadline:

Oct 9, 2025

Estimated Cost:

22,275

Fall 2026

Tuition

18,008

Housing

4,412

Insurance

300

Total

22,720

Fall 2026

Quito Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$18,008
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$4,412
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	+$0
Health Insurance	$300
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$22,720-$22,720

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Learning materials, applicable to some courses	$100
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Visa extension fee, if applicable	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$600-1,00
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$200
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	$360
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$100
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$300
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$650-1,950
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,400
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

August 08 - December 19

Application Deadline:

Mar 26, 2026

Estimated Cost:

22,720

Academic Year 2026-2027

Tuition

36,016

Housing

8,824

Insurance

540

Total

45,380

Academic Year 2026-2027

Quito Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito Academic Year Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition	$36,016
Base Housing (& Meals, if applicable) plus one of the following supplemental fees below:	$8,824
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	+$0
Health Insurance	$540
Total IES Abroad Program Fee (total dependent on housing option selected)	$45,380-$45,380

+

Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition (invoiced by IES Abroad)	Cost
Tuition
Learning materials, applicable to some courses	$100
School of Record transcript (if required)	$475
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply; consulate fees may be subject to change)	Cost
Visa extension fee, if applicable	$150
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$1,000-1,600
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$400
Estimated Groceries for Duration of Program (varies by the number of meals included per week) Students in certain housing options may require less groceries based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans
• Option 1: Homestay (14 meals provided per week)	+$720
Estimated Costs for Dining Out (based on one meal out per week) Students in certain housing options may require more meals out based on personal preferences and number of meals included in meal plans	$190
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$60-300
Local Transportation	$600
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$650-3,900
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$4,800
Total Other Estimated Expenses

= Total Estimated Budget:

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars
Estimated expenses are based on calculations and exchange rates at the time of printing
These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee
Estimated meal and grocery expenses are accessed from numbeo.com/cost-of-living/; costs of meals and groceries may vary based on your own spending habits
Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: additional meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), taxis, social activities and entertainment, toiletries, and laundry
Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad
The IES Abroad program fee does not include financial aid

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ obtain their visa
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location

Program Dates:

Early August - Mid May

Application Deadline:

Mar 26, 2026

Estimated Cost:

45,380

Spring 2027

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

Orientation

Health & Safety

With 75 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 which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in your program cost to highly trained local staff who can connect you with English-speaking healthcare providers, we work around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

CISI International Health Insurance

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.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.