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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.
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!
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.
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!
Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ).
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 (4 credits).
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.
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:
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."
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.
| Course name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad.
The IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a modern building near the financial district in Quito. Whether you’re walking through the city’s largest historic park, La Parque Carolina, or looking for a place to study with friends, the Center is your study abroad hub.
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.
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.
Hike the world's largest and most biologically diverse rainforest with a local guide.
Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos Islands, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.
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...
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 and economic 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 offered at the IES Abroad Center you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.
Possible placements may include organizations focusing on:
We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.
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.
Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.
No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.
If your weekend plans are ever dashed by the rain, here are some cheap and cozy ways to pass a rainy day in Granada!
What led me to decide to study abroad in Cape Town.
Come on a trip to Cóborda with me!
