- Quito, Ecuador
You are here
$5 Million in Financial Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s 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.
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
USFQ offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a variety of disciplines. You take all of your courses at USFQ (excluding internship and service learning seminars) and carry 15 to 19 credits per semester. You are required to take a Spanish language course and 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 Scienes
- Spanish Language
In addition to your courses at USFQ, you can participate in a service learning placement and enroll in the IES Abroad seminar, IN/SL395 Internship and Service Learning Seminar (4 credits).
Courses
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/IN 395 - Internship and Service Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
| Course Name | Term | Language | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| SL/IN 395 - Internship and Service Learning Seminar | Fall, Spring | Spanish | 4 |
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 and economic 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
Advising & Support
In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.
Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Quito, our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), you have access to on-site IES Abroad staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.
Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is there for you.
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; the Otavalo and Mitad del Mundo trips are included in the program cost. 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.
Mitad del Mundo
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Straddle the equator and enjoy views of beautiful snow-capped mountains.
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.
Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, 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 is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, 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.
You also receive language instruction to familiarize you with the colloquial use of Spanish in Ecuador.
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.
As part of our direct enrollment services, we offer well-located, comfortable housing for all students, because securing housing independently can be challenging. IES Abroad’s housing options reflect the local student culture and meet our safety and security standards.
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
You can join a number of clubs through USFQ’s extensive extracurricular program. Past students have participated in a film club, an ecology club, the school’s many sports teams, and the Ecuabuddies program. Academic and cultural events are presented at the university each week and are open to you as an IES Abroad student.
Get to Know Your New City
Travel via bus to the place where the northern and southern hemispheres meet and stand at the middle of the Earth.
Stroll the streets to get a feel for the city and see the historically charming architecture.
Trek to the top of Volcano Pichincha just outside the city for beautiful views of Quito and its surrounding landscapes.
From grilled plantains to freshly-squeezed juices, your taste buds will thank you.
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
Contact a Past Participant
From budgeting tips to housing insight, 500+ IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad experiences and advice.
