Quito Summer - Environmental Studies | IES Abroad

Quito Summer - Environmental Studies

This program is temporarily suspended for Summer 2021. Explore our other study abroad programs for 2021, as well as details on our health & safety protocols, travel guidelines, refund policy, and more.

Summer 2021

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to cautiously assess how we can deliver safe, quality programming this summer.

While some of the details of this program may need to shift for Summer 2021—such as housing and field trips, based on changing travel/quarantine regulations—you can rest assured knowing that the essence of this program will stay the same, including the academic focus and the opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom.

As always, every decision we make for this term will be guided by our Students First philosophy, which puts you, your well-being, and your academic and personal growth at the forefront. Our advice? Give yourself the chance to study abroad this summer by submitting an application, and know that we’re planning for all of the what if’s so you can have a safe, healthy, and study abroad-filled summer. We and our refund policy have your back.

Why Quito?

Although Ecuador is only about the size of Colorado, it is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet. Four ecoregions—the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands—offer a wealth of flora and fauna that attract biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world. In addition to the country’s natural riches, Quito is an architectural jewel known for the warmth and hospitality of its residents.

What You'll Study

This program allows you to study issues of environmental management and preservation, while exploring Ecuador’s rich ecology. You focus on Ecosystems, Conservation, and Public Policy while also improving your Spanish language skills. During the first four weeks of the program, you will be based in Quito, taking courses at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), a private university located in the Quiteño suburb of Cumbaya. You'll then spend the remaining three weeks on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos, studying at USFQ’s remote campus, the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), and enjoying extensive course-related trips.

All Environmental Studies courses are taught in English, and previous Spanish study is not required.

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Daily Life

We want you to feel at home in Quito, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into life in the city. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible.

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. Our world-class professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

You enroll in one required Spanish language course and two Environmental Studies courses.

Courses

These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.

Anthropology
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
ES/AN 367 - Ecological Anthropology	Summer	Spanish	3

Environmental Studies
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
ES 330 - Environmental Issues: Conservation and Public Policy in Ecuador	Summer	English	3
ES 360 - Ecuadorian Ecosystems	Summer	English	3
ES/AN 367 - Ecological Anthropology	Summer	Spanish	3

Spanish
Course Name	Term	Language	Credits
SP 201 - Basic Intensive Spanish	Summer	Spanish	3
SP 301 - Intermediate Intensive Spanish	Summer	Spanish	3
SP 351 - Advanced Intensive Spanish	Summer	Spanish	3

Field Trips & Events

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. Here are a few possible destinations.

Amazon Rainforest Region
4 Days | Summer
Hike the world's largest and most biologically diverse rainforest with a local guide.

Otavalo
1 Day | Summer
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,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 Ecuador 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 include intercultural understanding, personal safety, practical aspects of life in Quito, and cultural, political, and economic issues in Ecuador.

Additionally, CORE™, IES Abroad’s Comprehensive Orientation & Re-entry Experience, begins during orientation and continues throughout the summer 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 Ecuador, 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.

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.

Term: Summer 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Summer 2021	$6,325	$2,020	$135	$8,480

Scholarships & Aid

Program-Specific Scholarships

Summer Need-Based Financial Aid

Up to $1,000

Open to students who apply to and attend an IES Abroad or IES Internships summer program.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:

Level of financial need as determined from infromation provided on the application. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

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$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

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Our Center

While in Quito, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Quito Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your experience.

Situated near the financial district, the IES Abroad Quito 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 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 Community-Based Learning classes at USFQ. Tania has traveled and worked around the world, spending nearly 20 years devoted to NGOs.

IES Abroad Quito Staff

Ximena Paredes
Student Affairs Coordinator in Quito

Maria Cristina López
Student Affairs Coordinator in Galápagos

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.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

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!

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