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Quito Summer - Environmental Studies
$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. 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 English-taught Environmental Studies courses.
Courses
These courses are taught at the IES Abroad Center by local faculty.
| 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 |
| 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
Even though your adventure starts in Quito and the Galápagos Islands, course-related trips and an extra-curricular field trip take you beyond the campus to discover the cultures and traditions of your host country. Here are a few possible destinations.
Galápagos Islands
4 Days | Summer
Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.
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.
Polylepis Forest
2 Days | Summer
The Polylepis Forest is a bright colored forest with about 15 evergreen tree species that are characterized by gnarled shapes. During this visit, you will also have the opportunity to visit Riobamba as well as Chimborazo, an inactive volcano and the highest mountain in Ecuador.
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 | Tuition | Housing | Insurance | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2020 | $6,325 | $2,020 | $135 |
$8,480 |
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
Summer Need-Based Financial Aid
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
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
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 spring—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!
AT A GLANCE
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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.
