Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is considered one of the most beautiful regions in Latin America. Located in the Andean mountains at the foot of Mount Pichincha 9200 feet above sea level. Quito has a spring-like climate all year. Beautifully preserved colonial churches, convents, palaces, and other buildings of note contrast with the contemporary architecture of modern Quito, a cosmopolitan city of great cultural diversity. Quito has been designated the Heritage of Mankind by the United Nations. From Quito, you can travel by frequent buses to Andean Indian markets, remote jungle towns and warm Pacific beaches. In fact, starting from Quito, you can get to most points in this tropical country in less than a day.
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a four-year liberal arts institution with approximately 3,000 students, ten percent of whom are international students. The Ecuadorian government recognizes USFQ as one of Ecuador's leading institutions of higher learning. USFQ opened in 1988 and is located in the beautiful suburb of Cumbayá, a short ride from the city's center.
Students in the CCIS programs in Quito develop Spanish language skills through study and cultural immersion. Students also learn first-hand about contemporary issues and trends in Latin America.
Courses offered at universities in Ecuador often feature a teaching/learning arrangement that is different from that which is used at institutions of higher learning in the United States. However, doing things the "Ecuadorian way" is a valuable aspect of the cross-cultural learning objective of this program.
Students can study at USFQ for two months during the summer, a semester, or academic year during the fall and/or spring. A variety of courses are offered at USFQ for students who have a solid background in Spanish. Students (who are not native speakers) are required to have completed at least two years of college-level Spanish prior to enrolling in the program. Students are test and placed in language classes after arrival in Quito. Semester students enroll in four or five courses. Check with the program advisor at the College of Staten Island for the most recent information.
The program is designed for students who wish to study Spanish in an intensive format and who wish to explore the world of the Andes. All courses are taught in Spanish; therefore, students should have advanced Spanish language proficiency before enrolling in semester programs. Course offerings vary each semester. Recommended core courses include: Andean History, Art in Hispanic Quito, Latin American History, Spanish Composition, Spanish Conversation, Cultural Anthropology, Drama, History of Ecuador, Introduction to Latin American Issues, People of the Andes, Rural and Urban Sociology, and Tropical Ecology.
Fall: August 14 - December 19, 2012
Spring: January 5 - May 16, 2013
Fall: April 15
Spring: October 15
Fall 2012 $8,900
Spring 2013 $9,237
CUNY Students contact the College of Staten Island for more information.
Instructional costs abroad, field trip, administrative fees, pre-departure and on-site orientations,
airport pickup, sickness and accident insurance.
Airfare ($500-$800), room & partial board (Fall 2012: $2,267, Spring 2013:$2,318), books ($50-$100), personal costs ($150-$500), visa ($0-$100), and lunches ($50-$100 per month).
All program participants live with Ecuadorian host families. This arrangement gives each
participant the opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture first-hand. Students gain support in
the new country from interaction with the family while following the host family's customs
including: eating meals, respecting host norms, and being sensitive to Ecuadorian culture.
Student Services
Library & Bookstore
Computer Labs & Internet Access
Advisory Services
Heath & Safety Services
Field Trip & Excursions
In addition to tours of Quito, field trips within Ecuador are organized during the semester.
Students are placed with local families in Quito. Students will need to travel daily to the USFQ campus from their host family's home via public transportation.
"The classes at USFQ were good. They weren't scaled down so that the international students had an easy time and the native students were bored, they were regular classes. However, at the same time, the teachers were sensitive to the fact that Spanish wasn't our first language. Students and teachers alike were helpful and interested in the international students' viewpoints, and were always willing to help. I learned a lot about the subjects I took."
- Kristen Wilson
"The faculty at USFQ was interested in interacting with the students and the class trips were insightful into Ecuadorian culture as well as the biodiversity of the country itself."
- Annmarie Pizutti
Chris Tingue
College of Staten Island/CUNY
Center for International Service
Building 2A, Room 206
2800 Victory Blvd.
Staten Island, NY 10314
1-718-982-2100
1-718-982-2108 (Fax)
StudyAB@csi.cuny.edu
http://www.csi.cuny.edu/international
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CCIS Online Application & Instructions
CCIS Online Student Recommendation
Students: DO NOT send the student recommendation form to your evaluators as an attachment. Please only send the page URL. The student recommendation form can be found under the "Apply Now" tab.
Students from CCIS member institutions apply through home campus; students from non-member institutions apply through Broome Community College/SUNY or other appropriate CCIS member institutions.
All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Please contact the appropriate individual to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program.
CCIS Quito, Ecuador Study Program Sponsor:
College of Staten Island/CUNY
Ann Helm, Director
The Center for International Service
© 2012-2013 College Consortium for International Studies
2000 P Street, NW, Suite 503 Washington, DC 20036
Phone 800-453-6956 or 202-223-0330
Fax 202-223-0999
info@ccisabroad.org