Ecuador: Quito Semester

Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito

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.

Course Offerings

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.

 

Student Life

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.

Alumni Feedback

"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

 

Duration

Fall: August 20-December 21, 2008
Spring: January 3-May 17, 2008

Application Deadline(s)

Fall: March 15
Spring: October 15

Eligibility Requirements

• 2.5 GPA or higher
• Official transcripts
• 4 semesters of College level Spanish
• 2 letters of recommendation for Semester
• 1 letter of recommendation for Winter and Summer Programs
• Statement of purpose
• Students must be 18 years

Costs

Fall 2008: $6,485
Spring 2009: $6,500

Costs Included

Instructional costs abroad, field trip, administrative fees, pre-departure and on-site orientations,
airport pickup, sickness and accident insurance.

Costs Not Included

Airfare ($600-$800), room & partial board ($1,700), books ($50-$150), personal costs ($200-$500), visa ($0-$100), lunches ($50-$100 per month), and school of record fee-Non CUNY/CCIS only ($300).

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.

Related Links

• Wikipedia Quito, Ecuador

 

Submit Application Materials To:

Deborah Stengle

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@mail.csi.cuny.edu
http://www.csi.cuny.edu/international

How do I apply?

Start the CCIS Study Abroad application process by downloading and printing the following forms. These PDF documents are viewed using Adobe's Acrobat Reader plug-in, which is available free. If you don't have Acrobat Reader installed on your computer, click here.

Note: 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.

CCIS APPLICATION PACKAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS

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.