Ecuador: Quito Summer

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.

Course Offerings

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.

In the four-week programs offered in January and July, students are introduced to Ecuador by combining intensive Spanish language and Ecuadorian culture study with home-stay arrangements and organized field trips. Students enroll in two courses for six to eight credits. Spanish instruction places a heavy emphasis upon oral communication and uses an interactive methodology. CCIS students receive personalized attention in the small classes ranging from two to eight students.

 

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, a field trip within Ecuador is organized during the four-week summer program.

Alumni Feedback

"I went to a mountain city called Guaranda for 5 days. We had the Carnival holiday this past weekend, and my family is from Guaranda, which is fortunate because Guaranda is known as the best party in Ecuador for carnival. And the reason for this was quite clear. Everyday there were parades, water balloons flying through the air, people chasing me with squirt guns, buckets of water being thrown of balconies and rooftops drenching me and other unsuspecting victims as we walked under the water trap, street dances at night, and one night by 11pm I was soaked in water, had egg and flour all over my face and in my hair, soy sauce smeared on my cheeks, vino de fruta splashed on my clothes, and then it started raining and the streets starting having little rivers of water running over our feet!!! To make it a bit worse, the sky was filled with clouds and it started raining, it was very chilly, but all part of the experience."
- Joy Adams

 

Duration

Summer May 26-July 25, 2008
May 23-July 23, 2009

Application Deadline(s)

March 15

Eligibility Requirements

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

Costs

Summer 2008: $4,020

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 ($870), 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

Note: Students from CCIS member institutions apply through home campus. Students from non-member institutions apply through College of Staten Island/CUNY or other appropriate CCIS member institution.

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.

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.