IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands
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Sit back, relax, and dream about the adventures that await you in Ecuador. First, imagine exploring Quito’s vibrant neighborhoods and admiring the beautiful colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, pict... read more
All Reviews
I gained an appreciation of language and latino culture! This program was the best choice I could have ever made. Kira Demitrus - University of South Carolina - Columbia View Entire Review
The Galapagos is one of the most unique places ever!!! Definitely visit!! Naomi Tsai - Colorado College View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile. I learned that there are great people everywhere, and that the people you're with can make all the difference in how much you enjoy what you're doing. My love for Latin America was increased tenfold, and my understanding of the beauty and diversity of nature as well. I was reminded of how important ... Isabella - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
This experience was perhaps one of the most worthwile things I have ever done in my life. I didn't merely learn what was on my class syllabus, but also gained a deeper understanding of the culture, from history to political situation to social customs. I was able to explore so many incredible, amazing places that I may never aga... Aynsley O - Brandeis University View Entire Review
As the title of my post suggests, I encountered numerous challenges while abroad. Not every day was a dream vacation. Looking back though, I learned and grew from every challenge. Who knows- I may never have an opportunity like this again, so I am so thankful that I took it. I became incredibly close to my host family, and still... Dakota - Trinity University View Entire Review
Spanish skills, adopted a new culture, experience traveling, being independent and learning how to work things out. Adrien L - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned to live a simpler life and be more independent Celia Martin - Connecticut College View Entire Review
I learned that there are so many incredible people in the world! I witnessed a huge tragedy, being so close to the epicenter of a 7.8 earthquake that wiped out a large part of the coast of Ecuador. My friends and I had extreme luck to have survived, and through our journey back to Quito, we encountered so many people who were mo... Tanya Silverstein - Temple University View Entire Review
My experience increased my world view drastically. Living in a different country for an extended amount of time really immersed me in the culture and the way of life. My classes were also extremely interesting and informative. The experience was definitely worthwhile both for the fun experience as well as for my future career fi... Damani Eubanks - University of Rochester View Entire Review
I learned more spanish than I expected. Marcella M - Trinity University View Entire Review
I really improved my Spanish skills and visited some amazing places. I also learned to be more independent which was useful. Definitely worthwhile. Leah L - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about many things, and it was definitely interesting. Josh H - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who is interested in Environmental Studies or Biology; I believe those specifically interested in Ecology or the Galapagos would benefit immensely from this program. It is also a good program for those who do not want to miss a semester at their home institution by studying abr... A student - Tufts University View Entire Review
During my semester abroad and even after my return, I learned that no matter what new environment I find myself in, I could build on and integrate my past life experiences to enrich my present endeavors, and guide any plan of action for the future. Although I was living within a very different culture where the people interacted... Maddy Quirke-Shattuck - Connecticut College View Entire Review
I learned a lot from my peers at the university, and loved Ecuador. The experience outside of IES was worth is, but IES Quito itself was really problematic and has some serious systemic issues. A student - Anonymous University View Entire Review
Totally worthwhile! I gain life long friendships, memories, and skills. Studying abroad, especially somewhere like ecuador is truly life changing! Becca - Elmhurst University View Entire Review
I learned so much about myself with becoming more independent, I learned different fieldwork techniques and was able to apply all the information i learned at my home university about marine science to a new ecosystem A student - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
I gained a new language, new friends, new knowledge, experiences that were once in a lifetime, new skills, hobbies, and cultural knowledge. That question is silly at this point. HELL YEAH it was worthwhile! Xavier Nelson - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I gained many friends and I learned a lot more Spanish which was my main goal A student - Wofford College View Entire Review
I learned about myself and what I need to be happy. I learned about another culture that I didn't know much about before. I gained confidence in speaking Spanish. It was definitely worthwhile. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
See previous question. Yes, of course. Katie Harvey - University of Rochester View Entire Review
Excellent language skills; high level of cultural interaction and appreciation; very worthwhile! Aran - University of Virginia View Entire Review
The overall experience was worthwhile, it's what you put into it. I learned the significance of balancing outside life with school/program obligations Ryan T - The University of Texas at Austin View Entire Review
I gained cultural perspectives and language skills. It was worthwhile to say the least. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I gained new experiences and memories which really matured me to take on more responsibility. Now I feel like I can plan more adventures because the whole experience was all just one spontaneous moment after another. Bri R - Tufts University View Entire Review
About
Sit back, relax, and dream about the adventures that await you in Ecuador. First, imagine exploring Quito’s vibrant neighborhoods and admiring the beautiful colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, picture yourself studying the ecological diversity of the Galápagos Islands, standing on the equator in Mitad del Mundo, and hiking the mountain rainforest in Loja Province. Pack your bags now—South America awaits you.
Programs in Quito:
Programs in Quito:
- Quito - Area Studies & Language: With a population of nearly 1.6 million people, Quito is a vibrant and modern city that is famous for its beautiful colonial Spanish architecture. It is also the capital of Ecuador—one of the most biologically varied countries in the world. Come to Quito and immerse yourself in the local language and cultures as you focus your studies on Ecuador’s ecological and ethnic diversity and the challenges of development. If you’re interested in improving your Spanish language skills, this program offers you the opportunity to rapidly strengthen your Spanish through a rigorous language course taught by IES Abroad. You select the remainder of your courses from options available at IES Abroad and prestigious local universities, such as Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) and Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLACSO). You can also enroll in an internship or service learning placement during your time in Quito, which will help you add international work experiece to your résumé, or help you understand the city’s social issues first-hand.
- Quito Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito: Quito is perfect for the adventurous soul. With its surrounding mountains, you’re always just a climb away from a breathtaking view of the valley and from a bird’s-eye view of the colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city famous. Plus, Quito is a great base for trips to the rainforests and marine habitats that make Ecuador famous around the world. We invite you to Ecuador to improve your Spanish while enjoying all that this amazing country has to offer. While in Quito, directly enroll at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and take the majority of your courses at the University alongside local students. Because USFQ offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a wide variety of disciplines, students with almost any academic interest can find exciting and challenging enrollment options.
- Quito Summer - Environmental Studies: Although Ecuador is only about the size of Colorado, it is one of the most ecologically diverse countries on the planet. Four eco-regions—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. Based in Quito and featuring three weeks of course-related excursions in the Galápagos Islands, this program allows you to study issues of environmental management and preservation, while exploring Ecuador’s rich ecology. The program is organized in cooperation with the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). All Environmental Studies courses are taught in English, and previous Spanish study is not required.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Spanish Language, Literature
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- Economics
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
Minimum GPA:
2.75Website
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