IES Abroad: Quito - IES Abroad in Quito
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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 think it was a very formative experience for me and I'll always have an affection for Ecuador because of my time there. It's definitely something I'll remember for the rest of my life. Additionally, the ability to live completely in Spanish was essential to improving my Spanish to basically fluent and giving me confidence in ... A student - Rice University View Entire Review
I crossed some amazing locations off my bucket list and became inspired to pursue a career in environmentalism. It was 100% worthwhile. Nile M - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the lasting impacts of colonialism and capitalism enacted by the Global North on the Global South and how local environmental issues are so closely tied to global political and economic issues. I was also able to make some incredible friends, especially in my host families, that I hope to have lasting relat... A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Not only was able to improve upon my Spanish and gain invaluable skills for my future but I had some of the most incredible travel experiences that I will never forget. It was beyond worthwhile and it's all I can talk about Talia - University of Redlands View Entire Review
I was able to travel extensively, become fluent in Spanish, study ecology in a megadiverse country and take incredible literature courses. Samuel Lieb - Brandeis University 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
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
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 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
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
It was absolutely worthwhile -- I learned to guide my own experiences and practice trying new things in a completely new environment. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
As someone who identifies as Ecuadorian, this experience taught me more about my culture and gave me the opportunity to live in it. I also gained research experience through one of my classes and got to strengthen my spanish. Daphne B - Brandeis University View Entire Review
My Spanish skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) all improved phenomenally! I now consider myself fluent. My public speaking skills and self confidence soared as well. A student - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
Yes it was very worth while. I grew a lot as a person in terms of confidence and cultural awareness. My Spanish also improved a lot. A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
It's hard to put into words what I gained from my experience because I feel like I don't totally understand everything I learned there yet. Obviously I learned a lot about a different country and culture, and the knowledge I obtained in my classes. But I think I am still figuring out the personal growth aspect of my experience. ... A student - Trinity University 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
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 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
Excellent language skills; high level of cultural interaction and appreciation; very worthwhile! Aran - University of Virginia 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
About
Programs in Quito:
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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.
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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.
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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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