Semester Abroad in Ecuador

Studying in Ecuador

Enjoy a full immersion Spanish program in the highest capital in the world (Quito) or swim with the penguins in the Galapagos Islands while studying marine biology or sustainability. Linfield partners with University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) in Ecuador to offer two program sites, both of which provide the chance to live with a local host family and experience Ecuadorian culture, as well as amazing trips around Ecuador.

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“Almost every person living in the Galapagos Islands is aware of their fragile environment in which they live in and they respect nature and other living organisms. Living in the Galapagos Islands for 3 months was truly a blessing, and an amazing opportunity. I cannot wait to return.”

—Joey Gale ‘14

Program Details

• Program

  University of San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Quito:

  • A full Spanish immersion program located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
  • Spend a semester living in Andes! Quito is a bustling and historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site of approximately 1.69 million located at an altitude of over 9000 feet. 
  • Explore with USFQ's Office of International Programs, which organizes excursions around Ecuador, including to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon. 
  • Immerse yourself in the Spanish language with your host family and by joining one of USFQ's student clubs.

  
  Galapagos Academic Institute of the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), San Cristobal Island (Galapagos)

  • An English language program that features hands-on classes and field trips, based in the Galapagos Islands, with an introduction month in Quito. 
  • Experience Ecuadorian culture and the opportunity to live in one of the most unique and amazing places on Earth.
  • Excursions to Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuadorian highlands and cloud forest included, as well as tour of the Galapagos Islands. 
  • Learn about ecology, marine biology and sustainable tourism, as well as Ecuadorian culture, while also having the opportunity to conduct hands-on research.

• Academics

  USFQ: 

  • USFQ  Quito Academics
  • Students take regular university classes taught in Spanish with Ecuadorian and other international students.
  • Small class sizes, similar to Linfield.

  GAIAS: 

  • GAIAS Academics
  • Tracks of study include Human Ecology and Marine Communities, Evolutionary Biology, Native and Introduced Plants, Population Ecology and Marine Life. Each track normally includes 5 intensive courses, taught in English in three-week modules.

• Dates

  • Fall semester (late Aug to mid-Dec) or spring semester (early Jan through mid-May)
  • Students majoring in Spanish may study a full academic year at USFQ

• Additional Requirements and Recommendations

  • B average in Spanish language courses
  • It is highly recommended that students take TCCA 230 (Intercultural Communication: Global Perspectives).

  Specific to Quito:

  • Minimum 2 years of college Spanish

  Specific to GAIAS:

  • Minimum 1 year of Spanish
  • One course each of biology and ecology is required for the "Evolution, Ecology, & Conservation" track and "Marine Ecology" track

• Housing

  • Students live with host families in both programs.

• Cost

  • Cost Sheet
  • Scholarship Information

• Other Information

  • Program Brochure
  • USFQ Information Booklet (PDF) - on safety, suggested budgets, student guides, etc.
  • GAIAS Information Booklet (PDF) - on safety, suggested budgets, student guides, etc.
  • Student Blogs

Study Abroad Application - Download and Complete (Requires CatNet ID)

Travel to Ecuador through the words of our students

Voices from abroad

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