Ecuador Semester Abroad: Environmental Science & Conservation

What is the Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern – Environmental Science and Conservation Track all about?

Spend a semester studying abroad and interning through the Universidad de Cuenca in Ecuador. Improve your Spanish by living with a homestay family and taking a language course based on your current skill level. In addition to that, take 3 classes taught in English so you can earn credits towards your degree and progress your education, all while exploring and enriching your knowledge of another culture.

Combine study abroad with real-world experience by spending two immersive weeks interning at an Amazon wildlife center or at a marine conservation foundation on the Pacific coast!

If your degree is focused on Latin American Studies, please check out our Latin American Studies track here!

Why Choose This Ecuador Study Abroad and Intern Program?

By studying abroad through Kaya, you can earn credits towards your degree, progress your studies, and immerse yourself in a new culture. The Study and Intern Abroad program in Ecuador will take you further in your language-learning journey and add another dimension to your resume. This experience combines living and studying abroad with an internship abroad, allowing you to grow both as a student and a global citizen. Plus, why not explore and enrich your knowledge in your own way, rather than following your home university curriculum!

Study Abroad Details

While you take 4 courses and earn up to 12 credits at Universidad de Cuenca, you will live in the beautiful city of Cuenca. You will arrive in Quito and stay at a hostel for 4 days attending orientations and excursions, before taking a flight to Cuenca the following week. 

What classes can you take? 1 Spanish Class (based on your language level)., plus the following 3 classes;  – Natural Heritage of Ecuador – World Agriculture and Food Problems – Structure and Functions of Plants, Forestry and Society.

Intern Abroad Details

Complement your studies by completing a two-week internship either on the Pacific Coast or in the Amazon. 

Wildlife Internship

Spend two weeks at a Wildlife Rescue Center near Puyo, Ecuador. There you will have the opportunity to intern and interact with amazing and diverse species rescued from animal trafficking or abuse cases. Whenever possible, the center works on rehabilitating the animals rescued and releasing them back into the wild. You will have the opportunity to learn about Ecuador’s biodiversity and help care for the animals at the center. You will be on the front lines at the wildlife center, feeding, cleaning, repairing enclosures, or creating enrichment activities. If you are interested in veterinary science, let us know, because you may be able to learn from the resident veterinarian on-site as well.

Marine Internship (*only available in the fall)

For those interested in marine science and conservation, spend two weeks in Puerto Lopez; a small fishing town on the central coast of Ecuador. You will work with a foundation carrying out research and conservation work in Machalilla National Park. The foundation is carrying out a number of research projects focused on the status, threats and conservation of dolphins and whales. You will assist with the collection of images for monitoring and identification purposes, input data and deliver outreach activities. Note that this internship is only available with the fall start date, and you will complete your internship prior to commencing your studies in Cuenca.

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