What is the Ecuador Study and Intern Latin American Studies Track all about?
Ecuador Study and Intern allows you to earn credits towards your degree while studying at Universidad de Cuenca in Ecuador. Additionally, you will have the chance to improve your Spanish language skills by living with a homestay family and taking a language course (based on your current level of Spanish). You will also venture into the local community for your internship. The Latin America Studies Track is a great way to explore the country of Ecuador and enrich your knowledge of the culture and its traditions!
Study and intern abroad on the Latin American Studies Track and combine coursework with an immersive internship on a grassroots community project in Cuenca twice a week. Depending on your goals and interests, your project may include interning in NGO management or working at an equine-assisted therapy center with children with a broad range of attention or learning difficulties.
Combine study abroad with real-world experience by interning in-country, complementing your studies in a different kind of way!
If your degree leans towards conservation or the environment, please check out this track instead.
Why Choose This Ecuador Study and Intern Program?
By studying abroad through Kaya, you can earn up to 12 credits towards your degree, complete an internship, 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. Because the experience combines living and studying abroad with an immersive internship, you will inevitably grow as a student and 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 one of Ecuador’s university, you will live in Cuenca. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you will arrive in Quito and quarantine for 5 days outside of Quito. There, you will start your classes and attend a virtual orientation and a series of cultural sessions – so you can expect the time to fly by. If you arrive with other volunteers or interns at the same time, you’ll do this together as part of a pod!
What classes can you take? History of Ecuador and Latin America Natural + Natural Heritage of Ecuador + Cultural Heritage of Ecuador + Spanish Class (based on your language level).
On the fifth day, you will take a PCR test, and after testing negative, you will be driven to Cuenca and your host family. You will be given a city tour of Cuenca so that you can get your bearings. During your time in Cuenca, you will be offered the chance to participate in two social activities each month and two excursions in order to help you explore the area.
Intern Abroad Details
Twice a week, you will participate in a wonderful community project internship within Cuenca. We have a number of options available, including NGO Management. Another option is to work at an equine therapy center helping children with learning disabilities. If you have specific goals or interests, please speak to our Placement Advisors because there are a variety of grassroots projects available in the city that might suit you.
RECRUITING NOW FOR FALL 2021
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
REQUIREMENTS
The requirements to join the Ecuador Study and Intern program are:
• Minimum GPA: 2.5
• Academic Reference
• Personal Statement
• Transcript
A Kaya representative will contact you upon application to get these materials. In order to establish your level of Spanish, you will be required to take a Spanish placement test to be evaluated and placed accordingly.
FEATURED VIDEO
Where will I study while in Ecuador?
About the Location
Ecuador has an amazing history extending over an 8000-year period from the Pre-Columbia era to the now Republic of Ecuador, not to mention the Conquest era and the Colonial Period. Not only for its history, but the country’s mega-biodiversity makes it a great place to visit. During your time in Ecuador, you’ll study abroad at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cuenca, located in the highlands of Ecuador. Cuenca is the third-largest city of Ecuador and the economic center of the southern sierra region. Cuenca is located at about 2,560 metres (8,400 feet) above sea level. It is known for its rich colonial architecture as well as a wealthy intellectual, philosophical and art culture. Cuenca’s breathtaking scenery, colorful festivals and distinct food make it a popular place to visit. While studying, you will enjoy spring-like weather as temperatures never go beyond highs of 70s F and lows of 50s F. The mountainous views from the city are astonishing and you are sure to fall in love with it!
Accommodation
During your quarantine, you will be accommodated in a house right outside Quito as part of a pod with other students joining the Study and Intern Abroad program. While studying in Cuenca, you will be able to experience the Ecuadorian lifestyle to its fullest by living with a host family.
What to do in your spare time
During your time studying in Cuenca, you will have the chance to attend local concerts, cooking and salsa classes. As part of your program, we will also organize two excursions including the Parque Nacional El Cajas and the thermal waters of Baños de Cuenca.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 4 months
- Cost: $11165 for a total of 4 months abroad
*payments in USD - Requirements: Minimum GPA: 2.5 - Academic Reference - Personal Statement - Transcript
- Location: Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador
- Working hours: Depends on class schedule
- Project availability: Fall and 2022
- Arrival day: Fall - End of August arrival date in country (apply by mid July). End date Mid January - Spring - January arrival date in country (apply by early December). End date late May.
What is included
Study abroad
- Accommodation: volunteer house during 5 days quarantine and host family during your study abroad experience.
- Meals: 3 meals daily
- Airport: pick-up in Quito and drop-off in Guayaquil
- Courses: 4 courses at Universidad de Cuenca. One is a language course
- Excursions and activities
- Internet access
- Official transcript and grade report
- Support: 24-hour support
- Excursion Planning: staff helps organize weekend activities (extra fees may apply)
- Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation, project induction provided, Fundraising Guide
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Vaccinations
- Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests required pre-departure, in-country and upon re-entry
Pictures from Ecuador Study and Intern – Latin American Studies Track
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Click here to apply online and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
Combine study abroad and intern this fall or spring in Ecuador
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Take part in a Psychology and Social Work Internship in Ecuador and develop your skills and gain experience abroad
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Take part in a NGO Management Internship in Ecuador and develop your skills and gain experience abroad
wishlistRemove from
wishlist
Take part in a Social Justice Internship in Ecuador and help combat causes you care about
wishlistRemove from
wishlist