What is the Ecuador Study and Intern Latin American Studies Track all about?
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, translation at the museum, youth development or working at an equine-assisted therapy center for children with 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 Semester 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?
Semester 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. You will arrive in Quito and stay at a hostel for 5 days for orientation, before taking a local flight to Cuenca where you will meet your host family. You will be given a city tour of Cuenca, giving you the chance to familiarize yourself with your new home. During your time in the city, you will be offered the chance to participate in two social activities each month, and two excursions, as well as join a weekly volunteer placement working with locals in the community.
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).
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, translation work at the museum, youth development projects and even an equine therapy center helping children with learning disabilities. If you have specific goals or interests, please speak to our Placement Advisors, as there are a variety of grassroots projects available in the city that might align with your skills and interests.
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
On arrival, you will be accommodated in a hostel in Quito, while we take part in orientation and excursions. While studying in Cuenca, you will be able to experience the Ecuadorian lifestyle to its fullest by living with a host family.
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: Study Abroad 4 months
- Cost: $12520 for a total of 16 weeks 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 Spring Semesters
- Arrival day: Spring 2023: January 13th arrival date in country (Apply by December 1) Fall 2023: August 25th arrival date in country (Apply by July 1st)
What is included
Study abroad
- Accommodation: Quito hostel for 4 nights and host family during your study abroad experience.
- Meals: 2 meals daily
- Airport: pick-up and drop off in Quito and Cuenca
- Flights: Round trip from Quito to Cuenca
- 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
- International 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.
Join Kaya's whale and dolphin conservation internship on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador to protect habitats and species.
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Combine study abroad and intern this fall or spring in Ecuador
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Combine study abroad and service-learning this fall or spring in Ecuador
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Combine study abroad and intern this fall or spring in Ecuador
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