What is the Ecuador Study and Intern Latin American Studies Track all about?
Ecuador Summer Study Abroad is a great way to earn credits towards your degree whilst immersing yourself in a new culture and developing your language skills.
The Latin America Studies Track gives you the chance to explore Ecuador, enrich your knowledge of its history and traditions, all while furthering your education.
Study abroad for 8 weeks on the Latin American Studies Track and combine coursework with a service project on a grassroots community project in Cuenca once 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.
You also have the option to extend your stay, and combine study abroad with real-world work experience by interning in a number of organizations around Ecuador for 1 month after your classes, 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 The Summer Ecuador Study and Intern Program?
By studying abroad through Kaya, you can earn up to 6 credits towards your degree, enhance your resume, improve your Spanish, and explore the beauty of Ecuador. Living and studying abroad allows you to grow as both a student and a global citizen!
Study Abroad Details
You will take 2 classes, each worth 3 credits, at the University de Cuenca. Whilst studying, you will stay with a host family located in the city of Cuenca. You will arrive in Quito on Friday for Orientation and an excursion and an introduction to Ecuadorian language and culture, 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? Take a Spanish language class (based on your language level) then choose one of the following: – History of Ecuador and Latin America – Natural Heritage of Ecuador – Cultural Heritage of Ecuador.
Intern Abroad Details
You can also opt to extend your stay and Intern in Ecuador. We have a number of internship options available around the country, including Education, NGO Management, youth development projects and other social and environmental placements. If you have specific goals or interests, please speak to one of our Placement Advisors, as there are a variety of grassroots projects available 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 8000-years from the Pre-Columbia era. Alongside its history, the country is most famous for its mega-biodiversity, which makes it such 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 for 4 days, before moving on to Cuenca. While studying in Cuenca, you will be able to experience the Ecuadorian lifestyle to its fullest by living with a host family in your own private room.
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: 8 Week study minimum
- Cost: $7410 for 8 weeks *payments in USD only
- Requirements: Minimum GPA: 2.5 - Academic Reference - Personal Statement - Transcript
- Location: Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador
- Working hours: Depends on class schedule
- Project availability: Summer
- Arrival day: Friday June 3, 2023
What is included
Study abroad
- Accommodation: hostel for 3 days in Quito and host family during your study abroad experience.
- Meals: 2 meals daily
- Flights: Round trip between Quito and Cuenca
- Airport: pick-up and drop-off in Quito and Cuenca
- Courses: 2 courses at Universidad de Cuenca. One is a Spanish language course
- Excursions and activities
- 1-day a week volunteer placement
- 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
2024 Dates
- Spring: January 12th – May 4th
- Fall: August 23rd – December 14th
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
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.
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