Ecuador | Academic Year, Semester, Trimester

Learn

AYUSA Study Abroad students are generally placed in private high schools in a region where the school year runs from September to July. Occasionally, students are responsible for covering a low monthly additional fee to attend private schools. Students are usually required to wear uniforms. The school will determine each student's schedule based on a full review of a student's application and academic record. Typical subjects include: Spanish language and literature, science, history, mathematics, English, philosophy, computer science, physical education, and economics. All programs require one year of high school Spanish language study or the demonstrated equivalent, as classes will be conducted in Spanish. Exposure to Spanish in the classroom and in daily life will help increase your fluency in your foreign language. Students can also arrange for additional Spanish classes in the afternoons and on weekends for a nominal fee.

Why immerse yourself in the Spanish language? Spanish is spoken by over 320 million people worldwide!

Experience

Ecuadorian society is very family oriented and students are likely to experience the benefit of living with a close-knit family unit. Food is a very important part of the culture. Each holiday is associated with a special kind of food and every town has a specialty dish. Meals are considered a good time for families to gather around the table talk about their day. What events will you share with your new host family?

Ecuadorians participate in community activities such as women’s clubs, church groups, sports clubs, or mingas (community improvement projects). Ecuador’s music and dance reflect a mixing of cultures. Salsa dancing is popular so you might want to take a class and learn some new dance steps. Nationally, fútbol (soccer) is the favorite sport, followed by Ecuadorian volleyball, a game played with a heavy ball and three players on each team, and basketball. Other popular activities include tennis, running, and boxing. Those living in coastal areas enjoy outdoor activities and often frequent the nearby beautiful sandy beaches.

Program Details

AYUSA Study Abroad students stay with carefully selected host families throughout Ecuador. Adjustment to host family life and Ecuadorian culture will be assisted by a local representative. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in optional excursions around Ecuador which explore the various ecological wonders including rain forests and the Galapagos Islands. More detailed informa­tion about the optional excursions and pricing is provided once students are on program.

Requirements

• 1 year of high school Spanish language study or demonstrated equivalent comprehension
• 15-18 years old (Maximum age of 18.5 at the start of the program)
• 2.5 GPA or higher (4.0 scale)
• Flexible and mature personality; desire to be challenged, ability to remain open-minded and tolerant of cultural differences

*All dates are approximations and vary from year to year.

Factors to Consider

Most schools in Ecuador require students to wear a uniform, so participants should be prepared for this additional cost at the start of their program. Students can expect to pay approximately $200 for their uniform. In addition, students will be required to pay for their lunches at school.

In order to apply for an Ecuadorian student visa, students may be required to apply in person at one of the nine Ecuadorian consulates in the United States. Depending on where you live, this may require travel. It is also important to note that the visa application process can take up to 6 weeks to complete.

Vaccinations may be required prior to departure.