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Class status:	2nd Year, 3rd Year, 4th+ Year	Type of program:	Intensive language training, Specialized courses for study abroad students
Academic area:	Environmental Studies, Humanities	Language of instruction:	English, Spanish
Language courses offered in:	Spanish	Prior language study required:	None
Open to non-UConn students:	No	Required GPA:	3.0

The Program                                                                                  

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant, modern city with roots in the Incan Empire and Colonial Spain. Although the country is about the size of Colorado, Ecuador offers the environmental megadiversity of a much larger country. Four eco-regions - the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands - offer a wealth of flora and fauna that attract biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world. In addition to its natural riches, Ecuador is an architectural jewel and offers the warmth and hospitality of its people.

Designed for students interested in environmental studies in South America, IES Quito summer program offers language study and combines coursework with field visits to give you the opportunity to explore the richness of Ecuador's ecology in various parts of the country and to discuss a range of issues related to environmental management and conservation. The program is organized in cooperation with the Galápagos Academic Institute for Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) and courses are offered in English. No prior study of Spanish is required.

The Academics

You will take three courses for a total of 9 credits. All students will take two environmental studies courses (3 credits each) and one Spanish language course (3 credits). An on-site proficiency test will determine language placement.

Advanced students may also choose conversation partners in lieu of formal instruction.

In order to earn credit at UConn for courses completed on this program, individual courses must be approved by a designated UConn course evaluator and assigned a UConn course number. Complete instructions for this process can be found under Getting Academic Credit on the navigation bar on the left of the Study Abroad Homepage.

The Experience               

Housing while based in Quito is provided in private homes in the city with Ecuadorian hosts. Homestay hosts provide three meals daily, seven days a week, one of which may be a sack lunch.

IES Quito sponsors field study trips to the Galápagos Islands, the Amazon region, and the highlands. Students will explore the unique flora and fauna of these bioregions, in addition to examining current environmental, political, and economic issues. The cost of these field study trips is included in the program fee, and participation is required.