Latin American Studies in Quito, Ecuador

Washington University Six-Week Summer Program, May/June

Improve Your Spanish Through Cultural Immersion

Quito 1General Description

Washington University’s Latin American Studies Program is offering a six-week study abroad program at the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, in Quito, Ecuador. The program offers 6-8 Washington University credits with course options at two different levels depending on the student’s preparation in Spanish language. Field trips around Quito and to the market city of Otavalo are included in the program. Students will be housed in university dormitories and tuition will cover housing, some meals, courses, field trips, and the Washington University on-site Director.

Program Location

Nestled in a long, narrow valley between the lush base of the Volcano Pichincha to the west and the precipitous canyon of the river Machángara to the east, Quito enjoys a spectacular natural setting in the Andes Mountains. At 2,800m (around 10,000 feet) above sea level, the climate is very temperate throughout the year.

Quito 2Courses

Students will be able to study Spanish at the intermediate level for 5 credits as well as a 1 credit conversation class. More advanced students will take a 3 credit course in Andean Culture, taught in Spanish, as well as an advanced Spanish language class for 3 credits. These advanced courses may earn up to 6 elective credits toward the Spanish major or minor, but that will only be determined back on campus in the fall upon evaluation of work. Alternatively, the Andean Culture class can fulfill 3 units of advanced level coursework in the IAS major or minor, and the language class can be used to help complete the IAS language requirement. Upon return to Washington University, students will take a placement test to determine the appropriate level for further language study. All students have the option of 2 credits of independent research under the supervision of the Washington University on-site Director. Students can earn a maximum of 8 WU credits.

Outside the Classroom

Students will be taken on several tours of historical and archeological sites in Quito itself. Quito's spectacular old town is the largest historic center in the Americas and contains numerous churches, monasteries and museums. North of Quito, at the foot of "Taita Imbabura" (Daddy Imbabura) Volcano, surrounded by lakes, patchwork-covered hills and plantations of corn, lies the valley of Otavalo. Its market is one of the most famous in Latin America and frequented by Ecuador’s ethnically-mixed population, many of whom are Quicha-speaking. Students may want to tour the Galapagos Islands before or after the program dates, but this is not included in the program cost.

Quito 3Cost

The program cost includes 6-8 Washington University credits, room and breakfast and dinner, field trips and organized group activities. Students will be housed in dormitories with private bathrooms, internet connections, television and telephone. Students will be responsible for air travel to Quito.

An initial deposit will be due once a student is accepted into the program. A limited amount of financial aid will be available, and students interested in this aid are urged to apply to the program as early as possible.

How to Apply

Students can pick up an application from Stix House Room 100 or download the forms from this website. For more information, contact Dr. Amy Suelzer or Ms. Jaydee Amoloza at (314) 935-5958. The program must have a minimum of 8 students to operate. We will inform students if the program does not fill. This will leave enough time to apply to the Mexico Summer Program if desired.

Application Forms

  • [.pdf]
    Instructions
  • Data Sheet
  • Recommendations
  • Parent form
  • Statement of Responsibility

Useful Links

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