Quito, Ecuador

Area Studies & Language

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Experiential Learning
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

4 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

If you’re interested in improving your Spanish language skills, this program offers you the opportunity to rapidly strengthen your Spanish through a rigorous language course taught by IES Abroad. You select the remainder of your courses from options available at IES Abroad and Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). 

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Study at a Local University

Choose from more than 1,500 courses in a variety of disciplines.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in a community-based learning placement.

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Live in a Homestay

You’ll have a private room in the home of a family or a señora.

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Travel Throughout Ecuador

Join IES Abroad field trips to destinations around Ecuador.

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

Early August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Sarah Fang

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Quito city among the mountains

Why Quito?

With a population of nearly 3 million people, Quito is a vibrant and modern city that is famous for its beautiful colonial Spanish architecture. It is also the capital of Ecuador—one of the most biologically varied countries in the world. Come to Quito and immerse yourself in the local language and culture as you focus your studies on Ecuador’s ecological and ethnic diversity and the challenges of development.

Learn More About Quito

Get to Know Your New City

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Stand on the Equator

Travel via bus and stand at the middle of the Earth.

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Climb a Volcano

Trek to the top of Volcano Pichincha just outside the city.

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Try Authentic, Local Cuisine

Your taste buds will thank you.

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Explore and Unwind in Itchimbia Park

This hilltop park is home to Quito's cultural center.

The Student Experience

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Housing

four people including one holding a dog standing in front of a home near bushes
  • Homestay

Homestay

You have a private, furnished room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito & Galapagos Islands. Homestay hosts provide two meals daily. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels, and laundry is provided too.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. 

We offer unique courses that explore Spanish language, Ecuadorian literature and culture, and other topics through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors and course options at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Partner Institution

Universidad San Francisco de Quito's beautiful outdoor gardens with a fountain centerpiece.
  • Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

A modern institution of higher learning, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is one of Ecuador's most prestigious universities and offers a full range of programs and courses. Its faculty includes almost half of the PhDs in the country, and its library and information technology is the most up to date in Ecuador. 

The USFQ campus is located in the suburb of Cumbayá in Quito. The commute time from USFQ to the IES Abroad Center is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

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Courses

Create your own academic experience by selecting from the following program components. You take 16–19 credits per semester. All courses at IES Abroad and partner universities are taught in Spanish. 

  • IES Abroad Spanish language course (required, 4 credits) 
  • IES Abroad Spanish-taught area studies courses (required, 3 credits each) 
  • Area studies courses at USFQ (optional, credits vary)*
  • Community-based learning seminar and placement (optional, 4 credits) 

To learn more about IES Abroad’s innovative theoretical and pedagogical approaches to teaching language abroad, refer to the  IES Abroad MAP for Language & Intercultural Communication

*Two courses at USFQ are included in your program fee. Additional courses can be arranged for an additional cost.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (9)

Anthropology (2)

Course name Term Language Credits
AN/ES 367 - Ecological Anthropology Fall, Spring Spanish 3
SO/AN 301 - The Cultural Diversity of Ecuador Fall, Spring Spanish 3

Partner Institution Courses

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a variety of disciplines. Specific course listings are available through the USFQ website

The following are some of the numerous disciplines in which IES Abroad students have previously enrolled:

  • Architecture 
  • Arts 
  • Business Administration 
  • Communications 
  • Culinary Arts 
  • Education 
  • Engineering 
  • Environmental Science 
  • Health Science 
  • Hospitality 
  • Humanities & Economics 
  • Languages 
  • Management 
  • Mathematics 
  • Sciences 
  • Social Sciences 
  • Spanish Language 

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NOTE: You may take up to two USFQ courses at no additional charge. If you would like to take more than two USFQ courses, additional fees will apply. 

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Quito, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

students swimming in Las Grietas on Isla San Santa Cruz

Galápagos Islands

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos Islands, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.

A person wearing traditional Otavalo wear (white shirt, shawl, and skirt) sits with a child wearing a "Keep Calm and Rock On" t-shirt. They are surrounded by handmade quilts and are smiling.

Otavalo, Imbabura

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit one of the most touristic regions in Ecuador. See a beautiful waterfall, volcano crater, and the famous indigenous Otavalo Market. Explore this largely indigenous town where residents are famous for weaving textiles. The “Plaza de los Ponchos” in Otavalo...

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in Quito is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social issues that affect Quito, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution. 

A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community. 

Possible placements may include organizations focusing on: 

  • Community health 
  • Economic development 
  • Social issues unique to Quito 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2025 (Suspended)

Tuition
$
16,970
Housing
$
4,195
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,410

Fall 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a modern building near the financial district in Quito. Whether you’re walking through the city’s largest historic park, La Parque Carolina, or looking for a place to study with friends, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Quito
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Qutio. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Quito before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Intensive Language Learning
During the first week of the program, you will begin your language learning experience and participate in activities to meet and bond with others.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Ecuadorian culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2025 (Suspended)

Program Dates:

January 04 - May 13

Application Deadline:

Fall 2025

Program Dates:

Early August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • 4 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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