5 Reasons Why Quito Deserves to Be on Your Study Abroad Bucket List

There’s so much to love about our Quito programs, whether it’s the beautiful campus at USFQ to amazing classes to exploring all the biodiversity that the Ecuador has to offer. Not to mention it’s featured on three of our Best Places to Study Abroad lists: for the Cost Savvy Student, Warm Weather Wanderluster, Spanish Language Learner!

Imagine you and your newfound friends strolling through the streets of Old Town while feasting on delicious patacones (plantain fritters) or ascending Volcano Pichincha for a breathtaking view, look no further.

We’ve curated a bucket list of our students’ favorite experiences in Quito. If this city wasn’t on your study abroad radar before, we’re sure it will be by the end of this list!

Visit the Amazon Rainforest. Ready for an adventure? The field trip to visit the Amazon Rainforest is a favorite every semester, plus with IES Abroad, it’s partially subsidized! Get a sneak peek in Teagan S.’s blog, Tiputini Biodiversity Station: My Top 6 Tips + Packing List (Everything you need to know).
Learning something you've always wanted to try, like salsa dancing or even taekwondo! Who says learning only happens in the classroom? Get inspired by Isa’s day in the life TikTok, and enjoy a Taekwondo class or dance the night away at salsa lessons with locals!
Level up your Spanish! Discover for yourself why we ranked Quito one of the best places for Spanish learners. Courses like Spanish Language in Context let you learn from local professors and alongside peers. Students also love the Ecuadorian Culture class, you’ll not only study it but bring it to life in your host city!
Save More, Explore More. Say hasta luego to constantly trying to figure out conversion rates while abroad — Quito uses the U.S. dollar! This makes budgeting easier and allowing you to focus on making memories.
Elevate Your Camera Roll – The city of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture. Take in the sights as you wander through Itchimbia Park or travel to Middle of the World City to stand on the equator!

Discover more about our program to start your journey today!

students studying beneath a palm tree on USFQ's Cumbaya campus

Quito Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Area Studies & Language

This bucket list is just the beginning and chances are, it has you itching for an overseas adventure or ready to experience what it's truly like to live in a new culture. In Quito, you can wave goodbye to the wanderlust day dreams and say "hello" to discovering a new pace of life. Whether you plan to explore the beautiful landscapes or dive deep into the life as a local, the opportunities for a transformative journey are endless. Take the leap to experience the wonders of study abroad for yourself — Quito is calling, and it's more incredible than you can imagine.