What’s Included

College Credits

Students participating in a study program through EcuaExperiencia will receive an official transcript from the Ecuadorian institution showing classes taken while abroad. U.S. universities often accept transfer credit from foreign institutions, but ultimately it is up to individual schools to determine credit transferals on any study abroad program.

To ease the process of transferring overseas credit, students should consult the Registrar at their home university to determine the transferability of credit from foreign schools.

Tuition

For student studying in Ecuador, tuition at the Ecuadorian university is included in the program cost. The U.S. equivalent of 12-18 semester credit hours is considered a normal course load for students studying in Ecuador, and this amount of tuition is included in the cost.

For interns and volunteers taking Spanish language courses, tuition is also included. Additional language hours and certifications are not included in the program cost. If students request or require additional hours or certifications, all costs incurred are the students’ responsibility.

Spanish Language Tuition

Volunteers and interns will receive weekly language tuition from our in country Director Ms. Claudia Marquez. You will receive 10 x 1hr classes per month while in Ecuador.

Resident Directors:

In Ecuador, the Resident Directors of EcuaExperiencia, Claudia Marquez and Camilo Marquez are on-site to welcome students, lead a personalized orientation through the city, as well as provide student, intern and volunteer support throughout the duration of the program. Both are fluent in Spanish and English.

Housing

Participants will live with local Ecuadorian families in shared rooms. Accommodations are comfortable, yet modest, and provide easy access to public transportation. Breakfast and lunch are provided Monday – Saturday.

Airport Pick-up/Drop-off:

Participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Guayaquil International Airport.

Cultural Excursions

Participants on the study program will be offered several excursions throughout the duration of their semester. Some excursions are included in the program cost and some will be provided for an additional fee. Volunteer and Intern participants will also have the same opportunity to participant in these excursions at an additional cost.

Sample excursions include: trips to surrounding cities and a visit to the coastal region of Ecuador to see the pristine beaches and archaeological sites where some of the oldest cultures in the Pacific coast of South America are still being studied. Other possible excursions include: a boat tour of the Guayas River, visit to nature and wildlife reserves, city tours, shrimp farms, banana plantations, and visits to the beach.