Study in the Andes Mountains - Environmental Science in Latin America (in English, Spanish)
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the beauty of Ecuador, known for its rich biodiversity and mesmerizing landscapes composed of volcanoes, beaches, rainforests, and mountains.
• This program offers the best of both worlds: quality academic content and unforgettable travel and intercultural experiences throughout the Andean mountains, cities, and cultural heritage sites of Ecuador.
• Immerse yourself further into the local community by living in a homestay where you can practice Spanish and enhance language proficiency.
LIFE ABROAD
Experience the laid-back and historic culture of Cuenca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with stunning cathedrals, rotundas, and luscious green parks. Visit local indigenous villages, sandy beaches, and snow-capped mountain ranges, and one of South America’s must-see sites: the Galapagos Islands!
LIVE
Embrace the Ecuadorian way of life by living in a homestay that is a 10-15-minute bus or tram ride from campus. Enhance your language proficiency in Spanish by practicing with a host family, or match with a family that knows some English (depending on your language experience).
DINE
Enjoy traditional dishes prepared by host families including locro de papa (potato stew), cuy asado (roasted guinea pig), and llapingachos (fried potato pancakes). Three meals a day are provided seven days a week throughout the program.
EXPERIENCE
Take in the wonderous beauty of Ecuador through coordinated excursions to the Ingapirca Inca Ruins, Cajas National Park, and the indigenous community of Saraguro. Deepen your knowledge of Latin America's biodiversity through an organized visit to the breath-taking Galapagos Islands at the end of the Spring semester.
EXPLORE
Experience Ecuadorian culture through included cultural activities such as dance classes, cooking classes, and pottery classes. Stroll through the quaint colonial streets of Cuenca while enjoying the beautiful weather and archeological sites all around.
What We Love About Studying in the Andes
This program offers ample opportunities to connect with the local community through hands-on learning opportunities and by living in a homestay. Plus, experiential learning goes way beyond the classroom with organized visits throughout Ecuador and Latin America!
See budget and estimated expenses
Course Description
This travel-study program offers the best of both worlds: quality academic content and unforgettable intercultural experiences throughout the Andean mountains. Integrated into the academic program are visits to indigenous villages, sandy beaches, and snow-capped mountain ranges, along with travel to some of South America’s must-see sites, including the Galápagos Islands, and the Amazon Rainforest.
Students will choose courses from a variety of course options, including courses in Andian art, environmental studies, health studies, Latin American studies and Spanish language.
The chart below highlights some of the classes students have taken in the past to get you started on your planning for this incredible opportunity to explore the Andean mountains, cities, and cultural heritage sites of Ecuador.
Credits Earned
Students who complete the program in good standing can expect to take 4-5 classes between both sessions with a semester which ISEP recommends is the equivalent of 12-15 U.S. Credit Hours. Each course is usually worth 3 credits.
If you use financial aid, please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your academic obligations and the requirements for using financial aid.
Classes Available:
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Natural Resources, Conservation, Sustainability |
Health Studies |
Latin American & Andean Studies |
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Click on the courses optiosn to see the corresponding syllabus. For more detailed instructions on how to review courses, please click on the "other academic conditions" dropdown link below.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
CEDEI operates on the Northern Hemisphere academic calendar (starting in August and ending in Late April/Early May). The Ecology, Environmentalism and Sustainability: Ecosystems of the Andes program is open to students from a wide range of majors, with or without previous Spanish knowledge.
Students arrive: Third week of January
Classes start: Last week of January
Classes end: Last week of April
Exams (Midterm & Final): Early March/Late April
Program Itinerary:
The Ecology, Environmentalism and Sustainability: Ecosystems of the Andes program is structured for students to explore Ecuador through the following excursions:
- The program begins with an included 4-day orientation trip. Students will arrive in Quito and meet CEDEI program staff at the airport, then spend the next few days visiting the capital city of Quito, seeing UNESCO Heritage sites, and standing on the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Students will continue to Cuenca through the Route of Volcanoes.
- Weekend excursions during the semester include visits to the Ingapirca Archaeological site, El Cajas National Park, and the indigenous community of Saraguro. During the mid-term break, students will visit the sea and beautiful Ecuadorian beaches.
- As a final trip, students have the unique opportunity to travel to visit the Galápagos Islands. The Galápagos Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the famous Galápagos Turtles, as well as land and marine iguanas, reef sharks, penguins, and playful sea lions. It is also known as the best spot for diving in Ecuador. Galápagos, with its extensive variety of species, inspired some of the earliest notions of evolution from the famous naturalist and explorer Charles Darwin.
How to find courses:
To find courses review the Spring Semester Course Catalogue. Choose the subject(s) you are interested in from the list on the left side of the page. Each course has a description and a link to a complete syllabus. The language of instruction (English or Spanish) is also noted. The number in parenthesis (i.e. 3c) refers to the number of U.S. credits the course is worth. Students enroll in a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 credits.
No Spanish language background is required to apply, although students will be asked to complete a Spanish language evaluation as part of the application process. Students with no background in Spanish should contact your ISEP Student Advisor to have an evaluation completed for them at the <A1 level. Students with no Spanish language background will take beginner Spanish language courses and courses taught in English.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
Select a semester to calculate the price. Semesters are named according to host university's calendar.Semester Tuition
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