API (Academic Programs International): Quito - Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, is nestled in the Andes Mountains and is approximately two miles above sea level. Its population of nearly two million makes it the second largest city in the country. Prior to the arrival of the Incas in the 1400s, Quito was occupied by other indigenous groups. Following the fall of the Incas to the invading Spanish conquistadores in the 1500s, Catholic sects built elaborate churches and convents. Quito became a center of colonial administration and art. The city’s historic center was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1978 and it is known for being one of the largest and most well preserved colonial areas in the Americas. Students can study this beautiful city and get to know the “serranos” or “Quiteños,” as residents of Quito are called, while enjoying a temperate climate with just two seasons (dry and rainy).

Programs in Quito Includes:

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  Semester Multidisciplinary Studies in Ecuador: The Integrated Liberal Arts program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) offers students the opportunity to complete a Spanish language course in conjunction with electives in Spanish or English with Ecuadorian students. All students must have completed a minimum of four college semesters of Spanish or the equivalent. Exceptions can be made for students who wish to complete coursework only in English. Students will complete an online placement test prior to departure to determine their eligibility to select coursework in Spanish. To be eligible to complete literature courses in Spanish with local students, API students must reach a minimum score on the online language placement test prior to departure. Course registration will take place online prior to arrival on-site.

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  Summer Government Internship for Advanced Spanish Speakers in Ecuador: The Government Internship Program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is designed for students interested in public policy and administration, social development and international cooperation. Students will complete an internship within a local government office in Quito. On average, students will work approximately 30 hours per week. Students will benefit from an in-class component that provides a platform for analyzing the Ecuadorian workplace and cultural norms. In combination with the internship hours, this in-class component and corresponding assignments allow students to earn 3 U.S. semester credits. Students who are interested in completing a language course may choose to do so at the USFQ for an additional fee.

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  Summer Multidisciplinary Studies in Ecuador: Students selecting the Integrated Liberal Arts Program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) may complete a Spanish language course in combination with 1-2 electives with local students. Students can choose courses from a number of departments at USFQ, including Business and Economics; Hospitality, Culinary Art and Tourism; Biological and Environmental Sciences; Social Sciences and Humanities; Science and Engineering and Communication and Contemporary Art. All courses are the equivalent of 3 U.S. semester credits.