Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Explore sustainable development and indigenous practices when you participate in a 6-week internship or research project focused on sustainability, while also immersing yourself in the Spanish language and Ecuadorian culture.

About

From the Andes mountains to the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos to the Pacific Coast, Ecuador is the perfect place to learn about sustainability. With 74 marine and terrestrial protected areas and home to over 17,000 different botanical species, Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Learn about innovative sustainability development as well as traditional, indigenous practices on this experiential learning program.

Your studies will take place in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is one of the best-preserved historic centers in all of Latin America. Here, you can practice your Spanish language skills while fully immersing yourself in the rich Ecuadorian culture and history.

For help deciding between Spanish language options, consult the Spanish Language Programs Comparison Chart

Homestay

You will live with a homestay family throughout your time in Ecuador. If you choose an internship or research placement outside of Quito, you will have a second homestay placement. You can choose an individual or shared homestay, depending on your preference.

Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner daily; you will be responsible for providing your own lunches. Host families can typically accommodate a variety of dietary needs, but if you have severe food allergies and/or restrictions, contact the program team prior to applying.

Homestays are an integral component of the learning experience and often a highlight for participants. Your family provides not only housing and most meals but also a vital connection to Ecuadorian culture. Nearly all families have hosted program participants before and have been chosen for their genuine interest in sharing Ecuadorian life with an MSID program participant.

Excursions

Although excursions change from semester to semester, you can expect to visit a variety of sites that may include local markets, local NGOs, and other areas of interest around Quito.  

Flight

The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.

Ground transportation from the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (airport code: UIO) into Quito is provided by our partner organization and the cost is included in the program fee. The transportation schedule aligns with the group flight arrival time. Our partner organization comes to the airport once to collect everyone.

Therefore, you can either book a ticket on the coordinated group flight, or book a flight independently that arrives prior to the group flight's arrival. If you arrive late and miss the group, you may be responsible for arranging and paying for your own transportation into the city.

For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Ecuador.

Learning Outcomes

Foster an understanding of the global context through classroom and experiential learning
Cultivate awareness and appreciation for critical global issues through engagement with local communities
Translate insights gained into thoughtful and respectful long-term perspectives on concepts of social justice and sustainable development
Strengthen communication skills through acquisition of local languages and cultural awareness
Gain cross-cultural competencies through extended engagement at a local grassroots organization