The University of Illinois SAO believes in offering students the opportunity to live, explore and develop through cultural immersion while benefiting from sound a academic program and superior student services. We have created a one-of-a-kind semester or year program in Ecuador that offers an integrated academic and social environment and the support and encouragement of a knowledgeable, experienced program staff.
Program Location
Ecuador is a country of contrasts. It offers a lively mix of modernity and tradition. The historic mixtures of peoples and cultures make it an interesting and rewarding study site for students in a variety of fields. Taking its name from the fact that it straddles the equator, Ecuador is an extremely diverse nation, both in geography and culture. In addition to its three distinct mainland zones, the Coast, Andean Sierra, and Amazonian Oriente, the Galapagos Islands also belong to this fascinating country. Its amazing geographical diversity and beauty - from the remote coastal beaches and coffee and banana plantations, to the mountains and snow-capped volcanoes of the Andean Sierra, to the exotic rain forests of the Upper Amazon basin - make Ecuador a wonderful country to explore.
Your home will be the capital city of Quito, nestled in the slopes of Andes mountain range, just south of the equator. Known as the "Window of the Andes" and the "City of Eternal Spring," Quito is one of the three most ancient pre-Colombian capitals in Latin America. You find handsome colonial buildings and cathedrals atop ancient architectural sites in el centro historico, and beautiful, ultramodern edifices in the northern part of the city. On a clear day in Quito, you will see the majestic snow-capped mountains to the north, south and east of the city.
Academic Program
Students on the Ecuador Program enroll at the
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). This university has a distinct personality; it is a unique blend of peaceful location, excellent academic opportunities and a motivated student population. Courses will be taken along with your Ecuadorian peers, in a full range of academic areas as diverse as Engineering, Psychology, Art History, Biology, International Studies, and Spanish amongst others.
Volunteer Opportunities
Students in previous semesters have sought further integration in Ecuadorian life by volunteering in organizations dealing with issues of environmental protection, in women''s shelters, orphanages, retirement homes, public schools and public hospitals. The Resident Director can advise you on finding volunteer positions. Please note that these positions are meant to enhance your study abroad experience; they are not granted academic credit and are un-paid.
For more information on courses, dates and volunteer opportunities, please click on the following link:
Ecuador Courses, Dates and Volunteer Opportunities
Program Staff
The full-time program staff are with you throughout the program when you need them. They will meet you at the airport and help you settle in your new life in Quito. They organize housing, an orientation upon arrival, excursions and social opportunities throughout the term. The resident director holds office hours in her offices at the university, and is regularly available during the semester to provide general assistance to all program participants. Any past participant can attest to the quality of the services provided by our on-site program staff in Ecuador.
