Program Overview
Ecuador is a small country in South America (roughly the size of Colorado), but with great geographical and cultural diversity. This program, sponsored by the department of Health and Exercise Science, will allow you to experience Ecuador and all its natural wonders: coast, mountains and jungle, and even the Galápagos Islands. This program is based in the city of Quito, a World Heritage site, situated at an altitude of 2,800 meters in the Andes mountain range. Located here is our host university, la Católica, one of the most prestigious South American Universities. Students will take two classes (three credits each). The academic component will also include a Service Learning experience, in which students engage in active learning and work side-by-side with members from the local community.
Students will also travel to other regions of the country to experience its diversity: a fishing village on the coast, an eco-lodge in the mountains near the Otavalo markets, and an indigenous community in the Amazon jungle. While in Quito students will live with an Ecuadorian family, who will provide all meals, laundry service, etc.
Requirements
Applicants should have a G.P.A. of at least 2.0 (on a 4.00 scale).
Meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance, which is based on academic quality and demonstrated ability to contribute to the objectives of the program. Early application is encouraged as acceptances may be made on a rolling basis and the program may fill before the application deadline.
For all participants, a formal application is necessary, including a deposit, one transcript (non-University of Delaware students only), and one recommendation. An interview may be conducted in person or by telephone.
Study abroad at the University of Delaware is highly competitive. See here for an overview of the acceptance process. If you are not selected for your first choice program, we recommend moving your application and deposit to another program (by emailing your request to studyabroad@udel.edu).
UD students pay all program fee deposits by direct bank transfer via this website: http://www.udel.edu/studyabroadpayments. Non-UD students should send a check, payable to the University of Delaware, to CFIS, Elliott Hall, 26 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19716. Credit card payments are not accepted.
