ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in Ecuador Semester Program
Live and learn in Quito through Spanish language study, community engagement, academic coursework, and everyday life with a host family
"I loved the ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in Ecuador program because I got an immersive cultural experience in Ecuador, and got to see the beautiful biodiversity of the country! It was an amazing experience especially learning from the local Indigenous Kichwa community and working with kids as part of my community engagement.â€
Gabriela van Ausdale
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ student, Spring 2026
The program takes place in the Fall from mid-August to late-December and in the Spring from early January to late May
Start Your Journey - Apply Now
The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in Ecuador Semester Program combines Spanish language development with interdisciplinary study of contemporary Ecuador. The program is particularly well suited for students interested in Spanish, Latin American and Indigenous Studies, sociology, anthropology, political studies, environmental studies, education, and human rights.
You'll learn through coursework, your host family, sustained community engagement, and an Independent Study Project.
The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Program Advantage
Community Engagement
Engage with local community organizations in Quito. Opportunities include options in education, health, human rights, Indigenous communities, museums and cultural organizations, or LGBTQ+ rights. This sustained engagement gives you the opportunity to build relationships and connect issues explored in the core course with everyday life in Ecuador.
Homestay
Live with a host family in Quito throughout the semester. Host families are an important part of the learning experience and serve as co-educators, sharing their perspectives, culture, and everyday lives with students.
Study Trips & Excursions
Experience Ecuador beyond Quito through academic study trips to the Galápagos Islands, San Clemente, and Chocó Andino. Explore extraordinary biodiversity, spend time in an Indigenous Kichwa Karanki community in the foothills of Imbabura, and encounter some of Ecuador's distinct environments and perspectives firsthand.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Students: Earn Credits and Fulfill Graduation Requirements
The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in Ecuador Program can fulfill ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½'s Intercultural Understanding Global (IUG) educational objective and the Social Responsibility Praxis (SRX) educational objective.
Location
Spend the semester in Quito, Ecuador's capital and one of the highest-elevation capital cities in the world. Your host family, classes, community engagement, and independent research are all rooted in the city, allowing you to experience Quito not simply as a destination, but as the setting for your daily life and learning.
Academics
Courses & Credits
| Courses | Claremont Credits | Semester Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Ecuador, an Andean Country | 1.0 | 4 |
| Independent Study Project | 1.0 | 4 |
Spanish & University Coursework
| 2.0 | 8 |
| TOTALS | 4.0 | 16 |
The ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in Ecuador Experience
Learn more about student experiences and get a taste of the sights and explorations you may experience during your semester in Ecuador.
Explore Gallery gallery_thumbnail
Start Your Journey - Learn more and Apply Now
Ready to experience Ecuador through language, community, and independent research? Follow the links below for detailed program information, application deadlines, and instructions on how to apply.
Recent News
Featured
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Gilman Scholars Explore New Countries
Three ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ students have received a 2026 Gilman scholarship to study abroad in ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½-run programs in Italy, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
- Director of ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Programs
- Senior Coordinator for ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ Programs
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