Center for International Programs : Program Information

Name of Program ECUADOR: Liberal Arts-- Extended Term
Location: Quito, Ecuador
Sponsoring Institution(s) Kalamazoo CollegeUniversidad San Francisco de Quito
Dates Extended Term: mid August to late May
Language of Instruction Spanish
Eligibility Requirements Junior Standing Participation by Kalamazoo students in this program is subject to annual enrollment limits: . Contact the Center for International Programs for details. See the College catalogue for selection criteria.
Additional Recommended Prep Preference given to students with a demonstrated interest in studies relating to Latin America.
GPA 2.70 minimum
Language Minimum: Spanish 202
Maximum: Spanish
Application Process Application/Essay Required?
Interview Required?
Due Date for Applications
Approved for Transfer of Kalamazoo Fin. Assistance/ScholarshipsAcademic Credit
Orientation on K Campus Required Yes
Academics The academic year program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is designed for students who wish an extensive experience living and studying in vibrant South American capital city. USFQ is one of Ecuador's leading private universities and offers a rigorous program in the liberal arts and sciences. The program also requires students to complete an Individualized Cultural Research Project (ICRP).
Courses The University program begins with a one-week intensive Spanish review. During the fall semester, students enroll in five units of course work. Students must enroll in one Spanish Conversation and Composition course to be determined by a placement exam on site. Additionally, students must enroll in the “Human Impact on the Galapagos” seminar and field study and at least two of the following courses: Andean Anthropology (ANTH), Latin American Issues (POLS), Andean History (HIST), Latin American History (HIST), History of the Republic of Ecuador (HIST), Language and Civilization (SPA/ SOC SCI), Art of Colonial Quito (ART), Modern Ecuadorian Art (ART), Latin American Cinema (ART), US/Latin American Relations (POLS), Ecuadorian Politics and Its Thinking (POLS). The following literature classes require an advanced level of Spanish: El Boom Latinoamericano, El Cuento Ecuatoriano, El Cuento Hispanoamericano, El Cuento Fantástico, Literatura Femenina, El Pos-Boom, Literatura Indigenista. Students must complete all the requirements of the Galapagos seminar to participate in the field study. All students complete an Integrative Cultural Research Project (ICRP) from January to mid-February (long-term program) in the city of Quito. Participants select the remaining two units from a list of regular university offerings provided space is available and students meet prerequisites determined by the Universidad San Francisco. Students with higher levels of Spanish proficiency are likely to have greater selection in approved courses. Students on the extended-term program complete the above requirements. During the USFQ’s second semester extended-term students must earn the equivalent of three K-units and complete the ICRP during their second semester coursework. Cultures Credit: The following courses have been pre-approved as fulfilling the "cultures" requirement: Andean Anthropology; Latin American Issues. Please see the Study Abroad Handbook regarding instructions for petitioning for "cultures" credit for other courses.
Credits Participants are eligible to earn 9 K units of credit for the Extended-Term program-eight from university courses and the ICRP. The distribution of the units depends upon the courses taken. Students are urged to consult with their academic advisers concerning course selection. To receive Kalamazoo credit, courses must be within the liberal arts tradition. In order to be counted as one K unit, a course must have 40-45 contact hours of instruction. In cases where students must combine courses to achieve the minimum number of contact hours for a unit of credit, both courses must be from the same discipline-i.e. art history with art history.) Grades from all study abroad courses will appear on the Kalamazoo transcript but are not included in the Kalamazoo grade point average. The transcript will list the title of the course, the appropriate discipline, and a translation of the local grade into the Kalamazoo "A, B, C" grading system. Students must earn the equivalent of a "C" in the local grading system to receive credit for course work completed abroad.
ICRP/Field Study The Integrative Cultural Research Project can be either a research project or an unpaid internship that explores global issues and the local circumstances, approaches and solutions while enhancing students' local language skills. Internship placements are typically with international agencies, women's groups, small businesses, or Non-governmental Organizations. The program staff assists students with project design, internship placement or both. All ICRPs are conducted in the Quito area. The research or internship will result in a major paper (10-15) pages in Spanish. The paper is due and must be turned in to the Resident Director before the end of the academic program or no credit will be awarded.
Housing Students live in home stays with Ecuadorian families selected by Kalamazoo College's Resident Director and the University
Co-Curricular Opportunities Students are eligible to participate in all activities sponsored by the University and are encouraged to join local clubs and organizations, such as a mountain climbing club, soccer, tennis, student government, student newspaper, and film club.
Excursions
URL of Host Institution
Comprehensive Program Fee
Program Fee $33,969
Comprehensive fee includes tuition and fees, food and housing while classes are in session, round-trip international airfare from the designated point of departure, typically New York, and some excursions.
Not included books, personal spending money, medical expenses, food or housing during vacation periods or after classes have ended, and independent travel

Revised 08-14-06