study in ecuador (blue hill college)


Study in Ecuador (Blue Hill College)

World Endeavors Study in Ecuador program is one of the most affordable study abroad programs in one of the most remarkable locations in the world. Study for a semester or full academic year in Ecuador, a land of dense rainforests, breathtaking Andean landscapes, picturesque beaches, and a vibrant Latin American culture. Students can study Spanish, business, Latin American studies, or liberal arts and earn academic credit from a fully-accredited Ecuadorian College. All courses are taught in English.

Eligibility: A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required. No prior knowledge of the Spanish language is required.

Pre-Departure Information: Before students embark on their trip abroad, they are provided with a pre-departure guide that includes important details about the program. In addition to the guide, students may contact World Endeavors any time prior to departure with questions.

Back_topOrientation:

Upon arrival in Ecuador, students receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the city and the surrounding area, the Ecuadorian culture, and the academic program. Students are made to feel at home in an environment that encourages cross-cultural exchange and learning.

Back_topHousing:

Students stay with local Ecuadorian families in shared and single room accommodations or in student housing. Accommodations are safe, clean, modest, comfortable, and provide easy access to public transportation.

Back_topAcademics:

World Endeavor's Study in Ecuador program takes place on the scenic 33 acre campus of Blue Hill College. The college is a private, coeducational school licensed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education and recognized by the National Council of Higher Education. College facilities include a library with both English and Spanish books, and a computer lab with internet access. The campus is situated on a hill overlooking the city of Guayaquil.

Instruction
Blue Hill College has a special agreement of academic cooperation with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in Boca Raton, Florida. As a result, all courses are assigned an FAU course number and are taught using the FAU syllabi and textbooks. The language of instruction for all courses is English. Experience with the Spanish language is not required. Spanish students from absolute beginners to advanced are welcome. Spanish language courses are offered in the mornings Monday through Thursday, while many other courses are offered during the evenings, giving students free time during the day and longer weekends.

Credit and Transcripts
Each student will take four courses for three credits each. Academic credit and transcripts will be issued by Blue Hill College, after the successful completion of course requirements for the semester program. It is the student's responsibility to contact their academic advisor prior to the semester to determine how courses taken abroad are transferable to their home institution.

Back_topParticipant Life:

In their free-time between classes, students can spend time in downtown Guayaquil, visit the waterfront area or one of the many museums of Guayaquil, check e-mail at an Internet Cafe, or dine at a local Ecuadorian restaurant. Students will find it easy to make friends and keep busy in this dynamic environment.

Activities:

Students enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Ecuador through several guided excursions scheduled during the semester. These are typically two or three day trips. All transportation and food costs are provided during these excursions.

 

1. Trip to Quito: Students will be taken on a guided tour to the capitol city of Quito. The trip will include a visit to the Equator, museums of archeology, sacred and modern art, a tour of the city and a visit to the arts and crafts market in Otavalo, one hundred miles north of Quito. Otavalo is located in a beautiful area surrounded by lakes and the majestic Andes, and it is a favorite tourist destination. The area is known as a great destination for hiking, climbing and white-water rafting.

 

2. Coastal Region: Students will be taken on a guided trip to a coastal location and visit a protected island and bird sanctuary. This trip introduces students to pristine beaches and archaeological sites where some of the oldest cultures in the Pacific coast of South America are still being studied. Students will have the opportunity to see many of the hundreds of species of birds, plants, and other animals native to this region.

 

Other local excursions are organized for students on a weekly basis. Some examples include: a boat tour of the Guayas River, visit to nature and wildlife reserves, Guayaquil city tour, shrimp farms, banana plantations, and visits to the beach.

 

In addition, students may choose to participate in optional excursions such as whale-watching from the Isla de La Plata, a trip to the Amazon basin and jungle tour and a trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Back_topCost and Dates :

Semester: $7,110
Academic Year: $13,290

A USD 500 scholarship will be awarded to students who apply to this study abroad program for the Fall 2008 semester, are accepted and complete the program.  Applicants should include a detailed Statement of Purpose that outlines their reasons for studying abroad and how the experience will benefit them. To be eligible for the scholarship, applications must be received between May 1st and May 31st, 2008.

SPRING: January through April (Application deadline: Nov. 15)
FALL: September through December (Application deadline: July. 1)
ACADEMIC YEAR: September through April (Application deadline: July. 1)

Back_topCost Included:

  • Tuition (4 courses per semester)
  • Pre-departure packet
  • World Endeavors support for pre-trip questions
  • English speaking representative in Guayaquil for your assistance
  • Various student services and learning support services
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Home stay accommodations (breakfast included) 
  • Orientation
  • Computer lab on campus with internet connections
  • Cultural and language exchange: One hour of Spanish for one hour of English with local Ecuadorian students
  • Weekly social events, excursions, and activities in and around Guayaquil
  • 24X7 emergency phone support
  • Free cell phone rental and free incoming calls

Not Included:

  • Round-trip airfare to Ecuador
  • Visa expenses and airport taxes
  • Personal expenses including additional meals and daily transportation



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