Academic Year in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Term: Academic Year 
Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: 10-11 months departing in August

Description: When you choose to live in Ecuador, you choose a country that straddles the equator and is home to the descendants of the great Inca empire. Discover this rich heritage as a YFU exchange student and you will understand Ecuadorian culture as few visitors do.

Among a population of 10 million, Ecuador's indigenous peoples have maintained a strong cultural identity and are known for beautiful textiles and ceramics. You'll notice the Spanish cultural influence in Quito's beautiful colonial churches, which have been well-preserved.

What you might enjoy most about Ecuadorian culture is the haunting Andean music, distinctive for two reasons: the pre-Columbian instruments and the musical scale, which is different than the one were familiar with in the US.

As a YFU student in Ecuador, you may find yourself in a large host family since the average family size is five. As in many Latin American countries, family bonds are strong and members gather often to celebrate.

Youth For Understanding (YFU) International exchange, an educational, nonprofit organization, prepares young people for their opportunities and responsibilities in a changing, interdependent world. With YFU, high school students and recent graduates can choose a year, semester, or summer program in one of more than 35 countries worldwide.

Highlights: Students take 13 to 14 courses related to their career goals. Most YFU students choose social studies, but you may choose another area of specialization. Ecuadorian students usually study English so you may make friends by having them help you with Spanish and by helping them with English.

A good way to meet people is to participate in extracurricular activities. Schools often offer institutes you can join for a fee to learn music, attend language classes, or participate in sports.

Students have the option of spending one week in Cuenca with a host family, while taking several day trips to nearby sites.

In addition, you may opt to take a five-day tour of the Galapagos Islands for an additional fee. You'll travel by boat and have an opportunity to see the islands' many natural wonders.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as 13th Year Abroad options.

Live with a host family while attending school. Benefits include fluency in another language, knowledge of another culture, increased maturity, enhanced opportunities for the future, and lifelong friendships. Global Graduate: 13th Year Abroad program available for recent high school graduates. College credit can be earned while on any YFU program.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951