BCA Study Abroad: Quito, Ecuador (Now Amizade)
- Ecuador
- Quito
About Program
The BCA Quito program allows you to take courses at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) which hosts approximately 6,000 students, including 1,000 international students, across its various campuses. USFQ is ranked in the top three universities in Ecuador and offers areas of study across a wide array of academic disciplines, making it a perfect location to fulfill major or general education requirements.
There are many ways for you to become involved in the community during your time in Quito and to learn about Ecuadorian culture and traditions from local people. You can join the University’s Ecua-buddies program, where you are matched with an Ecuadorian student and encouraged to do fun activities together. If you’re interested in volunteering, there are placements available with local non-profit organizations such as a medical clinic, refugee services agency and an agency working with children with disabilities.
Video and Photos
Program Highlights
- Develop your Spanish language skills and explore contemporary Ecuadorian culture during BCA’s required pre-semester course. Discussion topics may include environmental justice, gender issues or modernization versus traditional practices.
- Get involved in the Quito community by interning or volunteering at a variety of agencies, non-profits or foundations that work with different communities in Quito.
- Live with an Ecuadorian family to improve your Spanish and learn about the local customs, traditions and food.
- Excursions outside of the city vary by semester but in the past have included the Galapagos Island, the Amazon Rainforest, or Cochasqui and Otavalo.
- Apply for the Latitude Zero: Ecuador Research Initiative (LOERI), which pairs you with a USFQ faculty member completing research in their field. Or, you can connect to the community through an internship in education, social science or health professions.