Overview

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and sits at an elevation of 9,300 ft. Although Ecuador is only about the size of Nevada, it is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and students will be able to experience its many regions and climates throughout the semester. Students will study at the Andean Center for Latin American Studies (ACLAS) and at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). Excursions include a Quito city tour, Otavalo, and Cuenca. A pre-program five day Galapagos Islands voyage is included when a minimum program participation number is met. Find more information for international students through the Office of International Programs at USFQ. 

Minimum GPA required by host program: 2.5 GPA. 
  (this program is offered as a fall semester only)

View the Ecuador interest session video for more details about the 2022 program. 

 

Academics

Find ACLAS classes here
ACLAS website
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)

 

During the first month in Quito students will take an intensive Spanish course at ACLAS which counts towards four (4) credits at WU. Another credit will be a result of a service learning component students complete during the semester. Visit the ACLAS website to watch videos about Quito, ACLAS courses, Living in Quito, and much more. 

After the month-long course at ACLAS you will start your semester at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) where you will earn the remaining credits. USFQ is one of the only liberal arts universities in South America. All classes are taught in Spanish. Recommended majors include Spanish, Latin American Studies, History, Politics, Rhetoric, Psychology, and Computer Science. USFQ is not limited to these majors. Explore the available courses on USFQ's website. To find courses, go to the Class Schedule at USFQ website. See the tips below under Predeparture Resources for how to search the schedule. 

The language prerequisite for this program is Spanish 232 or equivalent - students must take a Spanish course the semester prior to studying abroad. 

Service Learning

All students will complete a service learning experience arranged and supervised by ACLAS.  Students will discuss their interests with ACLAS staff before being placed in a service learning site. Students may work with children, the elderly, environmental non-profits, social service organizations and others. Students will earn 4 Willamette credits upon completing their service learning component.

Housing

Students will live with host families in Quito within a short walk or bus ride of ACLAS. USFQ is a fifteen to twenty minute bus ride from ACLAS. Most meals will be taken with the host families with some at restaurants and cafeterias near the university.

Dates

This program is available in the fall only. The program begins in mid July and ends late December. A yearlong program may be available, please contact the OIE for more information regarding the year option.

Cost

Please see the Willamette Sponsored Programs Cost Matrix for detailed explanation of the cost of each program. The fee includes full room and board, home to university transportation costs, program planned excursions and on-site support.

Pre-departure Resources

Also, consult the Oficina de Programs Internacionales page for more information about classes.
WU students on the equator in Ecuador.
WU students in Quito.
Students do service learning on the program.
Galapagos tortoises
Willamette University

Office of International Education

Address
Global Learning Center
900 State Street
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-375-5493

Back to Top