Academics
- Learn about international development.
- Gain hands-on experience by participating in a community internship.
- Take Spanish language classes.
- Program type:
MSID Ecuador is an experiential program. Learn about Ecuador through classes, field trips, internships, and research.
- Level:
3,000-4,000 level courses.
- Term:
Fall semester plus optional pre-session, spring semester, academic year plus optional pre-session.
- Prerequisites:
2.5 GPA; juniors and above; 4 semesters of college-level Spanish required. Experience in your MSID country, relevant course work, or volunteer experience preferred but not required.
- Courseload:
16 credits for fall or spring semester; 32 for the academic year. Add 4 credits for optional pre-session.
Faculty
Dr. José Suárez, MD, Ph.D. in epidemiology, directs the academic program. Delores López assists with program coordination, and Ecuadorian faculty provide all instruction.
How to Apply
Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.
About This Program
Few countries as small as Ecuador contain such remarkable geographic and biological diversity. Geographically it ranges from coastal deserts to temperate mountain valleys to Amazon forests. Culturally and racially, its population includes every mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African elements. The program is based in Quito, an Andean city within sight of snowcapped volcanoes, which houses a remarkable mix of colonial and modern, rich and poor. Internship sites are scattered within a three-hour radius of Quito.
Homestays are an integral component of the MSID learning experience. All students live and share most meals with at least one family, and many with two different families--one during the classroom phase and a second in a different part of the country during the remainder of the program. Students with internships in the main city typically choose to remain with the same family throughout.
Language Pre-Session: An optional winter break or summer session intensive language course is offered for fall semester and academic year students. One language course is taught over a four-week period and awards 4 undergraduate credits. The Ecuador program offers 5th semester language instruction. The syllabus focuses on language skill development and daily oral practice. Students live with host families, and local excursions are included.
Semester Program: The semester program consists of four courses. All classes are with program participants and are taught by local faculty. Through the coursework and the internship, you have the opportunity to discuss the complex nature of development as realized in your MSID country.
About Learning Abroad Center
The Learning Abroad Center in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, service-learning, work, intern, volunteer, and travel experiences worldwide.
The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.
A variety of program options--300 programs in over 80 countries--have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.
WHAT IS A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP?
A Global Internship is a Learning Abroad Program that provides unique workplace experiences abroad. Global Internships are coordinated by one of our Affiliates – partner organizations that have been evaluated and approved by the University of Utah. Through direct relationships with companies, organizations, and governments in the host country, our Affiliates can connect you with your ideal internship opportunity. Internships are available in both English and the host language, depending on your preference. Many Affiliates provide helpful services such as visa support, housing, knowledgeable on-site staff to help you navigate your host country, and cultural field trips and excursions.
WHY CHOOSE A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP?
Global Internships are immensely beneficial to your personal, academic and professional goals. While participating on a Global Internship, you can develop valuable skills such as:
- Cross-cultural Communication
- Project Management Experience
- Time Management
- Flexibility & Adaptability in unexpected or challenging situations
- Foreign Language Proficiency
Global Internships are an invaluable addition to your academic career at the U – take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for your professional career!
APPLYING TO A GLOBAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
- Complete Learning Abroad 101. This is a short information session about programs, applications, financial aid, and scholarships. You can complete Learning Abroad 101 online.
- Submit your Applications. You will submit TWO Applications for this Program. These Applications can be completed at the same time.
- U of U Application- Click Apply Now at the top of your screen to get started.
- Affiliate Application- Click on the Homepage link above to find your Affiliate Application. Contact the Affiliate if you have questions.
- Commit to your U of U Application. You will receive an acceptance email to your Umail account. Log into your U of U Application and Commit to your Program within 3 business days of acceptance!
- Complete the Post-Decision Steps. Finish the Post-Decision steps in your U of U Application by the deadlines provided.
ACADEMICS & ACCOMMODATION
DATES & TRANSPORTATION
- TENTATIVE dates are listed above. Compare the dates to the University of Utah academic calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
- You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the host country for most Programs.
- Do NOT purchase your flight until you read the instructions in the Learning Abroad Handbook.
LEARNING ABROAD BADGES
Students enrich their time abroad by earning Learning Abroad Badges such as:
This Program is eligible for the Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above. Some Programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. If you earn Badges during your Program, you may be eligible to receive a co-curricular certificate through the Global U Program.
This program is eligible for the Career Development Badge:
- As part of the program, students develop an understanding of the relationship between culture and the workplace by engaging in professional experiences with local agencies and companies.
- This provides excellent insight into your career, gives you a global context for your field of study, and offers hands-on experience that can be highlighted on resumes and during job interviews.
FINANCES
- Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available! Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information!
- Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to your Learning Abroad program
- Information about Program Costs, Billing timelines & Due Dates are available to help you plan.
- Affiliate Program Fees (non-billable) are established by the Affiliate and are in addition to any fees paid to the University of Utah. These fees are paid in lieu of University of Utah on-campus tuition and housing costs. Click on the homepage link above for more information on Affiliate fees and inclusions.
- Read the full Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy BEFORE applying.
PROGRAM ADVISING
LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK
Interested in learning more about the academic, financial, and logistical aspects of our Programs? The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's financial, disciplinary, administrative, academic, and logistical expectations. You’ll find videos, tips, and resources that help you make the most of your experience before, during, and after your Program.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
It is your responsibility to read, understand, and adhere to the terms and conditions of your Program. Terms and conditions are outlined in the Learning Abroad Handbook, Learning Abroad website, and in your Program Application. Terms and conditions may also be communicated to you through digital, verbal, and hard copy communication. Contact Learning Abroad with any questions or concerns.
