International Development in Ecuador

Key Benefits:

When you study at the University of Minnesota Ecuador Study Center, you'll take Spanish language courses, elective courses, and participate in internships or research in Spanish, all within a program designed specifically for American students. While study center programs typically offer less exposure to local students and follow a more American-style curriculum compared to local universities, this program provides a highly experiential learning environment, making it ideal for an interdisciplinary approach to both your major and language acquisition. MSID supports you with pre-departure advising & support, visa-related support, airport reception, onsite orientation, onsite staff support, 24/7 emergency assistance, comprehensive global medical insurance, housing & meals, cultural activities, excursions, personal and professional development, and optional flight assistance.

Level of Immersion
Language(s) of Instruction:
Spanish
Features
Courses with Study Abroad Students
Internship Opportunities
Language Intensive Program
Research Opportunities
Study Center Program

Housing Abroad

Homestay

Program Dates

Fall Semester: late August to early December
Spring Semester: mid-January to mid-May

Housing at Seattle University

Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.

Housing Residence Life

Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preferenceas best as they can.

Housing Application

Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates

Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May

Disciplines

Courseload

Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.

Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the students' time abroad.

Credit Range: 16
Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
Typical Course load: 4
Credit Per Course: 4

Credit Conversion
Transcript Issued By: University of Minnesota
Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
Quarter Range: 24

EAO Historic Course Search

Academic Policy

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.

Transfer of Credit & Placeholder Course

Transfer Credits

Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.

Placeholder Course

The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.

Program Fees

Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.

Fall Semester: $10,000
Spring Semester: $10,000

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.

Budget Worksheets

Fall Semester Spring Semester

Participation Costs

For SU-Sponsored programs, you will be billed for Seattle University (1) Tuition, (2) Technology Fee, and (3) Program Fee per term abroad. These and estimated additional expenses are outlined in the program's detailed Budget Worksheet. Students are encouraged to complete the Budget Worksheet and discuss applicable financial aid with Student Financial Services.

Payment

For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.

Seattle University handles payments to University of Minnesota on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by University of Minnesota. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.

Insurance

Comprehensive global medical insurance is provided by the program provider.

Scholarships

There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities Cost Comparison Calculator

Student Journey

Approximate Timeline	Phase	More details
Sept-Jan	Exploration	Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals.
Feb 1	Apply	Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st.
Late Feb/Early Mar	Nominations	Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs.
Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring)	Preparation	Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc.

Application Steps

Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.

If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!

Climate

Spring (September to November): Varies by region. In the Sierra (highlands), temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). In the Amazon and coast, expect humid weather with temperatures between 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F).
Summer (December to February): In the highlands, summer is cool and dry, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Coastal and Amazon regions are warmer, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Autumn (March to May): In the highlands, cool and dry with temperatures similar to spring. The Amazon and coast experience a rainy season, with heavy showers and warm temperatures.
Winter (June to August): In the highlands, winter is dry with cooler temperatures, ranging from 7°C to 18°C (45°F to 64°F). In coastal and Amazon regions, winter is warm and humid, with temperatures around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

Travel Resources

Air: Major airports include Mariscal Sucre International Airport (Quito) and José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (Guayaquil).
Train: Limited train service, but scenic routes are available, such as the Devil’s Nose train in the Andes.
Public Transport: Buses are the main form of public transport, connecting cities and towns across the country.

Cultural Resources

Historical Sites: Key landmarks include the Galápagos Islands, Cotopaxi National Park, Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World Monument), and the historic center of Quito.
Language: Spanish is the official language. Indigenous languages such as Quechua are spoken in some regions. English is spoken in tourist areas.
Festivals: Notable events include Carnival, Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), and the Festival of Quito.

Food & Diet

Cuisine: Traditional dishes include ceviche, llapingachos (potato patties), empanadas, and locro de papa (potato soup). The Galápagos Islands offer unique seafood options.
Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more common in larger cities and tourist destinations. Traditional Ecuadorian meals often feature meat, but plant-based alternatives are increasingly available.

Embassy/Consulate

U.S. Embassy in Quito: E12-170 Avigiras Ave and Eloy Alfaro Ave, Quito (Phone: +593 2-398-5000)
U.S. Consulate in Guayaquil: Santa Ana St and Jose Rodriguez Bonin Ave, San Eduardo Sector, Guayaquil (Phone: +593 4-371-7000)

Identity-Specific Considerations

Accessibility: Public infrastructure is improving, especially in cities, but accessibility can be limited in rural or historic areas.
LGBTQ+: Ecuador is progressive in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, with legal protections in place. Quito and Guayaquil are more accepting, while rural areas may be more conservative.
Religion: Ecuador is predominantly Roman Catholic, with religious freedom protected and a growing presence of Protestant and Indigenous spiritual practices.
Race & Ethnicity: Ecuador is ethnically diverse, with Indigenous, Afro-Ecuadorian, and Mestizo communities, though Indigenous and Afro-Ecuadorian groups often face social and economic inequalities.
Gender: Gender equality is advancing in Ecuador, with legal protections in place, but traditional gender roles and gender-based violence remain significant challenges.

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.

Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by University of Minnesota.

U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a visa to enter Ecuador as a tourist (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). While abroad, you will extend your 90-day tourist visa or obtain a temporary residence visa. University of Minnesota will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in University of Minnesota’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.

International Development in Ecuador

About this Program

Program Highlights

Level of Immersion

Features

Housing Abroad

Program Dates

Housing at Seattle University

Housing Residence Life

Housing Application

Disciplines

Courseload

Credit Conversion

Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:

Transfer Credits

Placeholder Course

Program Fees

Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate

Budget Worksheets

Participation Costs

Payment

Insurance

Scholarships

Student Journey

Application Steps

Climate

Travel Resources

Cultural Resources

Food & Diet

Embassy/Consulate

Identity-Specific Considerations

Visa Requirements

What is a Visa?

The experience at a glance

Map