Ecuador

	Quick Facts
	Language Spanish. Previous language study is not required.
	Host Family Placement In cities like Quito, Ambato, Cuenca, Riobamba, and Ibarra in the Sierra region and Portoviejo and Manta in the Costa region.
	School Students who are placed in the Sierra region attend school from September to June, while students in the Litoral region attend school from April to February.
	Trips Rainforest tour included in summer program is available to year students for an additional fee. Galapagos Islands and other educational trips available for an additional fee.
	Pastimes Sports and extracurricular activities.

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 13 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 we’re 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.

Academic Programs

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.
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. This trip is arranged by a travel agency in Ecuador and is not chaparoned by YFU staff. Participants will pay for the trip directly to the travel agency. Students have had the opportunity to volunteer in a wide variety of organizations in Ecuador in order to learn more about the country and help benefit their communities.

Gap Year Abroad
The traditional Academic programs are also available as 13th Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

YFU will cover the cost of registration and tuition fees, but students must cover the costs of books, transportation and other materials such as uniforms. Please be aware that there is a departure airport tax as well as visa registration fee. These additional costs may be approximately $300 for the entire year.

Summer Program

Discover Ecuador
If ecology, biology, anthropology, or Spanish fascinates you, join other YFU participants from around the world in this six-week program in Ecuador. You’ll live with and enjoy getting to know your Ecuadorian host family. Living with a family gives you a chance to explore and understand another culture as an insider.

You may take day trips to places like the colonial section of Quito, hike up to volcanoes, visit the colorful Indigenous market at Otavalo, or attend cultural performances, such as a ballet with folklore music. Included in your program is a three-day tour of the northern rainforest. Activities include canoeing and observing monkeys, reptiles, exotic plants, and other wildlife in the region. Students will also learn about the rainforest from trained local guides.

Summer students may also opt to take a five-day tour of the Galapagos Islands for an additional fee. This trip is arranged by a travel agency in Ecuador and is not chaparoned by YFU staff. Participants will pay for the trip directly to the travel agency.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Programs	Code	Departure	Return	Tuition
Year Gap Year Abroad	0045 0045	late August late August	early July early July	$8495 $8495
Winter Semester Gap Year Abroad	0899 0899	early January early January	early July early July	$8395 $8395
Semester Gap Year Abroad	0909 0909	late August late August	early February early February	$8495 $8495
Summer Discover Ecuador	0043	late June	early August	$5995

Online Resources

To learn more about Ecuador, we recommend:

E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, Spanish language dictionaries, and many more country resources
Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites
Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, DC web site
Ecuador official web site

"Some of the things that I'll remember forever are the friendships and the things I learned about myself."
- Taidgh O'Neill

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: September 2008