SUNY New Paltz Study Abroad - Study Abroad Programs

"Students participating in the New Paltz - Middlesex program have the advantage of experiencing first-hand and at relatively low cost the educational system of a British university. New Paltz has established a comprehensive, well-thought-through oreintation process to inform students about the details of the program. Both institutions seem wholly committed to making the program work."

Study Abroad in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Costs

Objective

To give students the opportunity to:

travel to the Andean region of South America
take courses in an accredited program of Latin American Studies, in Spanish, conducted at a Latin American University by professors from the host institution
complete an internship in a local business of institution such as a hospital, school, cooperative, environmental agency, or other organization
Experience the rich, live, and diverse cultural expression of the multilingual and multiethnic Andean region.By doing this, students will be able to understand the three major influences (African, Andean Indigenous peoples, and European) that have shaped the particular character of the region.
be ambassadors of good will and promote understanding of other cultures and ways of life
put into practice some of their professional skills in an environment conducive to intercultural exchange

The Program Location

The Universidad Espiritu Santo is located in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Located on the Guayas River, this urban area is Ecuador's largest city, with a population of approximately 2,500,000 inhabitants. Noted for its hustle and bustle and friendliness of its people, Guayaquil is the hub of an active import-export industry and serves as the financial center of Ecuador. It has several malls with attractive boutiques, numerous theaters, and museums. Within an hour's drive by car from Guayaquil, there are several important ecological areas - mangrove swamp land, desert, tropical dry forest, cloud forest and pristine beaches. Ecuador is located on the Pacific Ocean while spanning the Equator in the Northwestern part of South America, and serves as an ideal site to learn about the realities of Latin America. The country includes a wide variety of geographical features including the Andes mountains, the coastal plains, jungles, and the Galapagos Islands.

Universidad Espiritu Santo

The Universidad Espiritu Santo is the youngest and fastest growing Ecuadorian university. The mission of the Universidad Espiritu Santos is to prepare Ecuadorian men and women for leadership in business and in the public life for their country. Academic standards are high an admission is selective. UEES enrols more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in all of its divisions.

Language

Classes are taught in Spanish. A limited number of courses are taught in English

Academic Program

Students in the Espiritu Santo International Studies Program will study intensive Spanish, history and geography of Latin America, Literature of Latin America, and social economic problems of development. They will have the opportunity to travel to Quito and the highlands, Cuenca, the Amazon and to various places around Guayaquil and the coastal region in connection with their studies. The program will last 16 weeks and students will participate in social projects and internships of interest. This direct experience is of great importance. Also, students will have the opportunity to meet and listen to leaders in Ecuador through conferences, lectures, etc.

Course Offerings
Students select from the following:

Qualified students may also have access to regular UEES course offerings. Independent Study courses are available by special arrangements.

Internships

Internships will take place in Guayaquil and will be supervised by UEES Education faculty. Internships are available in schools, non-profit organizations, hospitals, and banks.

Qualifications

Students who are sophomores, juniors or seniors at the time of application, have at least 2 years of college level Spanish language studies, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 are eligible to apply. The program is designed for Latin American Studies majors. Students from other areas (such as International Relations, History, Business Administration, Nursing) can be considered if they demonstrate proficiency in Spanish and are familiar with the Latin American culture. Interviews may be required of certain applicants. Before departure, students should have completed the following courses or their equivalent:

Spanish Composition and Conversation or equivalent (89301)
Introduction to Latin American Studies (61290)
One course in Latin American Studies
One course in the Culture of Latin America

Credits

Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn 12 or more undergraduate level credits per semester.

Accommodations

Students will live in homestays arranged by the UEES. Each student will be placed with an Ecuadorian host family who will provide at most meals, light laundry, occasional transportation, and a few outings. The homestay is the supportive link for the students in his/her new cultural environment.

Program Dates (approximate)

Spring semester: early January - late April
Fall semester: early August - mid December

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