Quito, Ecuador

Direct Enrollment - Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment, Experiential Learning
Length:
Fall, Spring, Academic Year

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

15 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

Spanish

Language Prerequisites:

5 semesters of college-level Spanish; enrollment in a Spanish course in the last year

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

While in Quito, directly enroll at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and take your courses at the university alongside local students. Founded in 1988, USFQ is one of the most distinguished private universities in Ecuador and has the largest international exchange program in the region, with more than 100 agreements with universities throughout the world. The University has a faculty that includes almost half of the PhDs in the country.

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Follow Your Academic Interests

Students with almost any academic interest can find options at USFQ.

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Gain Hands-On Experience

Enroll in a community-based learning placement.

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Live in a Homestay

You’ll have a private room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito.

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Receive Predeparture & Enrollment Advising

We offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to your needs.

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Mid August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
21,410

Program Dates:

Early January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Program Advisor

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Sarah Fang

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

Quito city among the mountains

Why Quito?

Quito is perfect for the adventurous soul. With its surrounding mountains, you’re always just a climb away from a breathtaking view of the valley and a bird’s-eye view of the colonial Spanish architecture that makes the city famous. Plus, Quito is a great base for trips to the rainforests and marine habitats that Ecuador is known around the world for. We invite you to Ecuador to improve your Spanish while enjoying all that this amazing country has to offer.

Learn More About Quito

Get to Know Your New City

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Stand on the Equator

Choose from more than 1,500 courses in a variety of disciplines.

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Climb a Volcano

Enroll in a community-based learning placement.

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Try Authentic, Local Cuisine

You’ll have a private room in the home of a family or a señora.

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Explore and Unwind in Itchimbia Park

Join IES Abroad field trips to destinations around Ecuador.

The Student Experience

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Housing

Quito Homestay
  • Homestay

Homestay

You have a private, furnished room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito & Galapagos Islands. Homestay hosts provide two meals daily. You will be provided all of your bed linens and towels, and laundry is provided too.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). 

In addition to your courses at USFQ, you can participate in a community-based learning placement and enroll in IES Abroad's Community-Based Learning Seminar (4 credits). 

Partner Institution

Universidad San Francisco de Quito's beautiful outdoor gardens with a fountain centerpiece.
  • Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

A modern institution of higher learning, Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is one of Ecuador's most prestigious universities and offers a full range of programs and courses. Its faculty includes almost half of the PhDs in the country, and its library and information technology is the most up to date in Ecuador. 

The USFQ campus is located in the suburb of Cumbayá in Quito. The commute time from USFQ to the IES Abroad Center is approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

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Courses

Universidad San Francisco de Quito offers nearly 1,500 courses each semester in a variety of disciplines. You take all of your courses at USFQ (excluding the community-based learning seminar) and enroll in 15 to 19 credits per semester. You are required to take a Spanish language course and are allowed to participate in any course in any department provided you meet the discipline and language prerequisites, as demonstrated on the Spanish language placement assessment.  

The following are some of the numerous disciplines in which IES Abroad students have previously enrolled. 

  • Architecture 
  • Arts 
  • Business Administration 
  • Communications 
  • Culinary Arts 
  • Education 
  • Engineering 
  • Health Science 
  • Hospitality 
  • Humanities & Economics 
  • Languages 
  • Management 
  • Mathematics 
  • Sciences 
  • Social Sciences 
  • Spanish Language 

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In addition to your courses at USFQ, you can participate in a community-based learning placement and enroll in IES Abroad's Community-Based Learning Seminar.

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (1)

Community-Based Learning (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
CB 395 - Community-Based Learning Seminar Fall, Spring Spanish 4
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Quito, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

students swimming in Las Grietas on Isla San Santa Cruz

Galápagos Islands

4 Days ($) Fall & Spring

Explore the ecological diversity of the Galápagos Islands, go snorkeling, and learn how to identify local flora and fauna.

A person wearing traditional Otavalo wear (white shirt, shawl, and skirt) sits with a child wearing a "Keep Calm and Rock On" t-shirt. They are surrounded by handmade quilts and are smiling.

Otavalo, Imbabura

1 Day Fall, Spring & Summer

Visit one of the most touristic regions in Ecuador. See a beautiful waterfall, volcano crater, and the famous indigenous Otavalo Market. Explore this largely indigenous town where residents are famous for weaving textiles. The “Plaza de los Ponchos” in Otavalo...

Experiential Learning

Community-Based Learning

Participating in a community-based learning experience in Quito is an opportunity to give back to the community while gaining a much deeper understanding of the city’s culture and society. Working alongside local people toward a common goal, you experience firsthand some of the social and economic issues that affect Quito, while contributing your skills toward a community-driven solution. 

A community-based learning experience consists of time spent with a local organization, accompanied by an academic, for-credit community-based learning seminar. Through the seminar offered at the IES Abroad Center you have structured time for reflection, discussion, and research on the issues of your host community.  

Possible placements may include organizations focusing on: 

  • Community health 
  • Economic development 
  • Social issues unique to Quito 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Spring 2024

Tuition
$
16,985
Housing
$
4,195
Insurance
$
230
Total
$
21,410

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
16,970
Housing
$
4,195
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
21,410

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
$
30,530
Housing
$
8,390
Insurance
$
490
Total
$
39,410

Spring 2025

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a modern building near the financial district in Quito. Whether you’re walking through the city’s largest historic park, La Parque Carolina, or looking for a place to study with friends, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Quito
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Qutio. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore and discover Quito before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Get to Know the University
Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, the USFQ orientation program introduces you to your program, your fellow students, faculty, facilities, and Quito.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Ecuadorian culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 06 - May 18

Application Deadline:

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

Mid August - Mid December

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Mid August - Late May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Early May

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.75 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale 
  • 5 semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent 
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • Enrolled in a Spanish course within the year prior to the program start date 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

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The Student Experience

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Surf Camp

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How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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