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Academic Credits in Quito, Ecuador

Location
 

School
 

Academia Latinoamericana in Quito, is set in the residential area of La Carolina. The  Carolina park is located at Avenidas Amazonas and Republica, is a large recreational park where Quito goes to relax outdoors. On weekends the park is buzzing with soccer matches, volleyball games, skateboarding, outdoor aerobic classes, paddleboats, family games and picnics. A botanical garden and dinosaur museum have also recently been added to the park.

Several of Quito's major shopping centers surround La Carolina including the Megamaxi, Plaza de Las Americas, Quicentro , El Caracol, CCI and El Jardin. These shopping malls offer a variety of both local and imported goods as well as supermarkets.

The Academia has a beautiful colonial building, with interior patio, 21 classrooms, video room with amplification equipment, library, teachers room, auditorium, solarium, cafeteria, a multipurpose indoor court (racquetball, wallyball, speed soccer and basketball field), internet service, access and bathroom for wheelchair users, elevator, nine classes with digital connection for interactive participation between the schools in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia

It is conveniently located to Ecovia bus line that crosses the whole city of Quito, within half a block radius of the school. Buses cost 25 cents and taxis around 1 or 2 US$ for a typical fare.

Accreditation:
 

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS - Study Abroad programs in Quito
The Academia is registered with and recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, and is partnered with Alma College to offer Undergraduate academic credits. Quality is the hallmark of participation in the Alma College program in Quito. Alma College, a highly selective liberal arts college located in central Michigan, is recognized as a Baccalaureate I school by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. A Phi Beta Kappa institution. Alma College is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Credit is awarded for all levels of study, from beginning to advanced levels of Spanish. All academic credit is fully transferable to other accredited colleges and universities. Students enrolling will receive from 12 to 18 semester credits for each completed semester in Ecuador. For most American institutions this reflects a standard load of four courses, three credits each. Summer students will receive at least three credits for each month of intensive instruction.

The Academia also offers credits for, or has relationships with the following Universities/organizations

University of Southern Mississippi, USA
New Mexico State University
Mary Washington University
University of Wyoming, USA
The Citadel University, USA
Virginia Military Institute (VMI), USA
Central University in Quito, Ecuador
Council for International Education, USA
International Society for Academic Research Expeditions, USA
South American Explorers Club, USA

Academic Courses
 

Spanish Courses

Other  Academic Courses

Additional Courses Available (can be run in conjunction with the academic program)

Volunteer Work

Two-four weeks preparatory classes, followed by a one month minimum of volunteer work. After this requirement is met, students may extend their program with work only. The student will need to send us a resume of their studies in order to arrange part-time work according to their needs. Student will receive a certificate from the organization and the Academia Latinoamericana at the end of the course.

The volunteer program is for people interested in learning about sustainable solutions to poverty. All volunteers will work in partnership with local people in a variety of community-based projects. This unique program offers exciting hands-on work opportunities, meaningful cultural immersion, and enriching language program. 

Click here for more information on volunteer options

CLOUD FOREST PROGRAM

Word is just starting to get out about the - Cloud Forest - Academia Latinoamericana de Español academic program at a lodge and reserve tucked on the western doorstep of Tandayapa reserve, protecting one of the most unspoiled and beautiful tracts of cloud forest in the country. Now is time for nature lovers, researchers, biologists and Spanish students to begin studies here in Cloud Forest in order to better understand the roles western slopes cloud forests play in the evolution and maintenance of vast amounts of tropical biodiversity. Students will be participating in the highly regarded Spanish program and also helping to preserve this beautiful natural area by providing the biological information on which ecotourism thrives.

Every weekly rate includes: Airport transfer upon arrival in Quito. Roundtrip bus transportation to Cloud Forest from Quito. Tour guide and maps, use of facilities, double room, 3 meals a day, teaching material, all tours and activities, naturalist guide, Tandayapa park fee, certificates of participation, Academia Latinoamericana final report are included.

ACTIVA PROGRAM

A full day's fun is scheduled for this course, combining morning classes with afternoon activities to museums, cathedrals, fruit markets, etc. All transportation costs and entrance fees are included for you and your teacher guide.

Every weekly rate includes 5 days of classes (from Monday to Friday), 20 hours of group classes and 15 hours of individualized activities, 7 days with your host family, half board (breakfast and dinner), laundry service, airport transfer upon arrival, and weekly activities with the school with transportation included. Mail service, money exchange, safety box, luggage storage, wireless access to internet, and use of sports facilities are also included.

Medical Program

ACADEMIA MEDICAL SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM is a language learning program giving medical students and Doctors the opportunity to learn Spanish while learning about another country's medical system. Students are exposed to different cultural practices and traditions and also have opportunities to establish relationships with others with the shared goal of healing and serving those in the community.

Programs are offered in Quito-Ecuador, Cusco-Peru & Sucre-Bolivia. Although each program’s specific itinerary varies, each program will place you in a variety of health settings and includes discussions/lectures to give you an overall picture of the medical practice in Andean countries. Many past participants on Academia Medical Service Learning Program were able to “witness surgeries and births, draw blood and suture, give shots, read films, take histories, and witness and help with physical exams IN SPANISH."

Each program also includes Spanish classes (some emphasis on medical terminology), lodging with local families, full board, cultural activities and some excursions to immerse you in the culture. We are sure what you learn by participating in Academia Medical Service Learning Program will be beneficial and needed in your medial practice in years to come

For further information please feel free to contact us.

Flavors of the Andes Program

A full day's fun each day is scheduled for this course, combining morning classes with lunch included with your own tutor at local restaurants in the city of Quito, tasting the local cuisine while you continue practicing your Spanish. This way you will be surrounded by the warmth and joy of a true Latin culture is a culinary celebration of art, history, music, and folklore.  It is one of the most delicious and wonderful ways to experience a country in a most delightful way! The Andean region is a cornucopia to the international pantry and its list of gifts is impressive many times over: tomatoes, corn, potatoes, chocolate, exotic tropical fruits, corn and so much more.  Conversation and interaction soar around the table for everyone who is there to share and enjoy these memories of Andean cuisine and a true Spanish immersion all the way.

Every weekly rate includes 5 days of classes (from Monday to Friday), 20 hours of group classes and 3 hours of individualized tutoring while having lunch at a local restaurant, 7 days and half board with your host family, laundry service, airport transfer upon arrival.  Mail service, money exchange, safety box, wireless access to internet, luggage storage, and use of sports facilities are also included.

Services Summary

Language taught: Spanish

Class Times: Mornings

Average Class Size: 2-3

Maximum Class Size: 4

Nearest Airport: Quito

Airport transfer  Yes included

Location Type  Capital City

Public Transport  Standard fare for public transportation is U$0.25 cents. The standard taxi tariff in the city is U$ 1 to U$ 3 and not more than double by night, and there is no extra charge for extra passengers. Taxis have meters and are required by law to use them.

Buildings Historic Colonial building

Garden / Terrace  Yes

Library  Yes

Newspapers / Magazines  Yes

Message Service Yes

Internet Access  Wireless is  free to all students

Course Materials Yes included in price

Student Nationalities A particular pleasure for many of our students is the opportunity to meet others from all over the world. To date, the Academia has hosted students from the United States (39%), Holland (15%), England (14%), Switzerland (9%), Germany (7%), Canada (5%), Denmark (5%), Brazil (2%), France (2%), and other countries (2%)

Activities Available There is a HUGE range of activities. As well as  organizing  trips to exciting destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, Cotopaxi and the rainforest, there is also many other activities organised by the school. For example:

1. Monument of the "Virgen de Quito" or "El Panecillo"
2. Monument of "La Cima de la Libertad"
3. Colonial churches and convents
4. Visit to the Presidential Palace
5. A guided visit to the fruit market
6. Vivarium museum, exhibition of Latin-American reptiles
7. Soccer game at the national tournament
8. Mountain biking outside Quito
9. Roller skating
10. Salsa and Merengue dance classes
11. Cooking lessons (Ecuadorian dishes)
12. Slide show about Galapagos Islands
13. Lectures on history and culture
14. Wallyball, racquetball, speed soccer or basketball game between teachers and students at the Academia
15. Farewell party on Fridays for students
16. Hot-dog and hamburgers at the Academia Bar.B.Q.
17. Folkloric Ballet of Jacchigua
18. Ecuadorian traditional ice cream
19. Spanish movies
20. Visit to the archeological museum of "Casa de la Cultura"
21. Visit to the museum of modern art "Oswaldo Guayasamin"
22. Visit to "Museo de Ciencias Naturales" at Carolina Park
23. Visit to the "Museo de la Ciudad"
24. Visit to "Museo de arte religioso de San Diego"
25. Visit to "Museo de arte religioso de San Francisco"
26. Visit to "Museo de Miguel de Santiago en San Agustin"
27. Visit to "Plaza Belmonte, fiesta popular"
28. Visit to a public high school in the city of Quito
29. Ride on "Chiva Quiteña"
30. Visit to museum and the monument of the Middle of the World
31. Visit to Cotopaxi volcano (19.000 feet high)
32. Visit to Indian market at Saquisili
33. Visit to Calderón (baked bread handicrafts)
34. Visit to Otavalo Indian market, Cotacachi e Ibarra
35. Visit to a rose plantation
36. Visit to the zoo (Andean animals) in Guayllabamba
37. Visit to Pululahua volcano (extinct)
38. Visit to the thermal baths at Papallacta
39. Visit to a shaman in Santo Domingo de los Colorados
40. Visit to the cloud forest of Mindo and Hacienda La Escondida.
41. Visit to the cloud forest of Cosanga (botanic reserve)
42. Horse back riding
43. Train ride to the Devil's nose
44. White water rafting
45. Trekking in Pasochoa National Park
46. Trip to Atacames

Accommodation

Home stays

Includes two meals (breakfast and lunch), private room, bathroom, laundry service once a week
Families belong to Ecuadors middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Ecuadora are  lower than Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually nor more than a 10 to 20 minute walk to school. Participants choosing to stay with a family should recognize that a certain degree of flexibility will be required to adjust to the Bolivian customs and way of life.
Overall, the homestay should be one of the highlights of your trip but sometimes problems do arise. Notify the director of the school of any problems or if you wish to change families (there is no charge for this).
You will receive a key to the outside door and will be able to come and go as you please. You are not obligated to eat your meals with the family, but you should notify them when you will not be eating at home. Food and drink served by your host family is safe.

Groups of families staying together: A few homestays can accommodate this.

Prices

Spring Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:  $3,600 
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Fall Semester
16 weeks classes, 1-week vacation (Sept 26 - 30)
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $4,800
Room and board $1,785 + tuition $3,015

Fall Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $3,600
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Academic Year
32 weeks classes, 2 semester and Christmas vacations
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $9440 
Room and board $3,570 + tuition $5,870

Winter Semester
16 weeks classes, 1-week vacation (March 27 to April 3)
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $4,800
Room and board $1,785 + tuition $3,015
 
Winter Quarter
12 weeks classes
Total cost for tuition, room and board:   $3,600
Room and board $1,260 + tuition $2,340

Summer Courses
Summer students may create their own program. Courses start every Monday. All prices includes room and board (private room, breakfast & dinner), laundry service, teaching material, airport pick up, weekly evaluations and certificate at the end of the course.

 

References

Mr. Chris Musick
Director of Study Abroad Department
Mary Washington University
"It was truly a magnificent experience we had. I have already been telling faculty and students what a wonderful place Quito is. I know I have told you several times already but I really love Quito, I fell in love with the people, the diversity, the prices, and our very special host."

•  Dr. Michele Cruz-Saenz 
Head of the Spanish Department
Strath Haven High School
"Nosotros tenemos un programa anual con la Academia Latinoamericana y consideramos que es la mejor escuela de español que hemos visto. La organización y la educacion son excelentes y los servicios de turismo cuando viajo con mis estudiantes son de primera calidad. No podia creer cuando ellos me informaron de su conexión con Continental Airlines, tuvimos un descuento de casi el 50% en el ticket aereo"

•  Dra. Margarita Krakusin
Head of the Spanish Department
Alma College
"I thank you for your professionalism, courtesy and friendliness during my pleasant stay at your school. My special thank you to Diego who made me feel "at home" from the very beginning. Last but not least my very special thank you to Patty, Jenny and Johanna for their patience enduring the many hours of my limited ability to learn and retain the material from their excellent presentations. I thank you, I thank you all very much"

•  Prof. Patricia Mclean (Spanish teacher)
Universidad de Wyoming
"No podemos creer que ya estamos en casa, echamos de menos mucho a Ecuador, todo el personal a la Academia, y las familias. Desde hoy podremos ayudar a cualquier estudiante que tenga interés en estudiar en Ecuador o Bolivia con Uds. Y claro, vamos a anunciar estas oportunidades por toda la universidad. Por supuesto, el mejor anuncio por la Academia y Ecuador es el grupo que acaba de regresar con nosotros--los chicos están muy impresionados, emocionados y entusiasmados sobre su viaje, les juro. Nosotros hablaremos por seguro, Dann y yo ya estamos empezando a planear el viaje para mayo de 2001. ¡Que rico dilema tratando de decidir entre Ecuador y Bolivia! Le agradecemos por TODO. Saludos a todos en la Academia."

•  Prof. Peter Moller (Science teacher)
Colorado Mountain College
"Por fin tengo un momento cuando puedo escribir. Quisiera agradecerte y felicitarte por haber organizado un viaje tan maravilloso para CMC! Todos los miembros de nuestro grupo me dijeron que tenian una experiencia excelente. Aunque habia mucho trabajo en planear y organizar el viaje, desde septiembre del ano pasado, valia la pena. En el futuro, el cual empieza ahora, debe haber menos trabajo con tal que CMC comience mas temprano con los anuncios publicos, que CMC ponga mas enfasis en los estudios internacionales, y que haya mas alumnos que registren mas temprano. En realidad, debemos poder terminar con la mayoria de la organizacion en enero."

•  Mrs. Reed Skoug (spanish teacher)
Germantown Academy
"The school is fantastic and even better have been the trips"

•  Mrs. Donna Hanner (Spanish teacher)
Queen Mary High School
"Por favor, da mis recuerdos a todos, especialmente a tus hermanas y a mis profesores, Meri y Wagner. Tengo mucha más seguridad delante de mis clases ahora por la práctica y enseñanza de ellos."

•  Ms. Miriam Padilla
Albert Einstein Medical School
"The trip was amazing. the school was professional, welcoming, courteous. The teachers were nice. Everyone treated us like family and were willing to help us in any way possible. Diego was awesome, his door was always open for us to come in with questions or problems. The first weekend in Otavalo and the volcanoes was the best. The clouded forest was also great but we were a little rushed in it. I would make it a four day trip.  Visiting the school of medicine was good too. the families we stayed with were also great. The group was amazing. We all got along extremely well and shared a lot and had fun together. All in all the trip was wonderful. thanks."

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