Study Abroad

The Universidad Espiritu Santo offers both short-term programs (Summer) and full semester programs (Spring and Fall), which combine the best practices of study abroad with the experience of studying at an Ecuadorian university, giving students the best of both worlds.

All participants receive a comprehensive on-site orientation during our Orientation Tour, take part in several field trips and cultural activities, most live with local host families, and all receive 24-hour support and guidance. But students also have full use of campus facilities – including gym, pool and doctor – and most take classes alongside Ecuadorian students.

Studying abroad at UEES is a unique combination of cultural and language immersion and genuine university life in Latin America.

Spanish for professional purposes program

This short-term study abroad program is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty of Literature, Spanish, Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language, Latin America or Hispanic Studies, Translation and Interpretation, International Journalism, Tourism, International Business, Anthropology, and Sociology who possess an advanced Spanish level but need to further develop their language skills. The Spanish for Professional Purposes Program is 6 weeks in length, during the months of July and August.

The program includes:

• Orientation Tour: 4 days of travel beginning in capital city Quito, and including the famous Otavalo crafts market, visits to Andean communities, and to the Equatorial Line.
• Field Trips: A weekend trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, Cajas National Park, and the Ingapirca Inca ruins; and a chance to experience the coastal ecology of Ecuador.
• Cultural Seminar: Weekly debrief and guest lecture gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Ecuador.
• Other: Cultural activity such as Latin dance or cooking/volunteer project.
• Homestay with an Ecuadorian family.
• Language Coaching and Support for independent study projects.
• Advanced Spanish language skills: grammar structure, vocabulary-building, writing skills.
• Full use of the university’s facilities, including sports complex, buses and doctor’s surgery.
• 3 credits of Spanish for Professional Purposes.

Spanish for the health professions field experience

This short-term study abroad program combines intensive Spanish for the Health Professions language instruction, travel and intercultural learning with field experience in a healthcare environment in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. The Spanish for the Health Professions Field Experience Program takes place over 5 weeks during the months of July/August.

The program includes:

• Supervised placement in a healthcare setting.
• Orientation Tour: 4 days of travel beginning in capital city Quito, and including the famous Otavalo crafts market, visits to Andean communities, and to the Equatorial Line.
• Field Trips: A weekend trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, Cajas National Park, and the Ingapirca Inca ruins; and a chance to experience the coastal ecology of Ecuador.
• Cultural Seminar: Weekly debrief and guest lecture gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Ecuador.
• Donation to the healthcare site.
• Other: Cultural activity such as Latin dance or cooking/volunteer project.
• Homestay with an Ecuadorian family.
• Full use of the university’s facilities, including sports complex, buses and doctor’s surgery.
• Course in Spanish for the Health Professions (40+ hours/3 credits)

Latin american language and culture

This short-term study abroad program is a wonderful mix of culture, language, history, travel, and activity that is ideal for those seeking a first taste of Latin America as well as those who are already passionate about this unique part of the world. The program combines an in-depth exploration of Ecuadorian history and culture and intensive Spanish language instruction with travel and intercultural learning.

The Latin American Language and Culture Program will suit students looking to improve their language skills while learning more about Latin America (in English) and experiencing its culture. The program takes place over 4 weeks during the month of June.

The program includes:

• Orientation Tour: 4 days of travel beginning in capital city Quito, and including the famous Otavalo crafts market, visits to Andean communities, and to the Equatorial Line.
• Field Trips: A weekend trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca, Cajas National Park, and the Ingapirca Inca ruins; and a chance to experience the coastal culture and ecology of Ecuador.
• Cultural Seminar: Weekly meeting and guest lecture gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Ecuador.
• Other: Opportunity to take part in cultural activities such as Latin dance or cooking class.
• Accommodation: Homestay with an Ecuadorian family.
• Full use of the university’s facilities, including sports complex, buses and medical service.
• 6 Credits: Spanish language instruction (3) and History of Ecuadorian Culture (3) with English language transcript.

Semester in Ecuador

This study abroad semester is for students of any discipline who have an interest in other cultures and languages, and who wish to have a deeper learning and life experience. The program combines intensive Spanish language instruction, travel and intercultural learning with a wide range of courses in both English and Spanish, and service learning placements in the community.

The program includes:

• Orientation Tour: 6 days of travel beginning in capital city Quito , and including the famous Otavalo crafts market, visits to Andean communities, the Equatorial Line and Chimborazo National Park.
• Field Trips: A weekend trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca , Cajas National Park , and the Ingapirca Inca ruins; and a chance to experience the coastal ecology of Ecuador.
• Cultural Seminar: Weekly debrief and guest lecture gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Ecuador.
• Other: Cultural activity such as Latin dance or cooking/volunteer project.
• Homestay with an Ecuadorian family.
• Full use of the university's facilities, including sports complex, buses and doctor's surgery.
• Up to 15 Credits with an international transcript in English.

Summer serve and learn spanish

This short-term study abroad program combines intensive Spanish language instruction, travel and intercultural learning with service placements in community-based organisations in the city of Guayaquil , Ecuador . The Serve and Learn Programs are 4 weeks in length, during the months of June and July.

The program includes:

• Orientation Tour: 4 days of travel beginning in capital city Quito , and including the famous Otavalo crafts market, visits to Andean communities, and to the Equatorial Line.
• Field Trips: A weekend trip to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cuenca , Cajas National Park , and the Ingapirca Inca ruins; and a chance to experience the coastal ecology of Ecuador.
• Cultural Seminar: Weekly debrief and guest lecture gives students a chance to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Ecuador.
• Other: Cultural activity such as Latin dance or cooking/volunteer project.
• Homestay with an Ecuadorian family.
• Full use of the university's facilities, including sports complex, buses and doctor's surgery.
• 6 Credits of Spanish and Service Learning.