Ecuador Summer and Winter Field School

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Term: Summer, Winter 
Dates: June and July/ December and January

Description: This course is a field study of the oral history, literature, art, and religious life of the Quichua Indian people. It provides immersion in the Quichua language and practical training in contemporary field work methods for Anthropology, Humanities, and Religious Studies. Students gain a unique perspective by living and working with native communities in the Andes Mountains and Amazonian Forests. Members of these communities serve as co-teachers in the courses.

Location: Ecuador is known for its array of indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, dense rainforest, and otherworldly volcanic landscapes. The high point of each session is a thirteen day stay in an Amazonian Runa community on the banks of the Napo River. Other destinations include the colonial city of Quito founded in 1534, Andean communities around Otavalo and Salasaca, and the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta. (See our website for more details about travel destinations.)

Highlights: Now in its 7th summer, the School includes immersion-based language classes in Quichua at 4 levels (from beginner to advanced). Portions of this program are particularly designed for students preparing for a lifetime of serious research on indigenous culture. We are continuing to offer a new course, 'Problems in Teaching Indigenous Culture,' which appeals to K-12 teachers who wish to develop course materials on the Amazonian culture and/or environment. Four $1,000 Teacher Fellowships are also available, contact us for details. The program is led by Professor Tod Swanson, a Quichua religious history specialist and fluent Quichua speaker. Courses in Nursing have also been added to the program.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: $2000 - $2500

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Scholarships are Available. see Arizona State University's Ecuador Field School Website for more details on possible funding sources.