Gap Program: Spanish Language and Community Service

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Start any Monday!

Description: Experience the diverse cultures and ecology of Ecuador! Your program will be based in Quito, the vibrant capital of the country known as the city of sun and sky. Though the population is slightly over one million, Quito retains its small city atmosphere and offers a rich range of cultural activities. It is a fascinating blend of modern and traditional culture, with strong Spanish, indigenous, U.S.-American and European influences.

The institute is located in a lovely residential area of Quito known as La Carolina, just one block from the stop for the Ecovia (ecological buses). The building is surrounded by gardens and includes a video room, cafeteria, dancing area and racquetball court.

You can begin your studies any Monday of the year and stay for as many weeks as you like. Semester programs that include Hispanic Studies are also available! After completing a placement test on your first morning on campus, you will be placed in a class with students at your level. The curriculum includes conversation, written assignments, interactive activities and grammar lessons. Classes meet for 20 hours per week in small groups of no more than four students.

The institute offers weekly dancing lessons, cooking classes, lectures and city tours. Optional day activities include trips to National Parks, Indian markets and the Cloud Forest Reserve.

Deepen your understanding of the Spanish language and the culture of Ecuador by living with a local host family. Families are carefully selected and all homes are within easy walking or public transportation distance of the institute. Your host family provide two breakfast and a light dinner each day.

Highlights: Andeo International Homestays offers individually customized Gap programs. Begin your program any Monday of the year, stay for four weeks or several months, and combine two or more programs in different countries! You can further enhance your Gap experience by including a volunteer or cultural activity. There are dozens of options - the choice is yours. We will work closely with you to design the Gap program that best fits your goals and interests.

In Ecuador, we invite you to give back to the community by participating in a local service project! The language institute has strong relationships with several organizations, offering you a choice of volunteering experiences. Support Ecuadorian students in improving their English, assist in a clinic that offers free treatment to local children, or help out at a biological station on the Galapagos Islands! Call for details and more options.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 3,675 for 12 weeks; 4 weeks to 12 months possible

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Andeo-International Homestays's Mission Statement: Andeo-International Homestays is a non-profit organization specializing in short-term homestay programs since 1981. We design programs for students, teachers and families who are excited about developing friendships that span the globe. We work with carefully selected foreign organizations that are experienced and respected in the areas of homestays and exchange programs. Together, we coordinate all of the elements essential to a successful homestay: careful selection and matching, preparation, support and follow-up. We offer summer immersion homestay programs for high school students in Spain, France, Mexico, and Germany. We also offer programs that combine a homestay with classes, volunteer opportunities and activities in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Spain, France, Germany and Japan. No matter which program you choose, you are sure to discover a world of new friends and adventures!

Year Founded: 1981