Center for International Education

ECUADOR: COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION

The Ecuador: Computers in Education program runs for four weeks, December 26, 2009-January 24, 2010, and is based at the Centro de Estudios Interamericanos in Cuenca, Ecuador, a colonial Spanish city of 400,000 people nestled high in the Andes mountains and enjoying spring-like temperatures year round.  It provides the opportunity for elementary education, early childhood education, and secondary education students to use new technologies in order to integrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of living and studying in Latin America into their teacher education formation.

CLASS: Students receive three credits for EDUC 318:  Computers in Education.  The course provides an overview of the role of computers in education.  It examines computer applications as they relate to specific teaching/learning operations and educational functions in the pre-K-12 classroom.   Assignments will take advantage of the unique cultural surroundings and the diversity in local schools in Cuenca, Ecuador.  Students will use technology to develop applications and activities that will bring their cultural experience in Ecuador back into the pre-K-12 classroom in the USA.  Students will need a laptop computer with wireless access and a digital camera.  These items may be available for loan from the education departments’ computer lab.  Prerequisite: Admission to Professional Teacher Education Program.

HOST INSTITUTION: Founded in 1992, in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the meeting of the Old and New Worlds, the Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI) is a not-for-profit institution of higher learning, dedicated to the study of American languages and cultures. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador and co-sponsors programs with several colleges and universities in the United States.

EXCURSIONS: The Intersession program will begin with an overnight stay in Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil. Students then will spend three days in the capital city of Quito and will visit the world famous Indian market at Otavalo, many of Quito’s famous colonial churches, as well as the equator itself. Students will then spend several nights in the small town of Patate, nestled high in the Andes and world renowned for its traditional artisans. Once in Cuenca students will make several local field trips including the fascinating Incan ruins at Inga Pirca, and the breathtaking El Cajas national park, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Finally, students will end the program with four nights on the Pacific coast. Unlike the indigenous Andean experience of the highlands, this final portion of the program will introduce students to Ecuador's tropical Pacific coast with an environmental studies experience.

HOUSING: During their stay in Cuenca, students live with an Ecuadorian family experiencing the hospitality of Latin American culture firsthand. This group of families has been housing students since 1985, and has been central to the Intersession program's success. Most students keep in touch with their Ecuadorian families throughout the years, and many return to visit. Students in EDUC 318: Computers in Education who do not speak Spanish may request a family in which some English is spoken.  It is important to note that Ecuador is a Spanish-speaking country and the dominant language in all families will be Spanish. During the extensive in-country travel hotel accommodations will be provided.

COST: Tuition and fees for the 2010 Ecuador: Computers in Education program are estimated to be $3900. A final cost will be determined in fall 2009.  The price will include all tuition, round-trip airfare, room and board in Cuenca, in-country travel and lodging during the lengthy excursions, and extensive travel assistance provided by the Centro de Estudios Interamericanos.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION:  An initial deposit of $250 is due at the time of application.  This deposit is part of the total advertised cost of the program.  Once a student is academically admitted by the faculty director, the initial non-refundable deposit is due to the Cashier’s Office.  The student will be automatically enrolled into the study abroad course.  The University Billing Office will then bill each registered student for the total cost of the study abroad program (less the deposit amount) through the regular university billing system.  Standard University deadlines for withdrawals do not apply to study abroad programs.  Once the published Application Deadline occurs, the accepted student is responsible for the entire amount of the study abroad program charge. 

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Application forms are available at the Center for International Education or from the faculty director.   Completed application forms are currently being accepted by the faculty director or by the Center for International Education.  Students should also submit a completed faculty recommendation form from a faculty member who knows the student well.  Recommendation form available here. Selection will also consider student aptitude for online learning.  Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited.  Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full.  The application deadline has been extended to October 15, 2009.   All questions concerning the program should be addressed to the program director:

Prof. Regina Royer, Program Director

Department of Teacher Education
Phone: 410-548-3949 E-mail: rdroyer@salisbury.edu  

Printable Color Brochure Available Here