The 2009/10 Communication Arts Program in Ecuador 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.

CLASS: Students receive four credits for CMAT 399:  International Communication. Classes meet Monday through Friday mornings for four hours each day. Attendance is strictly required.  Coursework includes in-class lectures, readings, and visits to sites throughout Ecuador.

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 of Communication Arts 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 Intersession in Ecuador are estimated to be $3900. A final cost will be determined early in fall semester 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.  Students will be admitted to the program on a rolling basis until all spaces are filled.  Once the program has filled, admitted students will be placed on a waiting list.  Deadline for applications is October 15, 2009. 

Printable Color Brochure Available Here