Program Summary & Location

THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN WINTERIM 2019, BUT WILL FOR WINTERIM 2020.  

This immersion program will provide students with the opportunity to learn about and experience first-hand the diverse geographies and cultures of Ecuador. Students will explore two geographical landscapes (Andes Mountains and Amazon Jungle Basin) in connection with how global forces are impacting the local environment, learn about the cultural diversity while recognizing a history of inequality and marginalization of certain ethnic groups, and understand the inseparable interrelationship between those geographies and cultures. 

The three-week Winterim program starts with 3 days of orientation in the capital city of Quito, where you will visit the historical district, government buildings, and the Equator line. Then, the group travels to the small jungle city of Tena and spends 14 days there on various activities, including a service learning project, lectures, farm visits, and a homestay component. Students have a free independent travel weekend, and end the program with 3 days in the small market city of Otavalo in the northern part of the Andes. 
 
All program activities encourage students to explore the diversity of culture, language, values, and practices within Ecuador through engagement with a variety of Ecuadorians in a socially responsible and mutually beneficial manner. Students will learn about how global forces are currently impacting the environment, through studying economic development, oil exploitation, and deforestation. 

NOTE: This program is physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Days are long and filled with rigorous activities in either high altitude or heat and humidity, and alongside insects/bugs/ants/spiders that inhabit the jungle region. The homestay portion and service learning project might include demanding manual labor, based on the needs of the host families or local partners. Health and safety in these conditions will be discussed in length during orientation, but students should be aware of this going into the program.

Academics

To learn about eligibility requirements, academic course offerings, and the program calendar, click the following button:
Academics - Ecuador Faculty-Led

Student Life

To see more on what resources they provide and special notes on the program, click on the following button: 
Support - Ecuador Faculty-Led

Housing & Meals

Students will be staying in shared rooms in hostels in Ecuador, as well as homestays with local families. All breakfasts and some lunches will be provided in each location, and all meals are provided during the 4-day homestay, but other meals are not included in the program cost. 

Cost

This faculty-led program receives funding from the Blugold Commitment Faculty-Led International Immersion Experiences (FLIIE) program, and each student is eligible to receive funding for only one FLIIE experience. By clicking on the following term, you will find more information on program costs. If the term you want to go abroad is not listed, please see the most recent term and add 7% to your estimate to factor in exchange rate fluctuations and tuition increases. Click on the buttons below to view that term's cost estimate. 
Winterim 2019

Learn More & How To Apply

Still have some questions? You can contact Kim Reed, Assistant to the Immersion programs, at 715-836-5940 or reedka@uwec.edu.

Explore pictures from past students

Ready to apply?! Click here to read our application instructions. Please note this program will require a recommendation as a part of the UWEC application process. Then return to this page and click the "Apply Now" button at the top of the page.