Based in the picturesque Andean city of Quito, this thematic summer program includes a three-week excursion to the Galápagos Islands. Students enroll in center-based courses on the environment and Spanish language with other students from U.S. universities.
Quito-IES
Environmental Studies Summer
Program Dates
Summer:
Application opens in early December. See application deadlines.
Ready to apply? Check out our new frequently asked questions before you begin your application.
- Program Organization
- This is an IU Co-Sponsored Program
- Summer Environmental Studies Program with IES Abroad
- Academic Program
- IES Abroad "Environmental Studies" summer program*
- Required Spanish language course
- Two environmental studies courses taught in English
- First four weeks of the program, based in Quito, taking courses at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), a private university located in the Quiteño suburb of Cumbayá .
- Remaining three weeks on San Cristóbal in the Galápagos Islands, studying at USFQ’s remote campus, the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS).
- Field Trips:
- Galápagos Islands - Students explore the ecological diversity of one of Ecuador's most famous sites. Activities have included snorkeling, guided tours, and discussions on identifying Ecuador's flora and fauna.
- The Amazon region - Students hike through the world's largest and most biologically-diverse rainforest.
- Otavalo
Course Load
- Program requires enrollment in Spanish language course and two IES Abroad courses.
- 9 IU credits total
- Required Spanish language course (3 credits) HISP-OS 100
- Basic Intensive Spanish (HISP-S 100)
- Intermediate Intensive Spanish (HISP-OS 100)
- Advanced Intensive Spanish (HISP-OS 100)
- Required two courses from list of three options (3 credits each)
- Environmental Issues: Conservation and Public Policy in Ecuador (SPEA-V 450 or INTL-I 300)
- Ecuadorian Ecosystems (BIOL-OS 300)** lecture or lab course
- Ecological Anthropology (ANTH-E 328-CASE S&H, HISP-OS 300-Spanish minors, or HISP-OS 400-Spanish majors, taught in Spanish)
- Required Spanish language course (3 credits) HISP-OS 100
***Note: -OS 100 (-OS 300) is the default designation to identify overseas study coursees recorded as 100-level (300-level) undistributed credit that can count in total hours toward graduation and may be able to satisfy major, minor or distributional requirements with the approval of participants' school or the department.
**Note: Course fulfills either an unspecified BIOL-OS 300 upper-level lecture or an unspecified BIOL-OS 300 upper-level lab in Biology B.A. and standard Biology B.S. The course fulfills an unspecified BIOL-OS 300 upper-level lab in Biology B.S. with Area of Concentration in Integrative and Organismal Biology.
*Note: IU selectively co-sponsors IES Abroad program offerings, including the one described on this page, but not all IES Abroad tracks/offerings. Please contact Education Abroad for clarification.
- Additional Information
- Housing
- Students live in private a private, furnished room in the home of a family or a señora in Quito & Galapagos Islands.
- Homestay hosts provide 2 meals per day, 7 days per week
- Program Eligibility
You may apply if you:
- are an undergraduate student at any Indiana University campus who is making normal academic progress
- are in at least your third full-time semester of college
- have approximately a 2.75 cumulative GPA
Students must have a passport valid for six months beyond program's end date.
Students must be able to demonstrate flexibility, resilience, and self-reliance.
Complete eligibility criteria and selection criteria are outlined within the Academic Policies and Procedures of Education Abroad. Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant. Students on disciplinary probation during program period are ineligible.
- Costs and Financial Aid
Summer 2023
- IU portion of fee: $237.21
- IES Abroad portion of fee*: $8,990 (academic fees, housing, meals, orientation, field trips, health insurance)
- International airfare: $500 - $1,050
- See IU Fee Sheet for additional cost and payment details.
*Based on published IES materials. Indiana University cannot guarantee the prices charged by IES and is not responsible for any price increase or change.
Personal expenses and vacation travel additional. Initial prepayment of $500 due February 28, 2023.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- IES Abroad guaranteed aid of up to $7,000 (semester) or up to $3,000 (summer) based on confirmation of official FAFSA Expected Family Contribution. See details. Also see IES Abroad Scholarships and Aid available.
Please see our financial aid page for general information and links to additional scholarship opportunities.
- Program Contacts
For general information about this program, please visit or contact our office. To set up an appointment, please visit One.IU to access the Student Appointment Scheduler (SAS) tile.
Study Abroad Advisor
Provides detailed guidance and answers questions about specific programs or coursework available.
Lucia Calderon
Email: lucalder@iu.edu
Student Services Coordinator
Helps students navigate the application process and coordinates with cosponsoring organizations.
Beth Maben
Email: emaben@iu.edu