IES Abroad Quito: Area Studies and Language Program
Language Requirements
2 years of college-level Spanish, or equivalentNorthwestern Requirements
Spanish Major or Minor: If you have declared a major or minor in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, or are considering doing so, discuss your study abroad plan with a departmental adviser. To schedule an appointment, please call 847-491-8249.Academic Specialties
Courses are offered in a wide variety of disciplines.Course Type
Required Spanish program course; one core course in Anthropology and Sociology, Environmental Studies, or Political Economics; IES Area Studies electives and/or local university courses at the following institutions:
- Universidad Polétecnica Salesiana (UPS)
- Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (FLASCO)
- Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE)
Additional Information
Internships
Internships are offered in a wide range of disciplines and earn IES Abroad credit. Featuring a strong academic component, the internship includes a seminar that will introduce students to the legal, social, and cultural aspects of the Ecuadorian work environment. The seminar is also a forum in which students can discuss and analyze experiences with an academic advisor and fellow IES Abroad students. The Internship Seminar course analyzes legal norms, work regulations, business practices, employee rights, and business relationships in Ecuador.
Service Learning
IES Abroad Quito Service Learning opportunities allow students to develop similar skills as internship placements while working within social organizations in Ecuador. The Service Learning Seminar course introduces students to a series of debates on Ecuadorian society focusing on race, ethnicity, gender, and sexuality. Students complete 60-80 hours of community service per semester as a course requirement.
Housing
Home stayProgram Costs
Estimated Costs: Fall 2011
For the most updated program cost information, please refer to your program provider’s website.
- Tuition: $11,660
- Room & Board: $3,100
- SAAF: $2,355
- Transportation: $1,300
- Books & Supplies: $205
- Personal Expenses: $1,135
- HTH: $190
- Consular, visa, & exit fees: $170
- Total Estimated Costs: $20,115
Additional Information:
- Billing Arrangements: Find out what you will be billed for by Northwestern and by your study abroad program.
- Study Abroad Budgeting Worksheet: Estimate total expenses associated with study abroad.
For more information on billing and financial aid, visit the Financial Considerations section of the website.
Approximate Program Size
30 studentsApplication Requirements
Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
- Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.
- IES Abroad program application.

