UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE SANTIAGO
The Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil is located in the commercial, industrial, and import-export hub of Ecuador. Guayaquil, a city of approximately 2 million people, is known for its fine ships, hotels, theaters, city parks, and museums. Beautiful beaches are only a one hour bus ride from the center of the city.
The Universidad Catolica is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that has achieved high prestige in the community. Catolica has an attractive campus and very active student life, including numerous social and recreational facilities as well as computer labs. The campus is served by public transportation. More than 5,500 students are enrolled in degree programs such as architecture, law, business, sociology, education, literature, communications, psychology, economics and engineering.
Academic Program Highlights
The program combines intensive Spanish language instruction with the study of Ecuadorian history and culture. In addition to the required core program, and depending on availability of courses and Spanish proficiency, students can register for the following courses taught in Spanish: Ecuadorian Studies, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Hispanoamerican Literature, Contemporary Culture, Cinema, Philosophical Anthropology, Sociology of Ecuador, and Economy of Ecuador.
One course in Spanish language is also required, and is offered at all levels from beginning through advanced. Internships are available for students in a variety of fields. A GPA of 2.5, as well as official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are required for admission to the program, which is open to students from freshman through graduate level standing.
Student Life
All students live with host families in Guayaquil, and two to three meals per day are provided. This arrangement facilitates the students' immersion into the Ecuadorian culture. In addition to several tours within Guayaquil, program staff organize frequent field trips to other areas of interest in Ecuador.