Students at Alma College can and have studied in countries around the world. But there’s something special about the College’s relationship with the Academia Latinoamericana in Quito, Ecuador.
Located in downtown Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, the institute houses 21 classrooms and has a library, cafeteria, multi-purpose room and solarium. It also offers a free wireless Internet connection.
“The facilities itself were beautiful,” says Kirsten McNally, who traveled there in May 2007. “They had a courtyard in the middle with classrooms looking out to it on three different stories.”
“Also, the Spanish classes were very small, no more than four people, so you had one on one attention and a lot time to practice and speak the language,” says Angela Szatkowski, who traveled with McNally. “All of the professors were extremely nice and helpful.”
The Academia is in the process of forming of a new college, Alpha College, which will offer majors in business and environmental science. A reciprocation agreement between Alpha College and Alma College will allow students to study at both colleges.
Dr. Margarita Krakusin
Alma College Spanish professor Margarita Krakusin has traveled to the Academia many times, and has always been impressed by the quality of the teaching and opportunities it offers to students. She is sure Alpha College will open many other venues to Alma students as well.
“For non-Spanish speaking students it’s still a wonderful experience, because most of the classes in business and environmental sciences are in English,” she says. “But students are still submersed in Spanish culture.”
Krakusin has long hoped to open up Alma’s campus internationally, and feels the reciprocation agreement with Alpha College in Ecuador will allow more diversity on Alma’s campus, as well as give Alma students some unique opportunities.
“The Ecuadorian government is very interested in promoting a diverse economy,” she says. “Not only will students have the opportunity to have internships with major businesses and environmental organizations, but they can have the possibility to partner with Ecuadorian students in a business venture right out of college.”
In addition, the opportunity to experience a different culture allows students to appreciate and have more respect for all cultures.
“It’s a great opportunity to see yourself outside the context of your culture,” Krakusin says. “You learn about other cultures, but you learn about country, your culture and above all about yourself.”
