We have exceeded our capacity to accept guest students into Alma
College International Study programs. At this time only students
enrolled at Alma College may apply for admission to these programs.
To submit an application directly through the program provider, visit the Academia Latinoamericana's website at http://www.latinoschools.com.
Knowledgeable staff at the school will assist you with the application
process for direct enrollment in their program or in identifying a
suitable host institution as you pursue your interest in study abroad.
Alma College students: If you're interested in obtaining more
information about this or any other off-campus study location, visit
Off-Campus Studies in the lower level of the Kehrl Library, next to the
Registrar's Office.
Why Quito?
Quito, the ancient northern capital of the Inca Empire is about 15 miles from the equator and lies at the base of Mount Pichincha. Some say that the climate at this elevation in the Andes includes all four seasons each day due to the wide variation in temperature. At 3:00 a.m. winter begins, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. spring arrives, from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. is summer and then fall starts.
Quito is a cultural center offering theatre, symphonic concerts, folk music, museums, art galleries, antique stores, arts and crafts stores, tourist attractions and excellent food. The city was the first in Hispanoamerica to declare independence from Spain. Quito is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in recognition of the preservation of its colonial center.
Over a million people live in present-day Quito, the land of contrasts - rich and poor, hot and cold, ancient and modern. Where else can you see a cow, a horse, or a pig grazing on a four-lane highway in the middle of town?
Quito Application Deadline
Applications for off-campus study in the summer or fall semester are
due by the second Friday of classes in February. Applications for
off-campus study in the spring semester are due by the second Friday of
classes in September. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Program Dates, and Fees, and Services
The School and Facilities
The Academia Lationamericana is located at Calle Noruega 156 y 6 de Diciembre. The Academia building was constructed in 2003 in the residential area of El Batan. The colonial designed complex offers twenty-one classrooms, a library, solarium, auditorium, and multipurpose indoor sports court. The school offers nine classrooms with digital connection fro interactive participation between the schools in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.
Conveniently located near the Carolina Park, there are many cafes, shopping centers, new ECOVIA bus lines and a post office all within two blocks from the school. A private catering service offers an inexpensive lunch consisting of typical entrees: salad, vegetables, tropical fruits and juices. Coffee, tea and water are available all day.
Admissions Requirements
The program is open to undergraduate students of sophomore status and above. Students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. A 3.0 GPA or equivalent and four semesters of college-level Spanish are required for internship applicants.
Class Structure and Credits
Ecuador Academic Information includes language course descriptions, credit information, and placement test details.
Following placement test and on-site orientation, students begin their language studies through classes offered in sessions Monday through Friday. Required textbooks are provided as part of the program.
All intensive language courses are in groups of four students maximum per class, 20 hours per week.
The highly structured grammar lessons include interactive activities, conversation and written exercises, daily homework assignments, and weekly evaluations and testing. All courses conducted in Spanish are 55 minutes in length. Classes are held in the morning or afternoon, leaving free time for cultural activities or half-day excursions. Classes end on the Friday prior to departure.
Internships
An internship complements classroom learning, provides chances to participate actively in an international community, furnishes valuable career insights and provides academic credit. Academic internships and volunteer programs are available during semester and quarter programs.
Interns are evaluated on-site and by the academic director and are graded based on a report of the experience written in Spanish. Most placements require that the student have a good knowledge of spoken and written Spanish while some placements require the student to speak the second language exclusively.
Participants enroll in classes in addition to their unpaid internship. Specific placements vary from semester to semester and new placements are regularly added to the list. Internship placements are confirmed after arrival. The internship program is the same price as a semester or quarter program.
Travel Documents
A passport is required for study abroad and must be valid at least 180 days beyond the end of the program.
A visa is required to remain in the country beyond 90 days. If a student visa is required, details will be included in the acceptance packet. Students must apply for a visa at the consulate that has jurisdiction over the student's home state. The Ecuadorian Consulate issues either a multiple entry, allowing entry and departure from Ecuador many times during the stay, or a single entry visa, allowing a single entry into Ecuador and return to the U.S. The on-site Director should be contacted prior to travel outside Ecuador if a single entry visa has been issued. The Academia's Student Services Coordinator can answer any visa questions.
Arrival Information
Plan on arriving in Quito on the beginning date of the program as indicated in the acceptance letter. This is the date housing becomes available. To be met by the host family at the airport, return the Airport Meeting Request Form to OCS. This form is provided upon acceptance.
For arrivals before the beginning date of the program, fees associated with housing and transportation from the airport are the student's responsibility. Students need to provide Alma College with their flight information at least two weeks prior to departure as that host families can be informed of arrivals.
Orientation
An on-site orientation is held on the Monday after arrival. Host families provide students with the directions to the Academia. A placement exam determines oral and written Spanish levels. Information is provided on courses, Ecuadorian cultural norms, the transportation system, Internet access, excursions, medical facilities, post office, etc. A city tour is conducted in the afternoon.
Administrative Staff
Alma College staff is available in the event of an emergency 24 hours a day. Please call 989.463.7055 to reach an OCS staff member. The Academic Coordinator is Diego del Corral and the on-site Student Service Coordinator is Patty del Corral. Both are available throughout the program to answer any questions. Patty del Corral can be reached at the school by calling (from the U.S) 011 593 2 2278 991 or 011 593 2 2250 946.
Excursions
A visit to the Center of the World and the Folk Ballet are two excursions provided by the Alma College program. In addition, there are usually one to four activities per week for students including city tours, cooking classes, dance classes, social gatherings, lectures, etc. The Academia offers trips to the Cloud Forest, Galapagos Islands, etc. that are not included in the program cost. Students pay for their own expenses in all of the organized activities not included in the program.
Vacations
Personal travel can be done on weekends but should be not interfere with class work. Plan extended trips before or after the program or during vacation periods. Semester programs have a one week vacation from school. Dates will be provided upon acceptance to the program.
Computers/E-mail
The Academia provides limited Internet and e-mail access. There is an Internet cafe close to the school. An hour of access will cost less than $1. Students can use their laptops at the Internet cafes.
Transportation
Public transportation is very inexpensive. Standard fare is $0.20, slightly higher on evenings/weekends. Ecological and electric buses from the airport cost $0.20 to use. The orange, white or gold Executive Buses are $0.25. Tickets are bought on the bus, correct fare is expected. It is recommended not to carry valuables.
Taxi fares are inexpensive in comparison to those in the United States; but exact fare should be agreed upon before riding. Tariff for city taxi varies from $1.00-$4.00. The cost may double at night, yet there is no addition charge for extra passengers.
Taxis have meters and drivers are required by law to use them. If a driver states that a meter is not working, it is imperative to fix the fare beforehand or do not ride in the taxi.
Housing and Meals
Students are considered not only a guest in the house but a member of the family. Homes are located in nearby neighborhoods usually less than a 20 minute bus ride to school.
Families assist in learning about the non-academic aspects of Ecuadorian life. Homestays include a single room, private bath, breakfast and dinner, laundry once a week, and bedding. Students provide their own towels. Refunds are not given for meals not taken at the homestay. Unless using prepaid phone cards, local and international phone calls are not permitted. Incoming calls are accepted at reasonable hours, but should be discussed with the family in advance. Students can bring laptops but cannot use them at their homes.
Telephones
Telephone rates are very expensive in Ecuador. Prepaid phone cards from MCI, AT&T or Sprint can be used. It is highly recommended to buy telephone cards before going to Ecuador.
Students can also purchase phone cards from Andinatel, the Ecuadorian phone company in Quito. The cards are very useful but slightly more expensive.
Students may buy a reasonably priced and practical mobile phone in Quito. Faxes can be sent from major Telefonica offices.
Mail should be sent to the student at the following address:
Student's name
P.O. Box 17-17-593.
Quito
ECUADOR
Health Insurance
Limited health insurance is provided as a part of the program cost. It is recommended to keep existing U.S. medical insurance active while abroad to provide for continuous coverage. No refunds are given for dual coverage. A copy of the insurance policy and an insurance card is enclosed in the acceptance packet. The phone number of the MEDEX representative is listed on the insurance card.
Alma Travel Agent
Airfare is not included in the cost of the program and all students must purchase their own plane ticket. Students may purchase airline tickets at rates below regular airline prices using the International Student Identification Card provided with the program. STA Travel Agency provides student discounts with the card; view their website at www.statravel.com. Also available for purchase at student rates are Eurail, Britrail, and other country rail passes. Students may work with any travel agent to find airfare.Travel Jems in Midland, MI has serviced many Alma College students in the past. Call them at 877-914-6700 or email to bookmetravel@sbcglobal.net.
