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Study Abroad Programs in Ecuador

Ecuador is a country that seems to have it all: Andean peaks, Amazon rainforest, sun-drenched beaches, and volcanic islands chock full of the world’s most diverse flora and fauna. But there’s much more to Ecuador than just a pretty face. Perhaps the nation’s best treasure of all are the souls of the Ecuadorian people. Studying abroad in Ecuador allows students to learn from the kind-hearted, generous folks that are the beating heart of Ecuador. Whether you’re a conservationist, botanist, or just looking to break out of the classroom, studying abroad in Ecuador is guaranteed to knock your flip-flops off.
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Seamester

Featured Provider of the Month

50 Study Abroad Programs in Ecuador

9.0824 reviews

AIFS Abroad

AIFS Abroad logo
Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a ...

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94 reviews

Adelante Abroad

Internships & Study Abroad in Spain & Latin America

Intern or study abroad in 2026 with Adelante Abroad: One of the b...

9.7651 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more th...

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9.95126 reviews

International Medical Aid (IMA)

Global Health & Pre-Medicine Internships Abroad | IMA

IMA offers an opportunity to enhance your medical and healthcare ...

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00 reviews

IES Abroad

IES Abroad Galápagos Islands Jan. Term – Marine Ecosystems

Imagine spending three January weeks in the Galápagos studying Ma...

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9.4717 reviews

SIT Study Abroad

SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador: Compar. Ecology and Conservation

You will live like a biologist as you explore the Amazon basin, t...

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91 reviews

Broadreach

Amazon + Galapagos: Eco Adventure

Track a tapir and Andean bears in a cloud forest. Study primates ...

00 reviews

SIT Graduate Institute

Global MA in Sustainable Development Practice

Learn to integrate policy, scholarship, ethics, and participatory...

101 reviews

International TEFL and TESOL

Accredited TEFL/TESOL Courses Online & in Ecuador from $89

Embark on a transformative teaching adventure in the breathtaking...

00 reviews

Enforex - Spanish in The Spanish World

Learn Spanish in Latin America with Enforex

Learn Spanish in Latin America with Enforex and discover a countr...

00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Summer Ecuador: Environmental Science and Conservation Track

This program is for students aspiring to become conservationists ...

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00 reviews

Don Quijote

Learn Spanish in Latin America at Don Quijote

Live "the Spanish way" while learning the language at Don Quijote...

94 reviews

Loop Abroad

Amazon Veterinary Service

Get ready for an adventure in the Amazon rainforest! Spend two w...

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101 reviews

CEDEI (Center for Inter-American Studies Foundation)

Full Immersion Spanish Program in Cuenca, Ecuador

Immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture and the Spanish language! ...

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00 reviews

Project Dragonfly, Miami University

Earth Expeditions (EE) Study Abroad Courses

Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses ...

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00 reviews

Change for Ecuador

Community Health & Education Volunteer in Ecuador

Join Change for Ecuador in a meaningful volunteer program that co...

00 reviews

The University of Minnesota

Intensive Spanish in Ecuador

Improve your Spanish while enjoying plenty of opportunities to ex...

See All 6 Programs
00 reviews

AdventureEXP

AdventureEXP Life Skills Foundation Course

Planning to work during your gap year? Or are you just looking to...

00 reviews

MEDLIFE

Nursing Service Learning Trip (SLT)

A MEDLIFE Nursing Service Learning Service Trip offers free, high...

00 reviews

Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation

Tropical Conservation Semester

The Tropical Conservation Semester offers a once-in-a-lifetime ad...

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A Guide to Study Abroad in Ecuador

Where to Study Abroad in Ecuador

With opportunities stretching to all four corners, those looking to study abroad in Ecuador may find that the startling diversity makes it a little harder to pick a location. To help stave off analysis paralysis, check out this breakdown of the most popular locations to study abroad in Ecuador: 

Ecuador’s capital city of Quito is prime spot for studying abroad. Regarded as one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America, Quito is a surprisingly metropolitan place, with dazzling architecture and a mesmerizing mix of the old and new. Spend your free time strolling down the cobblestone streets in el Centro or observe life in the tree-lined Plaza de la Independencia and marvel at the ingenuity of the colorful textiles used as backpacks by the local indígenas. You won’t want to miss the bus in Quito. Literally. Be sure to hop on a chiva, a party bus with live bands on board, and fiesta-it-up Ecuadorian-style. 

Choosing the Galapagos Islands will undoubtedly give you the opportunity to study in the world’s greatest lab rather than sitting in a stuffy classroom all day. Travel by boat from island to island, as you ramble among one-of-a-kind creatures like the blue-footed booby. Study abroad programs and service projects in the Galapagos often include wildlife conservation, clearing invasive species, or examining the impacts of tourism. Just imagine yourself snorkeling with sea life, hiking through a crater, or doing lab experiments with highly-esteemed scientific experts!

Guayaquil has made enormous advancements in recent decades, giving it a big-city profile, and yet still leaving a splash of its colonial history in its neighborhoods. Spend your weekends exploring revitalized squares, parks, and massive urban renewal projects. The city also has a growing arts scene and numerous lively bars, fuelled by several large universities that accept international students with open arms.

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Frequently Asked Questions

An increasing number of students are choosing Ecuador to study abroad, a welcoming affordable place with incredible natural resources. Getting to practice Spanish with native speakers is one of the many benefits of studying here.

It is pretty hard to find universities that provide free courses, but since Ecuador is one of South America's more affordable countries, program costs are probably lower than in some other countries. You can also create a FundMyTravel campaign.

The type of study abroad program you are interested in will often determine your exact program cost, which typically ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. Your study abroad program fees will likely include tuition, lodging, and insurance.

The length of your stay as a student in Ecuador will determine whether you will be required to get a visa. You wouldn't need one, though, for stays that are less than 90 days. Consult your program provider in advance regarding the process.

Although there is some little crime in the cities, it is typically simple to avoid with a little bit of travel awareness. International students can go to Ecuador without fear, but they should use caution to avoid possible consequences.

Latest Program Reviews

Cuenca will always hold a special place in my heart

September 17, 2025by: Amy Cran - CanadaProgram: Full Immersion Spanish Program in Cuenca, Ecuador
10

I had the joy of living in Cuenca in May 2023 as part of the Full Immersion Spanish Program with CEDEI. To say that it was a life-changing experience is not an exaggeration. I had an incredible time learning about Ecuadorian culture, taking in the beautiful landscape, trying new foods, and learning Spanish. This program truly offers an immersive experience that I am sure I would not have gotten travelling on my own. The staff at CEDEI were incredibly kind and helpful, and I was so grateful for how well organized my program was. They supported me in planning my trip, ensured my safe arrival and departure, and took all the stress out of planning for me. I arrived in Ecuador with only a basic level of Spanish, and thanks to the immersive environment, effort of my host family, and excellent instruction from my grammar and conversation teachers, left able to confidently order food, speak with shopkeepers, and keep up in most conversations. My teachers were very kind and attentive to tailoring our lessons to topics that are of interest to me, and it was a pleasure to get to know and spend time with them. They each went out of their way to make my stay memorable, and even took me on outings in the city to visit museums, the university campus, the market, and restaurants. My host family was incredibly kind, welcoming, and protective of me, and played a big role in making my stay in Cuenca so special. We had so many laughs, great food, and fun adventures together, and stay in touch to this day. The only bad part of my trip was our very tearful goodbye at the airport, as we had grown so close during my stay. I also really enjoyed the cooking, pottery, and dance classes offered as part of this program, and appreciated that everything was planned so seamlessly for me so that I got the most out of my trip. While I was in Cuenca, I also got to go on four excursions: a walking tour of Cuenca, visit to Ignapirca, hike in Cajas National Park, and a trip with stops in Gualaceo, Chordeleg, and San Bartolomé, which were all highlights. Other special moments included singing in my host sister's church choir, trying cuy in Gualaceo with my host family, buying fresh fruit and receiving a limpia esperitual at el Mercado 10 de Agosto, visiting the many beautiful churches, and celebrating mother's day with my family. All in all, this was an incredible experience, and I cannot recommend this program enough to others. My host family, teachers, the staff at CEDEI, and Cuenca will always have a special place in my heart.

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