Ecuador » PUCE » Introduction to PUCE

The Oregon University system (OUS) exchange program at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) provides students from any of the OUS universities the opportunity to study Spanish in an Ecuadorian university. Students with sufficient language skills may also enroll in regular university courses in various fields of study, taught entirely in Spanish.

Highlights:

• The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) offers students the opportunity to study Spanish and/or take regular university coursework in a number of subjects including languages, social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and the arts.
• Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Quito is a major urban center and a great place to pursue a variety of cultural, natural, and educational interests.
• Living with a host family in the capital city provides daily opportunities to learn about the language, culture, and modern Ecuadorian life.
• Opportunities to volunteer with educational, environmental and social service agencies provide students with a glimpse into the issues and challenges faced by many countries in Latin America while developing professional experience.
• Ecuador is a geographically diverse country that includes the Andes range; the coastal region with banana plantations and shrimp farms; the Amazon jungle region (called the “Oriente”) and the Galapagos Islands. It is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet.
• Many outdoor opportunities are available near Quito and the PUCE hosts a mountaineering club that offers trips to climb nearby peaks and other outdoor pursuits.
• Ecuador is home to many indigenous groups as well as a majority population of meztizos. The integration of many cultures is evident in this diverse country.
• The Incas incorporated Ecuador as their northern territory and evidence of their advanced civilization can still be found south of Quito.

The Oregon University System International Programs are cooperative programs to which all students in public universities in Oregon and select private partner universities have access. The programs are predominately reciprocal exchanges that not only send Oregon students abroad, but also bring students to Oregon campuses. It is through these direct relationships that students and faculty connect with partner institutions abroad and bring diversity to Oregon universities.