Ecuador » USFQ » Introduction to USFQ

The Oregon University System (OUS) exchange program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) provides students from any of the OUS universities the opportunity to study advanced levels of Spanish in an Ecuadorian university. Students with sufficient language skills may enroll in regular university courses in various fields of study, taught entirely in Spanish.

Highlights:

• The Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) offers students the opportunity to study Spanish and/or take regular university coursework in a number of subjects in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities.
• Nestled high in the Andes Mountains, Quito is a great place to pursue a variety of cultural, natural, and educational interests.
• Living with a host family in the capitol city provides daily opportunities to learn about the language, culture, and modern Ecuadorian life.
• 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 USFQ hosts a number of clubs and sports that Oregon students may participate in.
• 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 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.