About Quito
The capital of Ecuador, Quito (full name San Francisco de Quito) lies at 9,000 feet above sea level in a high valley at the base of Mount Pichincha. With a climate referred to as “eternal spring,” Quito is a city of sun and sky and is surrounded by mountains and three snow-capped volcanoes.
Life in Quito offers a mix of Spanish and indigenous traditions with modern international influences providing a rich and multifaceted backdrop for the study of historical Ecuador. An ever-growing city of around 2 million people, Quito’s neighborhoods retain their small city atmosphere. As one of the most cultural cities in the world, Quito has plenty to offer including a beautiful historical center, dozens of museums, theater, symphonic concerts, multi-screen movie centers, state-of-the-art shopping centers, numerous parks and recreations centers and food of all kinds.
Quito is also a city of contrasts, a product of numerous cultural influences and stratified economic conditions. Students will witness such diversity through the disparity between colonial and modern architecture and rich and poor neighborhoods.
Student Life in Quito
BCA Quito students live with middle-class Ecuadorian families and are immersed in local life. Life with a host family enables students to improve their Spanish language skills while experiencing and learning about Ecuadorian culture.
The university offers a balance of strong academics and social activities and opportunities to interact with professors and Ecuadorian students. Many BCA students also participate in internships and/or volunteer at a local organization. The BCA Quito director helps to arrange these experiences for students (read more here).
Your Home at the “Middle of the World”
Whether it is life with your Ecua-family, the great cultural opportunities all around you, your volunteer work, local youth groups or just hanging out with Ecuadorian classmates or fellow BCAers, Quito quickly becomes “home.” And just as you felt after leaving your United States home for the first time, you will feel homesick after leaving Ecuador.
Student Video from Quito, Spring 09