Quick Facts
Application Deadlines
- Fall semester: April 15
- Spring semester: October 15
Academic Calendar
BCA Quito operates on a semester system, however, the end of a semester varies according to when class exams are scheduled. Since this information is not available until you register for your courses, BCA advises that you be flexible about your departure date from Quito.
Language of Instruction
Spanish. Completion of two semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) is required
Required Courses
Ecuador, Language and Culture (fall semester) (4 credits)
Ecuador: Culture and Justice (spring semester) (1 credit)
Host University: The University of San Francisco Quito
- A private university that offers more than 40 degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 90% of classes are taught in Spanish.
- International students have access to all of the amenities that are available to full-degree students
- The International Programs office has agreements with universities throughout the world; each year students from more than a dozen countries are on campus.
Housing and Meals
On the third day of your stay in Quito, you will move into the home of your host family. Host families range from middle to upper-middle class, with different resources available. While all families provide breakfast and dinner, a private room and laundry services, some also have Internet in the house or even a maid who does the cooking and cleaning. You will receive a lunch allowance each month, since you will not normally be home at that time. Some students prefer to make their own box lunch or purchase food at the many cafes in or near the university.
BCA Orientation
Learn about Ecuador's history, culture and current issues, and receive intensive language training with BCA’s four-credit, four-week pre-semester course "Ecuador: Language and Culture.” (Fall and year-long students only.) Spring term students take the one-credit, 12-contact hour pre-semester course "Ecuador: Culture and Justice."
Resident Director
Originally a Peace Corps volunteer, Resident Director Daniel Bryan developed educational initiatives in South Quito, home to the city’s’ most marginal neighborhoods. He founded Quito Eterno, an internationally renowned cultural educational program, and later developed the Mestizo Theatre of Quito with the Bolivar Theatre Foundation. Daniel specializes in Theatre for Social Change and Popular Education, teaching at the university level and conducting workshops in both the U.S. and Ecuador.
Computer Access
Although Internet access is not guaranteed in host families' homes, many of the families do have personal computers. BCA students have access to all of the university's computer labs. There are also many inexpensive cyber cafes located throughout the city.
Local Transportation
In Quito, public transportation is inexpensive and reliable. Passes are not available, so you'll pay the fare with coins each time you ride the bus. At night, students are advised to take taxis and travel in groups whenever possible. A taxi allowance is provided to each student.
Sports Facilities
Students have access to the numerous sports activities at the university, including soccer, fencing, mountain climbing, hiking, aerobics, yoga, tae kwon do, basketball, volleyball, track, and tai chi. You may also take advantage of the public parks that are open for jogging and playing basketball, soccer and Ultimate Frisbee. There are many gyms throughout the city and students can easily become members.
Educational Excursions and Activities
- Fall and spring semester students go to the Galapagos Islands for four days.
- Fall and spring students will also go to the Amazon (four days) and the Indigenous town of Otavalo for a long weekend.
- Full year students travel to Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru during their second semester.
- Each semester, several day trips are planned, which may include a Night Tour of the Historical Center, the Cloud Forest, and a Volcanic Lake, among others
- The resident director reimburses you for much of your Quito cultural activities, including museums, plays, concerts, etc.
- At the end of each semester there is a final dinner at the Papallacta Hot Springs, which are located high in the Andes.
Volunteer or Internship Experiences
Participate in internships or volunteer work, including working in orphanages, day care centers, and schools for disabled children; teach English as a second language in local schools; and work in various non-profit Foundations. The BCA Quito director helps to arrange interesting volunteer work experiences.