Program Overview

The Ecuador Study Abroad program, also known as the Andes and Amazon Field School Quichua, is a summer program that immerses students in the culture and environment of the Amazon. The program is co-sponsored by Florida International University's Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Florida.

Program Details

• Location: Napo Province, Ecuador
• Dates: June 5, 2023 - July 14, 2023
• Program Cost: $7,500.00, covered by the FLAS Fellowship, broken down into:
  • Academic Program Fee: $5,000
  • Room & Board: $2,500

Program Description

The program offers 140 hours of intensive classroom instruction in Amazonian Quichua, taught in English by professors from Arizona State University, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, and other institutions. The program uses the Quichua language as an anthropological linguistic window into Amazonian culture and worldview. Students learn about plants and animals in Quichua, record origin stories and songs to species, and formulate their own research questions in Quichua.

Housing and Meals

• Students stay in spacious rooms with double or triple occupancy, looking out on the river and forest.
• Bathrooms are in rooms with abundant hot water, and high-quality mattresses are provided.
• Three meals per day are provided in a dining room with an expansive view of the Napo River, serving a mixture of Ecuadorian and American dishes, with opportunities to savor Andean and Amazonian cuisine.

Application and Eligibility

• The program is open to FIU or non-FIU students with an FIU FLAS award only.
• Students from FLAS granting institutions should apply for FLAS through their home institutions.
• Students from other universities may apply for FLAS through Florida International University, the University of Wisconsin at Madison, or the University of Pittsburgh.

Program Benefits

• Students receive a grounding in Amazonian cultural thinking about the environment from top experts in the field.
• The program includes a 4-day canoe trip into the Waorani territory with Quichua native speakers.
• Students make lasting contacts with native communities for future dissertation work.
• The program has been life-changing for many, with 219 FLAS Fellows from 40 universities having attended since 2000.

Florida International University

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Overview:

Florida International University (FIU) is a public research university located in Miami, Florida. It is the only public research university in Miami and is recognized as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors. FIU is known for its diverse student body, its commitment to research, and its focus on addressing global challenges.

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Services Offered:

FIU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Libraries, tutoring services, writing centers, and career counseling.

Student Life:

Student organizations, clubs, recreational activities, and cultural events.

Campus Resources:

Housing, dining, transportation, and healthcare services.

Technology:

Access to computer labs, Wi-Fi, and online learning platforms.

Financial Aid:

Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

FIU provides a vibrant and diverse campus experience for its students. With over 58,000 students from 142 countries, the university fosters a global and inclusive environment. Students can engage in a variety of activities, including:

Student Involvement:

Joining clubs, organizations, and honor societies.

Campus Highlights:

Attending concerts, sporting events, and cultural performances.

Arts & Culture:

Visiting museums, art galleries, and theaters.

Recreation & the Outdoors:

Participating in sports, fitness activities, and outdoor adventures.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Ranked Programs:

FIU offers over 190 degree programs, many of which are ranked among the best in the nation.

Research Excellence:

FIU is a Carnegie Very High Research institution, conducting groundbreaking research in various fields.

Global Focus:

FIU's location in Miami provides students with unique opportunities to engage with a diverse and international community.

Diverse Student Body:

FIU's student population represents a wide range of backgrounds and cultures, fostering a rich and inclusive learning environment.

Campus Amenities:

FIU offers a variety of resources and amenities to support student success, including modern facilities, housing options, and recreational opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

FIU offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Arts and Design

Business and Economics

Education

Hospitality Management

Humanities and Culture

Medicine and Health

Public Policy

Sciences and Engineering

Technology

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Other:

FIU has multiple campuses across South Florida, including the main Modesto A. Maidique Campus, the Biscayne Bay Campus, and several satellite locations. The university also boasts a strong alumni network of over 200,000 individuals.