Quito, Ecuador
Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) is a young private university, founded in 1988, with approximately 8,500 students, and it has already gained a reputation as one of the top universities in Ecuador. In addition to its main campus in Cumbayá on the outskirts of the capital city, USFQ also has a campus on the Galapagos Islands. Eligible students will have completed four semesters of college-level Spanish; some courses are offered in English. (Galapagos program is in English.)
University: Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ)
Student body: 8,500
International students at university: 1,000
Website:
Academic units:
USFQ has ten academic colleges on its main campus in Cumbayá on the outskirts of Quito. Exchange students may study in any discipline. Students may also apply to participate in L0ERI, a student research project with USFQ faculty.
Exchange students may also study a specific educational track at USFQ’s campus in the Galápagos islands for an additional fee. Tracks:
- Evolution, Ecology and Conservation
- Marine Ecology
- People, Politics and the Environment
- Sustainable Tourism
Course load: Students should enroll in 15 credits. Any plan to enroll in less must be approved by Pete Giordano, the advisor for ASPIRE Exchange Programs.
Course catalog: The USFQ catalog requires a login, which we can provide. Please contact College International at CollOIA@iu.edu to request access to USFQ's catalog.
Language of instruction: Primarily Spanish. USFQ recommends that international students have completed four semesters or more of Spanish at the college level. Students will take a Spanish placement exam before registering for classes.
USFQ offers a notable selection of courses taught in English. Currently many of these are in business and psychology; USFQ is adding more to this list regularly.
Grades + Transcripts: USFQ uses letter grades on a 4.0 scale. USFQ will provide transcripts for students taking part in the exchange. At the student’s request, the College will review courses to determine how they will apply to your degree. Please note that IU does not accept Pass/Fail.
Academic calendar:
Fall Semester: Late August to mid-December
Spring semester: Mid-January to mid-May