Universidad San Francisco de Quito Fact sheet

Universidad San Francisco de Quito

Quito, Ecuador

Fall semester 2021 and Academic Year 2021-22

Application due to OIA by Friday, March 5, 2021

USFQ Information Sessions

Registration is required. 

Monday, March 1
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

GALÁPAGOS SEMESTER PROGRAM GAIAS
Zoom ID: 84039719167

  • Welcome Video
  • Logistics of the program, overview, application, academic calendar
  • Professor Gonzalo Rivas, Biology Coordinator and GAIAS Professor
    • What to expect academically about the program.
    • Why it is a unique program.
    • Field work as part of the curriculum of the program.

Tuesday, March 2
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

CUMBAYA SEMESTER PROGRAM (Cumbaya is USFQ's campus near Quito)
Zoom ID: 87962864191

  • Welcome Video
  • Logistics of the program, overview, application, academic calendar
  • Professor Diego Cisneros
    • What to expect academically about the program.
    • Liberal Arts education and its benefits while abroad.
    • Extracurricular activities available for students.
  • Andrea LaJoie - USFQ International Alumni
    • Why I chose Ecuador/USFQ to do my study abroad
    • My homestay experience
    • Global Dragons
    • What classes were like
    • Traveling around Ecuador
    • Opportunities studying and strengthening my Spanish opened for me

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: IU students are expected to take 15 credits

Course catalog: View course catalog

Language of instruction: Primarily Spanish. USFQ recommends that international students have completed at least four levels (semesters) of Spanish at the college level. Students will need to take a Spanish placement exam before registering in 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: August 23-December 21, 2021

Spring semester: January 17-May 18, 2022

https://www.usfq.edu.ec/sites/default/files/2020-12/resumen-academico-2020-2021-2021-2022.pdf

Some content may not be viewable using assistive technologies. Contact the College Office of International Affairs at collOIA@indiana.edu for assistance.

Traveling to & living in Ecuador

Coronavirus updates

Student visa information: Students should get a Temporary Resident-Student visa to stay in Ecuador.

Learn about immigration + travel

Air travel: Exchange students will be responsible for arranging and purchasing their own round-trip international airline tickets for dates appropriate for the term at the host university. Students who are nominated for the exchange are eligible to apply for a travel grant from OIA.

Nearest international airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito (UIO)

Housing: USFQ will arrange the accommodation of students with host families. The charge of $25 per day includes housing, two meals, laundry, and cleaning of the room. USFQ does not have dormitories. Students who do not want to stay with host families can find off-campus accommodations.

Pre-departure orientation: The College OIA staff will provide an orientation the prior semester to help students prepare for their programs.

Departure preparation + arrival details: USFQ's Office of International Programs (OPI) provides an orientation session that covers health, safety, culture, academic advising, and other topics to help students with their experience in Ecuador. 

Estimated costs per semester:

  • Tuition: IU Tuition
  • Housing and meals: $3,200
  • Lunch, books, transportation, and incidentals: $1,500
  • OVST administrative fee: $268
  • USFQ administrative fee: $275
  • Plus insurance, visa, airfare
  • Galápagos campus: Students must pay a track fee, which includes housing, most meals, orientation, Quito city tour, academic excursions on the mainland, and round-trip ticket Quito-Galápagos: $12,450-$14,400

Application information

Student eligibility requirements:

  • Must be pursuing a degree within the College of Arts and Sciences
  • Have completed a minimum of one year at IUB prior to enrolling abroad
  • Must not be on exchange during final semester
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Have a passport by the time applications are due at the host university, valid at least 6 months after the anticipated return date

For this exchange program, students must be nominated by the College Office of International Affairs (OIA).

Due date for applications to OIA: March 1, 2021

Application process:

  • If you would like to apply for this exchange, please visit http://go.iu.edu/ASPIREexchanges.
  • Complete the application form and upload a statement of intent.
  • Send the recommendation form link to the person who will supply a reference for you. It must be submitted by the application deadline.
  • OIA staff will conduct interviews with select students (semi-finalists) to determine their suitability and preparedness for the exchange. Students must come to the interview prepared with a list of prospective courses they might like to take abroad.
  • OIA will nominate finalists to USFQ. Upon acceptance, USFQ will contact students to invite them to apply for admission. An academic transcript and copy of your passport will be required at this point.

Have questions?

Questions can be directed to the College Office of International Affairs at collOIA@indiana.edu.

Coronavirus updates