The Community Internships in Latin America program focuses on community participation and social change. Current issues of globalization, ecological issues, oil politics and Plan Colombia are addressed. Models of community participation, organization, development and social change are compared and contrasted.

View pictures.

Community Participation and Social Change
Internship (Placement and Seminar)
Independent Study

Click here for a description of the classes.
Click here for sample internship sites.

Home-stays are provided as housing for the duration of the semester.

Contact Renee Knutson, Director of Study Abroad, to discuss program fees and financial aid.

Up to three $500 awards will be made each semester to students who have worked for social change and whose future goals will be strengthened by a HECUA semester program.  Selection criteria include: a scholarship essay showing the match between the student's goals and the HECUA program, a strong letter of recommendation, and financial need (students who do not qualify for aid may apply). This is a merit-based scholarship; however, among equally deserving candidates financial need may be considered. Please note in your essay if there are financial considerations.  The deadline is June 1 for fall programs and Decmeber 1 for spring programs.  For a scholarship application, click here.

Up to two $1500 scholarships for first generation college students, students from low-income families, and students of color, are available.  Required materials include a reflective essay, a letter of recommendation, and a student aid report.  The deadline is April 15 for fall programs and December 1 for spring programs.  For an application, click here.

The tentative Spring Semester 2009 program dates are February 4, 2009 - May 16, 2009.  The application deadline is November 1, 2008. 

To be eligible, you must have completed the equivalent of two years of college Spanish, have at least a 2.0 GPA, preferably a 2.5 GPA, and be of sophomore status. 

Submit HECUA application, required items and $50 application fee to the Study Abroad Office.

Submit Saint Mary's required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office. 

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student's application and subsequent approval from HECUA.

After acceptance, complete the following required items.

1.  Pay $400 non-refundable program deposit payable to SMU. 

2.  Attend all orientation sessions.

3.  Obtain a passport.  Submit a copy of the first page to the Study Abroad Office.

4.  Obtain a student visa. 

5.  Arrange travel plans.  Submit a copy of your flight itinerary to the Study Abroad Office.

6.  Purchase the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for $22 in the Study Abroad Office.

Location

Ecuador is the smallest country in the rugged Andean highlands in Northwestern South America.  It has an array of vibrant indigenous cultures, well-preserved colonial architecture, volcanic landscapes and a dense rainforest.  It is a nation no bigger than the US state of Nevada.  Quito is the capital with a population of approximately 1,400,000. 

Climate

Quito is located about 22 miles south of the equator.  Due to its altitude and location, the climate is mild to cool, fairly constant all year round, with a high temperature typically around 70 °F (21°C).  There are only two seasons, summer (the dry season) and winter (the rainy season).

Time

Central Standard Time is in effect in Quito.

Currency

The currency is the US Dollar ($).

More Information

Ecuadorian-American Chamber of Commerce 
Embassy of Ecuador 
Embassy of the United States Quito, Ecuador 
Go Ecuador 
US Department of State Consular Information Sheet Ecuador 
World Guide