Maymester in Ecuador
Ecuador Maymester offers an incredibly fun and educational adventure within a safe environment. Students will live with host families in order to maximize opportunities to practice the language and to learn about the culture. The program is based in Cuenca, Ecuador, a World Heritage Site. Cuenca, founded in 1557, is a city 8,200 feet above sea level and with approximately 500,000 inhabitants. On this program you will:
- Complete 3 credits CCU course work and 3 transfer credits from host school
- Satisfy core goal 5b with SPAN 350
- Live in an old colonial town, funded by the Spaniards in 1557
- Hike in the Andes Mountains
- Go horseback riding
- Visit Inca ruins
- Create long-lasting friendships
Coastal Carolina University students will have ample opportunity for exploration during their stay. This total immersion program gives students the opportunity to focus intensely on language acquisition. In addition to the courses taught by CCU faculty, all Coastal Carolina University students will take additional Spanish taught by Universidad de Cuenca language instructors. The program also includes weekend excursions to culturally significant locations.
Preliminary Itinerary:
Date |
Time |
Activity / Event |
|
Saturday |
|
Airport pick up in Quito and transfer to Hotel Check in and dinner |
|
Sunday |
18H00 |
Breakfast at the Hotel, City tour and visit to “The Equator”, lunch is included. Ride to the airport and flight to Cuenca. Airport pick up in Cuenca, ride to the University of Cuenca, and meeting with the students’ host families. |
|
Monday |
09H00 |
Welcoming program at the University of Cuenca organized by members of the Spanish Program. Breakfast, orientation, and tour of the University. |
|
15H00
|
Spanish classes University of Cuenca
Dancing class
|
|
|
Tuesday |
09H00
|
Spanish classes by professors from CCU |
|
15H00
|
Spanish classes plus City tour guided by the Spanish teacher U. Cuenca
|
|
|
Wednesday |
09H00
|
Spanish classes by professors from CCU
|
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca (3 hours)
Dancing class |
|
|
Thursday |
09H00
|
Spanish classes by professors from CCU |
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca |
|
|
Friday |
09H00
|
Spanish classes by professors from CCU |
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca |
|
|
Saturday |
09H00 |
Guided visit to the archaeological site of Ingapirca, entries and lunch are included (one-hour bus ride). Meeting place: University of Cuenca |
|
Sunday |
TBA |
Visit to Baños Hot Spring Spa/or Day with families |
|
Monday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professors from CCU
Dancing class
|
|
15H00
|
Spanish classes (guided visit to the Central Bank Museum) U. Cuenca |
|
|
Tuesday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professors from CCU
Visit to the Panama Hat factory |
|
15H00
|
Spanish classes U. Cuenca |
|
|
Wednesday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professors from CCU
Dancing class |
|
|
Free afternoon
|
|
|
Thursday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professors from CCU |
|
15H00
|
Spanish classes U. Cuenca |
|
|
Friday
|
09H00
|
Spanish classes by professors from CCU
Cooking class and food tasting. |
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca |
|
|
Saturday |
|
Weekend excursion to the National Park “Cajas.” Over-night stay at Hotel Dos Chorreras. Activities include: Horseback riding, hiking to the lakes, fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and more. http://www.hosteriadoschorreras.com/index.php/en/services/convention-center
|
|
Sunday |
|
Return from “Cajas” |
|
Monday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professor from CCU
Dancing class |
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca
|
|
|
Tuesday |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professor from CCU |
|
15H00 |
Spanish classes U. Cuenca
|
|
|
Wed |
09H00 |
Spanish classes by professor from CCU |
|
Thursday |
|
FINAL EXAMS
Farewell Dinner |
|
Friday |
|
Free day |
|
Saturday |
|
Leave Cuenca to Quito. Return to USA |
|
|
|
Meet The Program Leaders
Maria Luisa Torres
E-Mail: mtorres@coastal.edu
Phone: 843-234-3494
Maria Luisa Torres, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. She is a native Ecuadorian and, having taught at the Universidad de Cuenca, is very knowledgeable about the area. She has also co-led CCU trips to Costa Rica and to Spain.
Elsa Crites
ecrites@coastal.edu
Phone: 843-349-2168
Elsa Crites, Ph.D., is a professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures. She has also co-led multiple Coastal Carolina University trips to Spain and to Costa Rica.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the deadline for application?
The priority deadline for this program is Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. The general application deadline is Nov. 30, 2012, but some programs may be full by this deadline and so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
How do I apply for the program?
Applications for all short-term study abroad programs must be submitted via the online link at: https://www.coastal.edu/academics/international/studyabroad/application/. Each complete application will include personal contact information, health form and participation fitness certification, acceptance of the terms of the study abroad agreement, statement of purpose, academic reference, personal reference and copy of your transcript, along with a deposit of $500 toward the cost of the respective program paid to Student Accounts. Should you not be accepted for the program, your deposit will be returned to you; otherwise your deposit will be applied to program costs. The priority deadline for submitting a complete application is Friday, Nov. 2, 2012.
When does this program take place?
This Maymester program takes place May 11 - June 1, 2013.
What is the cost of this study abroad program?
The cost of this program is $3,275 and includes:
- Language instruction at the Universidad de Cuenca
- Lodging and meals
- International air and local transportation
- Field trips
- Trip insurance
Coastal Carolina University tuition will be billed separately at the rate of $290 per credit hour. Maymester tuition bills are due May 9, 2013.
When are payments due for the program?
|
Deposit |
$500 due with application |
|
Second Payment |
Dec. 14, 2012 - 1/3 of remaining balance |
|
Third Payment |
Jan. 18, 2013 - 1/3 of remaining balance |
|
Fourth Payment |
Feb. 15, 2013 - pay remaining balance |
|
Final payment – tuition only |
May 9, 2013 |
All payments are to be made to the Office of Student Accounts for credit to the respective study abroad program. The payment due dates are fixed. If payments are not received on or before the due dates, students will be dropped from the program.
What is the refund policy?
If after submitting your application and paying the $500 deposit, you are not accepted into the program, your deposit will be refunded within two weeks. If Coastal Carolina University finds it necessary to cancel the program, all payments made will be refunded. In the event the participant finds it necessary to cancel, we will make every effort to refund monies paid, less the $500 deposit and any funds already committed to vendors for the program.
How many credit hours can I complete during this program?
Three credits will be awarded for either SPAN 120: Introductory Spanish II or SPAN 330: Approaches to Literature and Culture. Upon your return with your certificate from Universidad de Cuenca, you will receive three transfer credit hours for SPAN 350: Spanish Language Study Abroad.
Does this course/program satisfy core curriculum requirements?
Spanish 350 has been approved to fulfill Goal 5b requirements.
Are there any prerequisites for this study?
SPAN 110 is a prerequisite for SPAN 120; SPAN 210 is a prerequisite for SPAN 330.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for this program?
The Horry County Higher Education Commission International Awareness Award is available to assist graduates of accredited high schools in Horry County to participate in these programs. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED INTO A SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP. To determine whether you have additional eligibility for financial aid during the summer short term study abroad programs, please see your financial aid counselor in Kingston Hall. Scholarship applications are due in the Office of International Programs by Nov. 2, 2012. The applications for the scholarships can be accessed here: Horry County Higher Education Commission International Awareness Award, 2012-13
Do I need vaccinations to participate?
Coastal Carolina University adheres to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Please visit the website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for information regarding your particular destination.
What are the physical demands for this program?
Participants should be in good physical condition as extensive walking is involved.
For More Information, Please Contact:
The Office of International Programs & Services
Geoffrey Parsons, M.Ed.
Director, International Programs & Services
843-349-2054 / parsons@coastal.edu
Singleton Building 119
Lori Patterson, M.P.S.
Coordinator/Advisor, Study Abroad
843-349-2684 / lori@coastal.edu
Singleton Building 119