Live with a Host Family in Ecuador

Academic year, fall or spring semester Spanish language program

Quito, Ecuador

If you are looking for a unique opportunity to broaden your knowledge of the Spanish language while being immersed in beautiful natural surroundings, the choice for you is Ecuador. Within a few miles you can experience snowcapped highlands, barren deserts, exotic beaches and the Amazon jungle.

Students will experience the life of a typical Ecuadorian and be warmly welcomed by a local family. Ecuadorian families share responsibilities around the house. Families are volunteers, carefully screened and selected. They may live in an apartment or in a house, in the city or in the countryside.

A visa is required for these programs. The necessary paperwork will be sent to you after host family placement.

Who can apply?
Students 15-18 years old. Minimum one year Spanish instruction and an overall “C” GPA required. Graduating seniors may be eligible.

Find out how to apply, or download the application here.

Download Application

Please send completed applications to the following address:

AIFS Foundation / American Youth Abroad
River Plaza
9 West Broad Street
Stamford, CT 06902

Program dates*

Academic year
August 25 - July 6
Fall semester
August 25 - January 6
Spring semester
January 7 - July 6

*Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Accommodations
During your time abroad, you will stay with an Ecuadorian host family that has been carefully selected by our partner program.

Choice of programs:

Coast placement
Including Santo Domingo, Chone, El Carmen, La Concordia, Bahía de Caráquez, San Vincente, Manta, Portoviejo and Quevedo

Highlands placement
Including Ibarra, Cayambe, Mindo, Quito, Machachi, Latacunga, Salcedo, Ambato, Baños, and Riobamba

Program Fees

Fee includes:

• $500 application fee
• Round trip airfare from New York, NY, to Quito, Ecuador, and airport reception
• Pre-departure orientation in the U.S. and orientation in Quito, Ecuador
• Medical insurance
• Local representative assistance
• Homestay accommodations and two meals per day
• Student/school progress reports
• Enrollment in a local private high school
• Certification letter for visa application

Not included

• Spending money
• School books, uniform and special class fees (if necessary)
• Visa and passport processing fees
• Domestic round trip airfares between hometown and New York (see page 15)
• Domestic airfares abroad from arrival city to host family, if applicable
• Round trip transportation to and from school
• Credit transfer and transcript translations
• Cost for apostille of school documents

Credits
Transfer of credits is not guaranteed. Students must check with their high school advisor.

Download Application