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Ecuador - Spanish language and local culture
Apply by January 24, 2020
- Log in to the Gateway online application program
- Select “Search Experiences” and type "GSP" to explore Global Seminars programs
- Upload the application form for your selected Global Seminar – see Application documents below
Please note that you can apply for up to a maximum of 2 Global Seminars.
Students are encouraged to meet with the Program Director at an orientation session or one-on-one to learn more about the program.
About the course
This course is led by UBC faculty member Stephanie Spacciante
Ecuador - Spanish Language program is a total immersion language program taught in Quito during the months of May and June 2020. You will earn 6 credits of SPAN 201 and SPAN 202 from UBC and classes will be taught at the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) by Prof. Stephanie Spacciante. You will also take part in 10 exciting cultural excursions.
In the 201 course, you will study vocabulary and grammar, which will enable you to communicate using a variety of topics such as:
- Hispanoamérica
- Los sistemas educativos
- El trabajo
- Las costumbres y tradiciones
You will practice all five language skills:
SPEAK when required to ask or to respond to questions in class or present dialogs
LISTEN to and comprehend the main idea of classroom, films, and audio exercises
READ and comprehend the main idea of authentic texts and other readings
WRITE when doing homework, compositions or in-class activities
UNDERSTAND cultural interaction in basic social and survival situations and gain an awareness of the diversity of Hispanic cultures
The 202 course proceeds with the introduction of language structures of increased complexity, while requiring you to engage in interactive communication. You will demonstrate competence in advanced notions, within the context of topical tasks and situations. This course includes group interaction and the discussion (oral and written) of a film and/or a short story. Evaluation is based on demonstrated proficiency in the use of pertinent vocabulary and language structures by means of self-expression, both oral and written. This course also attempts to promote cultural awareness.
About the experience
Undergraduate student Bowen Wright shares about the unique advantages of studying abroad, the importance of cultural immersion, and creating a home away from home in Quito, Ecuador for the Go Global seminar.
A typical day might include:
- Classes on University campus from 10:30 - 1:30
- Afternoon cultural visits to places such as:
- Otavalo Indigenous Market
- Hiking Quilota Crater
- Soccer games
- Ecuadorian gastronomy class
- Visit local museums & historical sites
- Guayasamín Home & Museum
- La Mitad del Mundo
- Hike Volcano Pinchincha
- la Asociación de Productores Audiovisuales Kichwa
- Ecuadorian Cooking Class
Students are able to join UDLA Club Classes with local Ecuadorian students from la UDLA.
Students will have the opportunity to join small conversion groups with ULDA students.
Notable environmental conditions:
Some days in Quito are very warm and nights are very cool. It may rain in the afternoons in the capital.
Optional Trips to Baños (jungle); Mindo (cloud forest), Galapagos (hot/sunny)
Accommodation
You will live with warm, friendly Ecuadorian homestays who only speak 100% in Spanish with each of their guests.
General timeline
The program will take place in Ecuador May 6- July 1, 2020. Prior to your time in the field, you will be required to attend pre-departure sessions in Vancouver.
Program dates: May 6 - July 1, 2020
Eligibility
To be accepted for this Global Seminar, you have to meet both program-specific requirements as well as Go Global’s general eligibility. Commerce students need to be in third-year as of 2019W, or obtain special permission from their Faculty, in order to take this course.
Program-specific requirements
Spanish 102, Spanish 11or 12 in high school or permission from Stephanie Spacciante.
Global Seminars - general eligibility
You must have at least a 70% average in your most recent Winter Session of full-time studies prior to application
You need to be a UBC student in good standing (e.g. not be under academic or non-academic discipline) to participate in a Global Seminar
You should have full-time student status (as defined by your faculty) in the year prior to your Global Seminar
You must maintain 70% average prior to your Global Seminar departure
You must have completed or intend to complete the necessary (or equivalent) pre-requisite courses prior to Global Seminar start date
Unclassified students will be considered on a case-by-case basis
You will need to be accepted by the Program Director leading the Global Seminar
Program fees and costs
Between CAD $3,800 - 4,000 + tuition and flight
The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. Students do not pay the Go Global fee when applying to a Global Seminar. The Go Global fee is built into the Program Fee and is payable upon acceptance to the program.
All qualifying students will receive a $1,000 Go Global Award.
* 3 meals per day are included in the program cost.
| Program fee includes | Program fee DOES NOT include |
| Accommodation | Tuition* |
| Program-related travel | Flight* |
| Program-related excursions | Incidentals* |
| Meals *depending on program | |
| Go Global fee ($415.00) |
*UBC Tuition - Not included. Part of your costs
This amount will differ for domestic and international students. This amount will be assigned to you on the Student Service Centre (SSC) according to normal UBC tuition timelines. Read about tuition fees.
This amount is not determined or applied by Go Global.
All students participating in a Global Seminar will have tuition applied to their SSC account.
*Flights - Not Included. Part of your costs
Travel to your destination is a separate cost. You are responsible for arranging your own travel. You should not book your flight until you are notified to book. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.
*Incidentals - Not Included. Part of your costs
Some examples include personal mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the program fee, immunizations, Visas, etc.
Please contact a Global Seminar Advisor if you have questions about the program fee. Connecting early with an Enrolment Service Advisor will also be helpful in order to plan for your trip.
Global Seminars refund policy
Adjustment on deposits
Students are eligible for an adjustment of their deposit under the following circumstances:
Withdrawal after you accept your spot in the program
- You are eligible to have your Global Seminar deposit adjusted from $750 to $93.25 (ie: you receive a $656.75 credit)
Withdrawal after deposit posted on SSC
- You are eligible to have your Global Seminar deposit adjusted from $750 to $321.75 (ie: you receive a $428.25 credit)
Withdrawal after deposit due date
- The deposit and all remaining program fees are completely non-refundable. Exceptions may be determined at the discretion of Go Global.
Any funds allocated to students through the ARA program must be returned in their entirety.
Students who decide to withdraw their application must submit a request in writing by email to the Global Seminar Advisor at go.global@ubc.ca.
Accessibility
If you are considering applying for a Go Global program and identify with having a disability or pre-existing health condition (mental or physical) which could impact your participation, or if you require academic accommodations, you can contact the following offices and meet with an Accessibility Advisor before the start of the program:
The Centre for Accessibility (Vancouver) 604 822-5844
Disability Resource Centre (Okanagan) 250 807-8053
Pre-departure policy
Safety Abroad
UBC is committed to preparing students for safe and successful international experiences. In order to achieve this, any student participating in a Go Global Program must complete the following:
- All UBC Student Safety Abroad requirements
- Go Global Program-specific pre-departure requirements (includes both online and in-person components)
Failure to successfully complete these and any other requirements may result in withdrawal from the Go Global Program.
Contact
Global Seminars Advisor
Student Advising
Drop in advising - Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00-3:00pm
Please email go.global@ubc.ca with your student number in the subject line.
Global Seminars Advisor
Telephone: 604 822 0942
Fax: 604 822 9885
Hours
Mon
9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Tue9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Wed9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Thu9:00 am - 4:15 pm
Fri9:00 am - 4:15 pm
SatClosed
SunClosed
