Experience Ecuador - Spanish & Service Learning Summer School
Summary
This four week program (in June/July 2024), organized by the Universidad Especialidades Espiritu Santo (UEES), combines intensive Spanish language instruction and travel and intercultural learning with service placements in community-based organizations in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador. There are no Spanish pre-requisites required!
The academic program includes Spanish courses and courses in service learning. Other components include cultural activities, field trips to local sites, a homestay with a local family and the service learning activity itself.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply knowledge, skills and attitudes from tasks and projects in an international setting;
- Outline the benefits of cross-cultural collaboration for work-related projects and tasks;
- Build evidence of experiences and new learning (both personal and industry related) for portfolio development and the education of others;
- Assess safety and risk pertaining to international travel to make informed decisions about traveling abroad;
- To identify and reflect on the differences and similarities between Canada and Ecuador.
Timeline
Subject to change
October 2023 - Applications launched
January 5, 2024 - Application deadline
January 2024 - Student selection
February 2024 - Online pre-departure course begins
April 19, 2024 - Pre-departure conference
June/July, 2024 - Experience Ecuador Summer School
July 2024 - Evaluation and debrief
Fall 2024 - Celebration of learning
Student Eligibility
This program is open to students in all programs at NSCC who have an interest in learning a new language and volunteering in the community. Students must be in good academic standing.
Some international learning programs can fall under the Prior Learning and Assessment (PLAR) Procedures | NSCC. Students interested in this process should seek advice from a faculty advisor and academic chair prior to travel to review whether the international learning program could satisfy program or course outcomes.
Travel advice and advisories
The Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories will help you make informed decisions about safe travel while you are outside of Canada.
Review travel advisories for this country
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Program Fee (includes program fee, host family accommodations, program activities and some meals) | $4800 |
| Airfare (estimate) - student responsibility to book | $2500 |
| Passport and any associated fees (if having to apply for one) | $200 |
| Guard.me travel insurance (mandatory purchased through Guard.me) - student responsibility to book | $100 |
| Immunizations & prescriptions (cost will vary depending on individual) | $200 - $500 |
| Transportation to and from Halifax airport (cost will vary depending on location) | $200 |
| Other meals and incidentals (will vary depending on individual) | $200 |
| Items of personal nature, tourism activities and excursions outside of the program and souvenirs (varies depending on individual) | $200 |