SEMESTER

13 WEEK SEMESTER PROGRAM
Semester program will focus on the intensive language study and the history, culture and socioeconomic institutions of Ecuador.
SPANISH INSTRUCTION:
150 hours of Spanish instruction. The number of Spanish levels/groups is determined according to the number of students.
- 1 week: Quito orientation, Cuenca tour and placement exam and city tour
- 4 weeks of Spanish instruction: including many activities
- 1 week of group trip including conferences, hotels, meals, transportation, guide
- 2 weeks of Spanish instruction: including many activities
- 1 week of independent travel
- 4 weeks of Spanish instruction
ACADEMIC COURSES:
The semester program includes the same activities as summer programs and two academic courses may be included in the afternoon: Anthropology, History or Ecology.
Anthropology: 30 hours Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Ecology or History: 30 hours Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
These courses will be taught in English.
SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
This is a description of the Spanish Program offered by Fundación Amauta, which is for adult students. Readings may vary according to students’ interests.
Levels:
If the college/university requires minimum proficiency in Spanish, such as a year or two of Spanish instruction, then we can divide the group into different levels based on ability, starting with:
- Intermediate
- Upper intermediate
- Advanced
If it does not, then:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Upper intermediate
- Advanced
Each level includes:
- Grammar
- Listening comprehension
- Writing
- Reading
- Conversation
- Vocabulary
A placement exam will be given the first day of class.
READINGS:
Beginners: Short stories
Intermediate: South American and Ecuadorian legends
Upper Intermediate: Spanish and Latin American authors, stories
Advanced: Latin American literature, various authors
THE SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM INCLUDES A SPECIAL ACTIVITY EACH WEEK
These are some of the activities that take place during the semester program:
1.A special gathering with local university students. The purpose of this activity is to give our students the opportunity to meet new people and to make friends with whom to share activities during the remaining three weeks and to practice Spanish. This activity is carried out on Friday afternoon at 4:00 pm, and it includes a snack.
2.In this activity students go to the local market and buy ingredients to prepare a typical Ecuadorian dish at home with the family and bring it the next day to share with the rest of students and explain how it was prepared.
3.Lecture: topic according to the students’ interests
4.Community service
5.Photography contest
6.Bulletin board
7.Local Interview project
8.“Cuenca: Cultura y tradición” Project
HOMESTAY
We arrange home stays with carefully selected families. Home stays include meals, laundry, and private bedroom. The student will be a member of the family while sharing activities.
AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES: OPTIONAL
Tuesday and Thursday: Salsa lessons: 20 lessons
Schedule: 5:00-6:00 p.m.
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES: OPTIONAL
1.Ingapirca trip, Transportation, Guide and entrance; families will provide lunch.
2.Chorro waterfalls and Yunguilla
3.Cajas National Park: (ONE DAY) or Cajas National Park plus Manglares Churutes (TWO DAYS)
4.Family party at the end of the program.
TRIPS DESCRIPTION
GROUP TRIP TO THE COAST
Day 1 |
Departure from Cuenca to Guayaquil |
Day 2 |
Breakfast
Departure to Playas
Visit to the Cerro Blanco natural forest
Lunch in Playas and free afternoon |
Day 3 |
Breakfast
Departure to Puerto del Morro for bird watching and to observe the mangroves
Lunch
Departure to Alandaluz Ecological Center
Dinner at Alandaluz |
Day4 |
Breakfast
Departure to the Isla de la Plata
Full day
Dinner at Alandaluz |
Day 5 |
Breakfast
Visit Agua Blanca nd Salando Communities
Dinner at Alandaluz |
Day 6 |
Breakfast
Visit to the communities, handicrafts
Free afternoon
Dinner at alandaluz |
Day 7 |
Morning 8:15 - Return to Cuenca |
GROUP TRIP TO THE ORIENTE / JUNGLE
Day 1 |
Departure from Cuenca
Visit to the Incan Ruins of Ingapirca and to Balbanera the first catholic church in Ecuador
Arrival at Baños, the entrance to the jungle |
Day 2 |
Breakfast
Departure to the waterfalls
Two groups: bike and bus
Lun at Mirame Lindo
Spend the night at Puyo |
Day 3 |
Breakfast
Departure to Misahualli
Lunch at El Paisano
Afternoon: Visit the Jumandry caves
Dinner at El Paisano |
Day4 |
Breakfast
Departure to the jungle
Canoe trip
Stay at cabins
Dinner at the camp |
Day 5 |
Breakfast
Trekking in the jungle
Dinner at the camp |
Day 6 |
Breakfast
Visit the Indian village
Afternoon
Swimming in the Puni river
Dinner at the camp |
Day 7 |
Departure to Baños - lunch and return to Cuenca |