Development & Sustainability in Ecuador

Snapshot

Program Details

Location(s)	Quito, Ecuador
Term	Spring 2018
Credit	GH 299, 1 sh
Class Sessions	In person on the Macomb campus February-March.  Exact dates/times TBA.
Travel Dates	March 9-17, 2018
Housing	Hotels & Host families
Passport	Required

Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	member of Illinois Centennial Honors College
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

About Program

What you will learn

What does "development" mean when referring to a society or a country?  In this Study Abroad Course, you'll learn about cultural, social and political development in the context of Latin America, specifically in Ecuador.  Explore the possible development avenues of top down and grassroots efforts.  Discover the role public and private institutions--government, universities/education and NGOs--play in addressing social and economic concerns including poverty and sustainability.

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until September 30, 2018

Visa required if not a US citizen

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you will be on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through IMG.

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk up to 5 miles a day on various surfaces, including uneven terrain, hills, and stairs.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.

Environmental - Tropical with high temperatures and humidity; time in/near Quito at high altitude (9,400 feet above sea level).

Zika - Cases of Zika have been reported. Pregnant women should not travel to Ecuador. All other travelers should read about traveling to areas with Zika on the CDC website and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation. 

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.  

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$2,595-$2,865
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (double/triple occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, all meals
Application Deadline	November 19, 2017
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 7, 2017
Non-refundable deposit	$1,000 due December 8, 2017
Final payment*	$1,595-$1,865 due February 1, 2018

* Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: January 19, 2018  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

GH 299 - Required course for General, Departmental or University Honors

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Pedro Bidegaray.