Immersion Experience in Ecuador

Updates coming soon!

• Mentored teaching experience with Ecuadorian learners of English
• Language study (Spanish or Kichwa, an indigenous language that was adopted by the Incas and, in its various dialects, is widely spoken today in the Andes)
• Homestay with an Ecuadorian family and culture exploration and learning
• Explore the Andes - a subtropical cloud forest, volcanic peaks, indigenous cultures, and handcraft markets
• Seminars conducted in Ecuador are taught in English. You will learn current best practices for teaching English learners in an international context 

The Immersion Experience in Ecuador program is open to students from all campuses, schools, and fields of study.

The program is interdisciplinary in design to meet a range of student interests. There is no expectation of previous international experience nor Spanish-speaking proficiency. We are working to increase study abroad access for historically underrepresented students. These students may identify as LGBTQ+, students of color, from first-generation families at the university, or other categories of difference. The basic criteria for application:

• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Will have completed two semesters of university study by the summer of international experience
• No behavioral notations or incidents

 (There is no expectation of Spanish language proficiency to be accepted to the program)

Thanks to the generosity of the College of Education's alumni and friends, financial support is available for students with financial need who are accepted to participate in the Ecuador Immersion Program. This scholarship is open to students who are majoring in a College of Education program only. For students who are not in the College of Education please check with your College financial aid person or the Office of Fellowships and Research.

To apply for scholarship assistance for participation in this program, please complete this online application form.

DEADLINE:  December 14 (recipients will be notified by December 20)

NOTE: This application is separate from the College of Education's general scholarship application. We encourage all students to complete the College's general scholarship application to be considered for additional scholarship support.

Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis from October to November of each year for the following year's program.

Once your application materials are submitted, you will be contacted for an interview.

We will accept students as they apply, saving some openings for later submissions.

Once you have been notified of acceptance, a $1,100 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted in order to reserve a place in the program. This deposit is credited to the study abroad program fee. Space in the program cannot be guaranteed until the deposit has been submitted.

You will receive additional information about the program, course in the spring semester and travel to Ecuador during a group meeting in January.

• Students should begin the online application.
• Recommendations: You should ask two faculty members to complete a recommendation to support your application to this study abroad program. The recommendation is available on the link on this page. Please send the link to your recommender and ask that they complete it. Your recommendations might be from a faculty member, work supervisor, or work colleague.
• Transcript: The transcript can be unofficial. Please email an electronic copy to the program coordinator. Pennsylvania-certified-teachers should also send a photocopy of their Pennsylvania Instructional Certificate. Please note that teaching certification is NOT required for application to this program. The program is open to any individual interested in learning to teach English language learners.
• Students or Teachers not at Penn State. If you do not have an account, you may create a Friends of Penn State Account.

Final application deadline: December 12
Acceptance notification: December 19
Final deadline for deposit: January 12