Summer Programs
Summer programs offer a great introduction to Ecuador while still providing all of the same extra-curricular cultural activities available to program participants during the regular academic year. El Nomad offers three 4-week summer Spanish Language and Culture program options in May, June, and July. 4-week sessions may be combined to create 8- or 12-week sessions. Courses are available in Spanish grammar, composition, conversation, and Latin American Culture. Most courses are instructed in Spanish, however a select number of culture courses may be available in English.
Summer Language and Culture Programs
El Nomad's 4-week summer Language and Culture programs are suited to students of all Spanish language abilities. Courses are available in Spanish grammar, composition, conversation, and Latin American Culture. Most courses are instructed in Spanish, however a select number of culture courses may be available in English.
Upon arrival, you will be given a placement exam to determine which language class you will be placed in to. Classes meet for 6 hours per day, 4 days per week. You will enroll in 2 courses per session and earn 96 credit hours (approximately 6.5 semester or 9.5 quarter credits).
The following 4-week summer programs are available during the 2011-2012 academic year:
| Term | Arrival | Class Start | Class End | Departure | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I | May 16 | May 21 | Jun 15 | Jun 16 | Mar 16, 2012 |
| Summer II | Jun 13 | Jun 18 | Jul 13 | Jul 14 | Apr 13, 2012 |
| Summer III | Jul 11 | Jul 16 | Aug 10 | Aug 11 | May 11, 2012 |
Arrival
You should arrive the Wednesday before your program start date (see dates in the charts above). You will spend your first few days becoming acquainted with Cuenca, your host family, and Ecuadorian life through an extensive on-site orientation, a city tour, and group excursions led by El Nomad staff.
All El Nomad Programs Include
- A homestay with a local family (single occupancy unless double is requested)
- Group Spanish language or culture courses at the Universidad de Cuenca
- A transcript from the Universidad de Cuenca
- Transfers to and from the airport in Cuenca
- Extensive on-site orientation by El Nomad staff (full day orientation)
- Orientation at the university (partial day only)
- A city tour of Cuenca
- Group lunch at a traditional Ecuadorian restaurant as part of the orientation
- An excursion to Cajas National Park
- An excursion to Ingapirca Ruins
- Free or low cost cultural activities several days per week coordinated by El Nomad (this could include such options as cultural activities held in the city center, cooking classes in the El Nomad center, language exchange between Ecuadorian and US students, Latin American movie night at the El Nomad center with snacks, etc.)
- Travel assistance and cultural tourism package options through the El Nomad office
- 24-hour emergency number in Ecuador
- Bi-lingual on-site staff who are available 24-hours a day
- Optional extra-curricular activities including volunteer and internship opportunities
- Cell phone rental with $10 of credit
- A bus pass with 14 rides per week for the duration of their program An El Nomad student identification card
- In country visa assistance (if needed)
Volunteering
El Nomad prides itself on offering opportunities to its program participants to actively engage with the community around them. This is done through volunteer positions that are available with any of our language and culture programs. Organization types range from orphanages and schools, to farms and animal rehabilitation centers, to social justice and human rights groups. We can place students from most areas of study with something in their field. We meet with all volunteers one day a week (as a group) to touch base and ensure that they are all doing well in their placements and learning from their experiences.
This program is in addition to normal coursework. The number of hours per week spent volunteering will vary depending on the organization that you are placed with, and your course schedules.
Note
We want to make sure that your experience in Ecuador is exactly what you would like it to be, so our entire selection of programs can be customized. We are happy to change the options included in your program or customize dates to fit your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us and let us know what you’re looking for.
