Learn Spanish in Ecuador

Learn Spanish at the beginner level or perfect your intermediate or advanced Spanish language skills while you discover the natural beauty of Ecuador exploring the beaches, snowcapped mountains, and jungles.

Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador with nearly three million inhabitants, is the commercial, industrial, and import export hub of the country. Situated on the Guayas River and the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is known for its contagious informality, lively social life, and year-round tropical weather. Guayaquil, known as the Pacific Pearl, is the main port of Ecuador. Malécon 2000, the largest architectural development in the last century of Guayaquil's history, is a waterfront boardwalk that runs from Cuenca Street in the south of the city, all the way to Barrio las Peñas on the north.

Spanish Language and Culture at Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil in Ecuador

The Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that achieved high prestige in the community. Católica has an attractive campus and a very active student life, including numerous social and recreational facilities as well as computer labs. The campus is served by public transportation. More than 5,500 students are enrolled in degree programs such as Architecture, Law, Business, Sociology, Education, Literature, Communications, Psychology, Economics and Engineering.

Course Offerings

The Semester Program in Guayaquil combines intensive language instruction (at all levels) with the study of Ecuadorian history and culture. Students earn 12 to 15 credits. All courses are subject to minimum enrollment. Students must complete a course pre-registration form, provided to them prior to departure.

Spanish Language 

Taught in six levels, Spanish instruction places heavy emphasis upon oral communication and uses an interactive methodology. Students receive personalized attention in the small classes ranging from two to eight students. The Spanish courses are taught in one-month intensive sessions. This enables students to take more than one level in one semester.

• Elementary Spanish Communication I

• Elementary Spanish Communication II

• Intermediate Spanish Communication I

• Intermediate Spanish Communication II

• Advanced Spanish Communication I

• Advanced Spanish Communication and Composition II

• Contemporary Latin American Literature (for students with advanced Spanish fluency)

• Special Topics in Spanish (Spanish Conversation)

• Social Science Contemporary Ecuadorian Issues*

• Modern Latin American History*

*These two courses can be taught either in English or in Spanish, but not both, depending on the level of language knowledge in the class.

Living

All programs participants live with Ecuadorian host families. The arrangement gives each participant the opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture first-hand. Students gain support in the new country from interaction with the family while following the host family's customs including: eating meals, respecting host norms, and being sensitive to Ecuadorian culture. Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn pancakes, rice, eggs, and vegetables. Seafood is particularly good, even in the highlands.

Exploring

If you’re into wildlife and nature, don’t miss visiting the Parque Histórico, a combination of living museum and zoological park where history and nature meet and you can observe the traditions of a centuries-old culture. Malecon 2000, the place where you can sit and enjoy an Ecuadorian sunny day on the Guayas River, has helped revitalize the city.  Here you can shop for handcrafts and taste some delicious traditional Ecuadorian fare.  If you’d like to cool off on the weekends, some of Ecuador’s most spectacular beaches lie just a short bus ride away to the west of the city.  To the east you can escape to the picturesque colonial city of Cuenca, located high in the Andes mountains, where you can enjoy the perpetual spring-like climate.

If Guayaquil is not your destination in mind in Ecuador, you can also explore our programs in Quito and Galápagos Island: https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/center-global-engagement/study-abroad/programs-country/ecuador. 

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Ready to have the best academic experience abroad?

The College of Staten Island (CSI) offers a wide range of study abroad and exchange programs. All of our study abroad programs enable you to explore both the traditions and the modern realities of the world from another perspective.

CSI's programs are open to all students at CSI, CUNY, and at other colleges and universities in the U.S. CSI is also a proud founding member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) offering programs throughout the world.

If you have a general question, please email studyab@csi.cuny.edu. For program specific inquiries, contact the advisor listed in each program page.

 

Programs Administered by CSI

CSI's programs are open to all students at CSI, CUNY, and at other colleges and universities in the US. CSI is also a proud founding member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) offering programs throughout the world.

 

For more information on CSI study abroad programs per country, visit our website:

https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/center-global-engagement/study-abroad 

 My study abroad experience in Copenhagen, Denmark

"When I reached Copenhagen in January, I was stunned by the quietness that characterized the city. That’s when I learned they have a word for this: hygge", College of Staten Island student said during her study abroad term in Denmark.

CSI student, Janet Akselrud, studied abroad in Copenhagen this year. She shared her experience in Denmark along with photos and videos during her stay. Our CSI Study Abroad advisor, Russell Davis, was able to assist at the Center for Global Engagement, and encourages other students to study abroad next term.

Choosing to study abroad for an entire semester is a big leap. It means being away from home for a long time, away from the people you know, it means learning in a new way. And that’s everything I love about it! 

In the Spring of 2022 I studied abroad with the CIEE Open Campus Block program. That means my semester was made up of three six-week blocks where I took 1-2 classes each block. Students have a choice to live anywhere from 1 to 3 countries for the semester. I chose Copenhagen, Denmark for my first two blocks and London, England for my third.

When I reached Copenhagen in January, I was stunned by the quietness that characterized the city.  It was a beautiful capital city with many people of course, and yet, unlike New York, there was no hustle culture. People would stroll through parks, or go sit at a café and eat something sweet. I felt this incredible coziness, a sense of home, whether I was in my room, at school, or in a café. That’s when I learned they have a word for this: “hygge”. 

Maybe you’ve heard of it before, hygge, the certain mood of coziness, but have you ever tried to create it in your own environment? It’s easy! Just choose dim lights that have a yellow glow, light some candles, grab a blanket, heat up a cup of tea, and bring a pastry. Even on my first day of orientation, there were candles in the student lounge in my school building. Creating those environments is so important during the winter when the sun barely shines. 

I would write so much if I could about the culture, about the difference between “lykke” and “glad”, about how safe it is to walk around by yourself at night, but I’ll end here, hoping you get to explore the city yourself one day, with a recommendation of one place to see: The Danish Architecture Center (DAC). Why? Oh, I don’t know, just the three story slide inside of the building, the huge box of legos to play with, and the amazing, sustainable, architecture!

Ps. Here’s a video I filmed for one of my classes in Copenhagen's Botanical Garden: https://youtu.be/HJzZDLx2Szc

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Interested in Denmark? See more CSI programs in Denmark here:

https://www.csi.cuny.edu/campus-life/student-services/center-global-engagement/study-abroad/programs-country/denmark

Business, Hospitality, Sports Management, and Entrepreneurship at CPH in Copenhagen, Denmark

Overview

Spend your term abroad in the premier capital of Northern Europe - Scandinavia's most fantastic city and the center of the most dynamic region in Europe, the Øresund Region. Copenhagen is one of Europe's oldest capitals with an exclusive royal touch - the monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in the world. Because of the fascinating architecture, many parks, and gourmet restaurants, Copenhagen has been christened the best city for livability, sustainability and many other factors in all of Europe. You can spend your semester finding out why and exploring everything this city has to offer, while earning credit towards your degree!

Our exchange partner is Copenhagen Business Academy (also called Cphbusiness).  This exchange is open to all business majors at CUNY only.  Cphbusiness’s campuses at Lyngby, Nørrebro and Søerne are all located in the Greater Copenhagen Area. This means that you will always have easy access to both the charming and hectic city centre of Copenhagen, with its abundance of cafés, shops and historic buildings, and to the northern, sophisticated part of Copenhagen with its green areas and beaches. In addition to being a cultural hotspot and a safe city, Copenhagen has a thriving business community. With many of Denmark’s biggest companies located in the Danish capital, it has plenty to offer for anyone seeking a future international career.

Study Abroad in Scandinavia with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark

Overview

Spend your term abroad in the premier capital of Northern Europe - Scandinavia's most fantastic city and the center of the most dynamic region in Europe, the Øresund Region. Copenhagen is one of Europe's oldest capitals with an exclusive royal touch - the monarchy in Denmark is the oldest in the world. Because of the fascinating architecture, many parks, and gourmet restaurants, Copenhagen has been christened the best city for livability, sustainability and many other factors in all of Europe. You can spend your summer or semester finding out why and exploring everything this city has to offer, while earning credit towards your degree!

DIS, founded in 1959, has 50 years of experience in offering high quality study abroad programming in Copenhagen, taught in English for upper-level U.S. undergraduate students. Your time in this vibrant city will be supported by an excellent team of faculty and staff who lead you on program excursions and help you to make the most of your time abroad, whether for the summer or a full semester.

Contact us:

The CSI Study Abroad Team

 

Gonzalo Villena, Director of Study Abroad

​​John Dunleavy, Study Abroad Advisor

Russell Davis, Senior Study Abroad Advisor

Stephen Ferst, Executive Director, Center for Global Engagement

 

Center for Global Engagement, 2A-206​

College of Staten Island

The City University of New York​

2800 Victory Blvd.

Staten Island, NY  10314

 

718 982-2100 / Fax 718 982-2108​ 

 

Students may read program information and search by country here on the new CSI site

 

studyab@csi.cuny.edu  / www.csi.cuny.edu/international

 Est-ce que vous parlez français?

Learn French in Annecy, France!

Come study in beautiful Annecy, France for a summer or semester!  Known as the "Venice of the Alps, with its canals, Old Town, lake, castles, famous hotels and restaurants, Annecy is a bustling city all year round with lots to see and do. Annecy offers students cultural and athletic activities within a very pleasant urban environment.  Annecy is located at the foot of the Alpine massifs, sits on the purest lake of Europe, and has breathtaking scenery.

You will study at IFALPES, the Institut Français des Alpes, that specializes in teaching the French language. The methodology is direct and communicative, and the program is intensive -- four hours or more daily. The student body is drawn from countries around the world. 

No previous knowledge of French is required to participate in the program.

IFALPES in Annecy is a leading French language training institute that operates in cooperation with institutes and academic institutions both in France and abroad. IFALPES has the "Qualité FLE" accreditation from the French Ministry of Education.

Course Offerings
Intensive French (all levels)

Academic Highlights

The Institute is open all year round. French language courses: beginning, intermediate, advanced are specifically designed for those interested in learning or becoming more proficient in the French language. The teaching methods are based on active participation by students (Communicative Method).  The scope of the program includes understanding, speaking, reading, writing and cross-cultural studies.  The goal of the Institute is to encourage the use of spoken French by students outside of classes.

Students are in class 15-30 hours per week and earn 15 credits over the semester program and 4 credits per summer session. 

Living

SEMESTER

Semester Students may be housed in a French homestay with breakfast and evening meals included. Most students choose this arrangement, though homestays with only "bed and breakfast" are available as well as the opportunity to live in shared apartments with other students.

Students complete a housing questionnaire to indicate their needs and choices and, in the case of homestay, the degree of involvement desired with hosts. The term "family" is used loosely, as the possibilities are many and not limited to "traditional" families.

 

SUMMER

Summer student housing options include homestay, student apartment, or a student residence hall. In the apartments and residence halls, students are responsible for all meals.

Students must have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA on 4.0 scale and have completed 12 college credits at time of application.  Students may have freshman through senior standing.  There are no foreign language requirements.  French courses are taught in French, with the aid of English.

Visa:  A visa will be required to study in France during the fall and spring terms. We recommend that students apply in enough time to obtain the visa. Detailed instructions are provided after acceptance to the program.

The College of Staten Island (CSI) offers a wide range of study abroad and exchange programs. All of our study abroad programs enable you to explore both the traditions and the modern realities of the world from another perspective.

CSI's programs are open to all students at CSI, CUNY, and at other colleges and universities in the US. CSI is also a proud founding member of the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) offering programs throughout the world.

To start, use the menu bar above to search for programs that work for you based on academics, location, housing, and more. Then click on the "Apply Now" button found on our program pages for the term to start your application! 

If you have a general question, please email studyab@csi.cuny.edu. For program specific inquiries, contact the advisor listed in each program brochure.

We look forward to helping you study abroad!

The CSI Study Abroad Team

 Study abroad in Czech Republic!

Business and General Studies at UNYP in Prague, Czech Republic

Study for a semester, year, or summer in Prague, the Czech Republic!  As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe since the fall of the Communist government in 1989, Prague offers a rich cultural, historical, and architectural experience. From the famous Charles Bridge to Old Town to Mala Strana, every corner turned offers sites to savor. The city is student friendly and walking from one destination to another to another is enjoyable and easy to do. For destinations too far to walk, the city offers a good and inexpensive tram system.

Entertainment abounds in Prague. Special days, festivals and public holidays are widely celebrated so visitors can observe and participate in these local traditions. Musical performances from classical and jazz to rock are frequent; there is an International Music Festival held in May/June, and a Mozart Festival held in September. It is not uncommon to walk down the streets of Prague and be handed fliers for upcoming events and performances.

University of New York in Prague (UNYP) is a private, state recognized, accredited institution offering the best in English language higher education. It is located in the central district of Prague, close to the metro, and the tram stops just three minutes from the school. Over 900 students from 60 countries attend, and UNYP boasts a world-wide alumnus of 1,700.

University of New York in Prague 

At UNYP, all of the classes are taught in English. Study alongside other UNYP and study abroad students in a wide variety of academic offerings. UNYP’s courses and degrees are accredited by American, Czech and British accreditation authorities.

During the semester, UNYP offers a full curriculum of over 130 different English-taught courses with a strong emphasis on analytical thinking skills and creative problem solving. UNYP’s internationally diverse faculty is made up of 125 members from 25 different countries. With an overall semester student population of approximately 1,000 students from over 60 different countries, UNYP also boasts a very international student body. In addition, a 1:9 faculty to student ratio offers small class sizes to emphasize dynamic and engaged learning.  Classes seat 15-30 students and contain built-in technology (computers, data projectors, and other A/V).  Wi-Fi is throughout the building.

UNYP’s campus is situated in Vinohrady - a quiet, upscale neighborhood in central Prague. Facilities combine 19th-century architectural charm with 21st-century teaching and technology, and a full university administration dedicated to supporting students.  The library houses textbooks and study materials, as well as an online database access system.  Counseling services are available free to charge to all students through UNYP's confidential Counseling Center. 

SEMESTER

Semester students enroll in 12-15 credit hours (12 minimum in order to maintain visa status) and choose from over 130 courses offered in fields that include Business Administration, Communication and Mass media, International Economic Relations, International and Commercial Law, and Psychology.

SUMMER

Spend five weeks exploring Europe's most popular destination while earning credits you need towards graduating. UNYP is located in the central district of Prague, close to the metro and tram stops. Take classes in English with students from all over the world. Discover what Europeans already know, Prague is the place to be, and discover more about yourself in the process.

This city is made for students!
1. Super affordable living means you'll never miss out
2. Courses in English means you can earn credit towards your degree, no time wasted
3. Entertainment is endless and never stops
4. Prague is a rich cultural and historical experience, from the famous Charles Bridge to Old Town, every corner is a delight
5. Locals are welcoming and want you to join in their traditions

Sample Summer Course Offering:

Business
·       Business Analytics
·       Financial Accounting
·       Statistics for Business and Economics I
·       The World of Beer: Economic and Communications Context  

General Studies
·       US History
·       Sociolinguistics
·       World Geography
·       Cinema & Society
·       Introduction to Philosophy
·       Classics of Political Thoughts
·       Literate in Contemporary Society

All Courses Taught in English.  Each course is 3 credits.  Students choose to take either 3 or 6 credits in the summer.


For Semester and Summer:

Course syllabi available upon request.  Some courses have pre-requisites. 

Please note that course offerings are subject to change due to insufficient enrollment, staff changes, and other factors, up until the Add/Drop date of each semester or term. 

Transcripts are issued by UNYP, which is an officially recognized private higher education institution in the Czech Republic. It is up to each student to determine transferability of credit by their home school before attending the program. Please work with your advisor to get credit approved. 

Spring 2020 semester at Seinan Gakuin University (SGU) in Fukuoka, Japan

For as long as I can remember, I have always had an immense fascination with Japan and its culture, from the diversity of its food, the mannerisms of its people, to the strange yet astonishing combination of an ancient world full of temples, tea ceremonies and cherry blossom viewing parties all combined with new futuristic ideas and technologies. It is all so beautiful it honestly makes you want to cry.

I always believed in the stereotype that Japanese people were shy and somewhat awkward in their mannerism. Once I got to Japan I discovered it was not shyness/awkwardness, but instead part of their culture, they are taught from an early age to not inconvenience anyone for any reason, to avoid asking any questions that might make others feel uncomfortable.

My most memorable experience was going to Hiroshima; I did not expect it to be so beautiful. I expected Hiroshima to be a grey, gloomy city that held a grudge against the US; boy was I wrong! Hiroshima is bright, colorful, and people are very friendly. While being there I met Okihiro Terao, an Atomic bomb survivor that stands outside the Hiroshima Atom Bomb and tells his story of survival and growth, he also displays models he built of the dome before and after the attacks. He did not hold any grudges, even when I said I was American, he was more than happy to share pictures, newspaper articles and tell me his story; there is only peace on his mind.

I highly recommend everyone studies abroad, you will not regret it! These few months in japan have taught me so much, I have seen so much and have met the most incredible people not only from Japan but from all over the world. This has been the experience of a lifetime and its something that will stay with me and in my heart for the rest of my life. I must thank the center for Global Engagement for making my experience possible and the transition to japan smooth.

Sofia Cadavid Arango

Winter Study Abroad in Cambodia!

Over the winter semester, I had the opportunity of studying abroad in Cambodia. Cambodia’s rich history and culture originally inspired me to apply for the City University of New York - Brooklyn College faculty-led study abroad program in Human Rights and Transitional Justice in Post Genocide Cambodia. With the assistance of CUNY College of Staten Island Senior Study Abroad Advisor Russell Davis, I was able to use the e-permit privilege to participate in a course that ended up counting towards my minor requirement.

The course was fantastic, we learned a lot about Cambodia’s political history, and the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). The ECCC, a hybrid court established by the Cambodian government and the United Nations to prosecute people most responsible for the Cambodian genocide. The incredible features of the course were that we had the privilege of visiting the ECCC and interviewing employees of the court. Conducting interview-based research was a tremendous learning opportunity for me, and I felt extremely fortunate for having the opportunity to learn about the country’s history through books and publications, but also hearing from survivors about their experience during the genocide was very inspiring. Human Rights and Transitional Justice in Post Genocide Cambodia - January program through Brooklyn College.


Studying abroad was the perfect opportunity for me to explore new places, make new friends, try different southeast Asian cuisine, and experience different other personal milestones. The whole study abroad group was incredible, and the weather was great in Cambodia! It was terrific to have a tight group of colleagues to celebrate the NEW YEAR and experience all the fantastic excursions that the program had to offer.

One of my favorite places we visited was Angkor Wat! It was incredible to hear the history of the temple, how they sustained it during the genocide, the dedication, time and resources it took to build such a historic site. While conducting interview-based research about the genocide, we spent some time in Phnom Penh the capital, Kampong Chhnang, Anlong Veng (former Khmer Rouge stronghold), and Siem Reap. Overall, this winter study abroad is one of the highlights of my college career, and I hope to participate in another study abroad before I graduate. I also would highly recommend any student to consider studying abroad because it is such a tremendous experience full of immense growth.

Fatu Amara

Summer Study in Heidelberg, Germany!

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My study abroad experience has truly been the experience of a lifetime. Spending 66 days in Heidelberg, a little town nestled along the Neckar River has truly been wonderful. To be honest, first flying out to study and getting settled in, was tough. I was anxious for what was to come, but with every day I grew to love this place. The German culture I felt was not to far off from back home. The obvious difference is the language, but there is something about the life style that brought me to not want to go. Germans are not outright friendly with everyone, but when they get to know you, they are some of the best people to be around. On my second to last day, I went to all the shops I frequented and was met with smiles and well wishes on my travel home. The staff at the European Study Center were all wonderful and extremely helpful, I am glad to say that some I now can call a friend. The friends I have made studying abroad are friends that will last a lifetime. We traveled, ate, and partied together and saying good-bye is always tough, but we know we shall meet again real soon. I traveled to Nuremberg, Munich, Schwangau, Prague, Budapest, Paris, and I even stayed at a castle for the night. Those were just independent travels, with my program we traveled to; Strasbourg, Worms, went to see both Audi, and Mercedes. My friends and I all tried to experience as much of Heidelberg as we possibly could, we; partied with the German populous, had a picnic on the Neckar, walked through Aldstadt (Old Town), and did every little thing possible we could and fell in love with this place. Of everywhere I traveled, traveling within Germany was my favorite.

The German people are kind, and the landscape of the country is beautiful. I think about now leaving, as I will in two days and I can’t help but feel sad in leaving this little town. There is a song called “I Lost My Heart in Heidelberg”, for many of us it is true. This town, the people have all become home to me. When I go it will be sad, but one must always look to the future, and I know that one day I will come back here and see Heidelberg again.

I think about me on the first day I arrived, I didn’t know anybody and thought maybe I did make a mistake coming to study abroad. Now I look back, and laugh because this was the greatest opportunity I had, and I am sure glad I took it. The memories, the friends, and Heidelberg shall stay with me forever. Studying Abroad is an opportunity to not only experience new cultures, and visit new places. It too allows you to find yourself and enriches your mindset on the world, where you live is not the center and there are many things to see, and people to meet. All you have to do is take the leap, and for me studying abroad gave me that and so much more.

Connor Lewis

CCIS Heidelberg, Germany Summer Program

European Study Center