Program Site
The Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil is located in the commercial, industrial, and import-export hub of Ecuador. Guayaquil, a city of approximately 2 million, is known for its fine ships, hotels, theaters, city parks, and museum. Beautiful beaches are only a one-hour bus ride from the center of the city. The Universidad Catolica is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning that has achieved high prestige in the community. Catolica 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.

Academic Program Highlights
The program combines intensive Spanish language instruction (beginning through advanced) with the study of Ecuadorian history and culture. Depending on availability of courses and Spanish proficiency, students can register for the following courses taught in Spanish: Ecuadorian Studies, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Hispanoamerican Literature, Contemporary Culture, Cinema, Philosophical Anthropology, Sociology of Ecuador, and levels from beginning through advanced. Internships are available for students in a variety of fields.

Program Duration
September 11 - December 19 (Fall)
December 18 - January 25 (Winter)
April 17 - August 18 (Spring)

Application Deadlines*
May 1 (Fall)
October 15 (Winter)

*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Transcripts
For all courses taken at the Universidad Catolica de Santiago de Guayaquil where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.

Eligibility
A GPA of 2.5, as well as official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are required for admission to the program, which is open to students from freshman through graduate level standing.

Student Life
All students live with host families in Guayaquil, and two to three meals per day are provided. This arrangement facilitates the students' immersion into the Ecuadorian culture. In addition to several tours within Guayaquil, program staff organize frequent field trips to other areas of interest in Ecuador.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and Ecuador. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in Ecuador, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to Ecuador.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in Ecuador.

For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu