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FAQ about Quito
Do I need to know Spanish to participate in the program?
Yes, BCA requires students have at least two semesters of college-level Spanish to study at BCA Quito. While in Quito, students can choose classes that adequately meet their individual level of Spanish language proficiency.
Where is BCA Quito study center located?
BCA Quito is located at the University of San Francisco Quito (USFQ) is a private, American-style university that was founded in 1985. The school has approximately 3,300 students, about 10 percent of which are international students.
What can I study at BCA Quito?
As a BCA student, you’ll have the opportunity to take Spanish language classes as well as regular university courses with Ecuadorian students. USFQ offers a variety of courses in many academic disciplines. For more course information, please go to the following website: http://www.usfq.edu.ec/programas_de_pregrado/index.html.
Where will I live?
Students studying abroad with BCA Quito live with host families in order to further deepen your cultural immersion. At your host home, you will have your own bedroom but will most likely share a bathroom.
Will my school accept credit from BCA Quito?
It is important that students check with their university registration and records office to determine whether BCA credits will be accepted. Each university has its own policy for transferring credits, and it is the students’ responsibility to follow their home university rules and regulations. Upon completion, BCA sends transcripts from the University of San Francisco
Quito and BCA course reports to students and their home universities. If the home university or college requires a transcript from a U.S. school, BCA provides a transcript from Elizabethtown College, which is BCA’s school of record.
Will my financial aid transfer?
Federal aid is transferable; some state aid is transferable. Aid from an individual school is transferred at the school’s discretion. Students should consult their financial aid advisor for further information and advice.
Why study with BCA?
BCA is one of the nation's oldest independent organizations committed to promoting international understanding and academic excellence through college study abroad programs for U.S. students and adult seminars for faculty and administrators. Rooted in the values of peace and justice, BCA promotes international understanding, awareness of global citizenship and academic scholarship through educational exchange. Among the special qualities of BCA's programs are: unique opportunities to study peace and justice issues in places where conflict has profoundly affected culture, history and daily life; opportunity for cultural immersion; and tremendous academic and administrative support.
What are the application deadlines?
BCA encourages interested students to apply as soon as possible to get the process in motion. Applications for the spring semester are due by October 15. Fall semester applications are due by April 15. Students are notified of their acceptance within three weeks of submitting a complete application.
Do I need a visa to study in Ecuador?
Yes, BCA will contact you after your acceptance into the program with information about how to obtain a student visa for Ecuador. While on a student visa, you are not allowed to work. There is a separate visa for people interested in working in Ecuador and if you work while on a student visa, you may be in violation of government regulations.
Can I study abroad as a freshman?
To study abroad with BCA Quito a student must have at least one year of undergraduate study. However, BCA encourages students to start planning in their freshman year and investigate which program is a good fit for their individual needs.
I’m worried my GPA may not be good enough. Should I still apply?
BCA does employ minimum GPA standards for each study center. The required GPA varies by program and is an important tool in evaluating a student’s application, however it is not the only consideration. BCA also takes into account the student’s personal statement and their letters of recommendation. BCA encourages students to apply even if they do not quite meet the GPA standards.
How many courses will I take?
Generally, BCA students take 12 to 15 credits per semester. Most courses at USFQ are worth three US credits and are graded using an American scale.
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