Trips & Activities

One of the benefits of studying abroad with BCA is the excursions offered to the students throughout the semester. These short trips are included in the program fee.

Each semester, students go to the Galapagos Islands for four days. This trip to one of our world’s natural wonders has consistently been a favorite among students. See the amazing wildlife of the islands, including sea-lions, iguanas, tortoises, penguins, sharks, and more. Learn about the islands’ natural and cultural history and meet the people who live there.

Fall and spring students will also journey to the Amazon (four days) and the Indigenous town and market of Otavalo for a long weekend.

Full year students travel to Cusco and Machu Pichu in Peru during their second semester.
Each semester, the resident director plans special day trips, which in the past have included a night tours of the historical center, a day in the cloud forest, and a hike around a volcanic lake. At the end of each semester, there is a dinner in Papallacta Hot Springs, which is located high in the Andes

Student Experiences

EFC English Fellowship Church

Student Name: Kimberly Leininger, Messiah College, Fall 2008

Organization: EFC English Fellowship Church

Contact Information: Located at Las Americas and Brasil (www.efcquito.com)

Description: This was the church and "20 Somethings" Bible study that I was involved with, and it ended up being my window into immersion into the culture. I went to the Bible study on Tuesdays (and usually Thursdays too) and was really blessed by the people there. The Bible study was very blended and the majority of Ecuadorians who came knew Spanish as their first language (but also English, so it was a great way to learn).

Conversation Buddy Program

Student Name: Corlis Gross, Brown University, Fall 2008

Organization: Conversation Buddy Program

Contact Information: Casa Tomate, the Exchange Program house

Description: The conversation buddy program at the university paired an American student with an Ecuadorian student who wanted to learn English. I got together with my partner once a week and we spoke Spanish and English. It was interesting to learn how difficult English can be. My partner was also a member of an indigenous Ecuadorian group. I had the opportunity to learn his culture, and in the end also made a friend.

Salsa Club

Student Name: Jessica Kissel, Brown University, Spring 2009

Organization: The Salsa Club (a USFQ Campus Life club)

Contact Information: Sign-ups for club mailing lists are in the main hall at the beginning of the semester. If you miss this just ask about it in Casa Tomate or in Campus Life. The Campus Life director is David Lansdale(DavidL@usfq.edu.ec). His office is on the third floor of Davinci.

Description: The Salsa Club met from 1-3pm on Wed and Fri, with advanced class from 3-4pm. Salsa Club is very laid-back and costs $5 a month. I loved Salsa Club; the teacher, Jose, is great and it's a fantastic way to meet people outside of class. Surprisingly, not that many gringos are dedicated club members and it was one of the best opportunities I had to get to know Ecuadorian students.

Andianismo Class

Student Name: Corlis Gross, Brown University, Fall 2008

Organization: Andianismo Class

Contact Information: University Classes

Description: I participated in the Andianismo class at the university. With the class I went on climbing excursions out in the campo. It is a popular class for American students to take, but I still had the chance to meet some more Ecuadorians. I really appreciated the opportunity to climb and experience the country side because otherwise I wouldn't have had the opportunity.

E-mail us with your questions

inquiry@bcaabroad.org

Study Abroad FAQ’s

Questions? Please call:

1-866-222-6188