Home to a wide array of cultures and natural attractions, Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andean highlands, and also one of the most culturally and ecologically diverse. Ecuador's population is a mixture of Native American, European and African influences, and the UN has named it as one of the world's 17 "superdiverse countries" because of the incredible number of species populating its varied ecosystems. Students who choose to study abroad in Ecuador will find ample opportunities in most major fields of study, including the social, biological and natural sciences, arts and humanities, agriculture, engineering and economics.

Located in Andean South America, Ecuador derives its name from the Spanish word for "equator" since it straddles both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The country is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna, including 10 percent of the world's tree species, 8 percent of the animal species and an amazing 18 percent of the planet's known bird species. For students of biodiversity, biology, botany, ecology, zoology and other related fields, a study abroad experience in Ecuador is nothing short of a dream come true. History students may recall the important role of species endemic to Ecuador's Galápagos Archipelago in Charles Darwin's early research. Both Global Vision International (GVI) and the Isabela Oceanographic Institute (IOI) provide a range of study abroad opportunities for students of all academic levels, including volunteer placements, internships, field study and independent study projects.

Ecuador's principal cities are Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca. Quito, high in the Andes mountains, is the country's political center and the oldest capital in South America. The city is home to some of Ecuador's main institutions of higher education, including the Universidad Central del Ecuador, Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Ecuador and Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Here, one will also find the National Library, founded in 1792, which contains more than 70,000 volumes, and several historical and archaeological museums, including the National Museum of Fine Arts in the Sucre Theater Building, the Museum of Colonial Art, and the Franciscan and Santo Domingo museums. Students of architectural history, art history and the fine arts will appreciate the abundance of great work that awaits them.

Guayaquil, named after "Guayas," an indigenous chief and his wife "Quil," who chose to die rather than surrender to the Spaniards, is Ecuador's largest city and commercial center. A Pacific port on the Guayas River with a population of nearly 4 million, it is the country's economic hub, handling most of Ecuador's non-petroleum trade. Students will find highly respected programs in the fields of science, technology, economics, business and engineering at the city's Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral.

Cuenca, Ecuador's cultural center and third largest city, is located high in a valley of the Southern Andes. Founded in 1557 on the site of the Incan city of Tomebamba, Cuenca is a fascinating mix of Pre-Columbian and colonial Spanish heritage. The Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI) offers study abroad programs in a range of fields, enhanced with trips to the Amazon Jungle and the magnificent "Avenue of the Volcanoes." Cotopaxi is one of the world's highest active volcanoes at 19,347 feet, and at night students can witness a spectacular sight as the fires in the craters cast their glow upon clouds which, in turn, reflect back on the snowcapped mountains.

Multiethnic and pluralistic, Ecuador's population is majority Mestizo (mixed European and Amerindian ancestry), followed by smaller percentages of indigenous groups, criollos (European descendents) and Afro-Ecuadorians, descendants of 16th century African slaves who see themselves as a distinct cultural group. Today, the Afro-Ecuadorians are famous for their marimba music and dance festivals.

There are more than 14 indigenous groups in Ecuador, each with its own traditions and specific type of dress. The largest group is the the Andean Quichua, with more than 2 million members. Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, while Quechua, the language of the Incas, is the most widely spoken indigenous tongue. Students of the social sciences will find programs on Andean language and culture through the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) and Boston University.

The Ecuadorian people take pride in the fact that they have not allowed modernization to rob the country of its distinct heritage. Archaeological finds of the Pre-Columbian era reveal artifacts of images expressing the human struggle and the innate instinct to survive. The art of the Colonial period, called the "Quito School of Art," was primarily religious. Contemporary artists including Camilo Egas and Eduardo Klingman turned their attention to vivid depiction of the Ecuadorian people and themes of social justice.

Ecuador's multicultural mix is reflected in its lively music, which is an essential part of all fiestas and social events. The term "national music" is used to describe a large variety of musical forms, the most popular of which is the "pasillo," which originates from the Viennese waltz. The National Folkloric Ballet Jacchigua, created by Rafael Camino, has performed throughout the world.

Celebrations or "farra" are an important part of life for the fun-loving Ecuadorians, and hardly a month passes without a major festival which must include a lavish feast. The regular diet of rice, potatoes and meat is often accompanied by a national culinary favorite, aji (hot sauce). Popular dishes include seco de pollo (stewed chicken with rice and avocado), lomo salteado (beef covered with onions and tomatoes) and choclo (barbecued Andean corn).

Soccer is considered the national sport, and the Ecuadorian players are celebrated as local heroes. Horseback riding and volleyball are also very popular local sports. Water activities abound, including kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving and whitewater rafting. There are endless opportunities to walk, hike, trek and climb, and mountain bikes are an excellent way to experience the varied countryside. Students seeking intellectual stimulation, cultural insight and athletic adventure will find all three and more in Ecuador.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: http://www.IIEPassport.org
IIEPassport Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
National Security Education Program: www.iie.org/NSEP
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
World Resources Institute: www.wri.org
U.S. Embassy Quito: ecuador.usembassy.gov
Embassy of Ecuador: www.ecuador.org
CEDEI: Centers for Interamerican Studies: www.cedei.org
Escuelas Superior Politécnica del Litoral: www.espol.edu.ec
Universidad San Francisco de Quito: www.usfq.edu.ec