APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: September 12, 2016

The 2017 Arts Study Abroad program in Ecuador runs for two weeks, tentatively January 5 - January 19, 2017. It is based at the Centro de Estudios Interamericanos in Cuenca, Ecuador, a colonial Spanish city of 400,000 people nestled high in the Andes mountains and enjoying spring-like temperatures year round. The program is designed to provide students with an overview of digital photography techniques. with an opportunity to study and experience the culture of Latin America.

CLASS: ART 129: Introduction to Digital Photography. Pre-requisites: Permission of Instructor. This is an introductory level photography course for studio artists both non-photography and photography majors using digital technology to explore the fundamentals of composition through photography assignments. The course is taught in English by the program director. Participants learn the elements of design and principles of composition while photographing human subjects, natural and urban landscapes in the stunning southern Andes mountains.

HOST INSTITUTION: Founded in 1992, in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the meeting of the Old and New Worlds, the Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI) is a not-for-profit institution of higher learning, dedicated to the study of American languages and cultures. It is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ecuador and co-sponsors programs with several colleges and universities in the United States.

TENTATIVE EXCURSIONS: The Intersession program will begin with an overnight stay in Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil. Students will then wind their way by bus through the magnificent Andes on their way to the Valley of Paute where they will spend two days and nights for orientation and exploration. Once in Cuenca students will make several local field trips including the fascinating Incan ruins at Inga Pirca, and the breathtaking El Cajas national park, at over 10,000 feet above sea level. Finally, students will end the program with several nights on the Pacific coast. Unlike the indigenous Andean experience of the highlands, this final portion of the program will introduce students to Ecuador's tropical Pacific coast with an environmental studies experience.

HOUSING: During their stay in Cuenca, students will live with an Ecuadorian family experiencing the hospitality of Latin American culture firsthand. This group of families has been housing students since 1985, and has been central to the Intersession program's success. Most students keep in touch with their Ecuadorian families throughout the years, and many return to visit. Local families are screened so that at least someone in the household speaks English. During the extensive in-country travel, hotel accommodations will be provided.


COST: Total cost of the global seminar is estimated at $3,500. Final cost will be determined in fall 2016.


Admission is competitive and enrollment is limited. Students will be admitted on a rolling basis until the program is full. Once the program is full, accepted students will be placed on a waiting list.

In order to complete the application students will need to create an online profile and submit an online application containing:
- A 300 word application essay answering the question "How will your participation in this international program contribute significantly to your academic career and influence future plans?"
- An unofficial transcript demonstrating overall Grade Point Average of 2.0
- You may be requested to provide a faculty recommendation.