Program Details
Location
Quito,
Ecuador
Term
Spring Break
Housing
Hotel
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
2.5
About
The future health of our world requires a generation of creative, motivated, strategic, and expansive thinkers prepared to collaborate across disciplines and sectors to proactively protect the health of human and animal populations and the environment in which they live. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by the United Nations were created to help communities identify health priorities, and set obtainable strategies to meet the goals. Ecuador is an ideal location to incorporate historical and cultural contexts with an understanding of how the SDGs will help improve health for all. Ecuador is home to an amazing array of cultural, biological, and geographic diversity.
Historically, Ecuador was home to a wide range of Amerindian groups and the Inca Empire, later to be colonized by Spain and then becoming independent in 1830. During colonization, numerous new infectious diseases devastated parts of Ecuador and continues to have generational impacts on the health of some populations.
Course Description
During the first half of the spring semester at the University of Minnesota, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities of addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Ecuador while comparing and contrasting with the US and/or Minnesota, and gain a basic understanding of the health system in both countries.
You will work in teams that focus on a perspective of a Sustainable Development Goal throughout the semester. You will also learn very basic Spanish words and phrases in preparation for time in Ecuador. Through taking and learning about the Intercultural Development Inventory, as well as cultural development and reflection activities including Observe, Describe, Interpret, and Evaluate (ODIE), you will learn more about your own cultures while preparing to openly experience cultures in Ecuador.
Program Model
Housing & Meals
You will live in shared rooms with fellow program participants. Breakfast, welcome, and farewell meals are included in the program fee. We will take additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants and eateries.
Excursions
Excursions may include:
Quito
- Public or private hospital
- Mitad del Mundo City and Museum
- Colonial Quito tour
- Visit to San Clemente
Papallacta
- Paramo Cayambe Coca reserve
- Thermas Papallacta
- CINCA Agroecological Center
Otavalo & Cotacachi
- Hospital visit
- Indigenous ceremony
- Flower plantation
- Visit to Tabacundo
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
Learning Outcomes
- Define culture and related concepts and practices that will promote awareness of personal and cultural identity
- Gain an understanding of how culture influences the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems
- Describe the One Health approach, including the health professional career path options of various health practitioners involved in this approach
- Give examples of connections between human, animal, and ecosystem health
- Describe competencies needed for effective interprofessional teamwork
- Compare and contrast the culture and health of humans, animals, and ecosystems in Ecuador and the US
Faculty & Staff
This seminar is co-led by Pre-Health Student Resource Center staff member Fred Williams (Career Counselor) and Karin Hamilton, DVM, MPH, Coordinator and Instructor, Global Programs, Pre-Health Student Resource Center.
Karin has extensive experience working globally in 22 countries in health fields and has led multiple student programs to Thailand, Panama, and India related to global health, interprofessional/One Health, and intercultural development.
Program Structure
Program Level
3000-level course
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Course Schedule
This is an on-campus class during spring semester. Abroad term takes place during Spring Break 2025.
Students from other UofM campuses
There is an option to participate in the on-campus portion remotely. Reach out to the program leaders to confirm. You will need to work with your academic adviser and campus enrollment office and do a Multi-I enrollment for this program. There may be additional or different tuition owed as part of the program fee.
Coursework
Coursework will include journal entries and guided writing assignments throughout the semester to facilitate reflection on culture and health careers, as well as comparing aspects of human, animal, and ecosystem health in Ecuador with the US and/or Minnesota. As a final project, you will develop a digital story and present it to the class after returning from Ecuador.
Receive credit for: AHS 3004
Liberal Education Fulfillments: Global Perspectives
Syllabus for AHS3004—Health in Ecuador: Humans, Animals, & Ecosystems (PDF)
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into our programs. This course can be tied to multiple Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
- #1 No Poverty
- #2 Zero Hunger
- #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth
- #15 Life on Land
Numerous SDGs will be discussed during this course. These will be focused on through lectures by local health professionals and experts, as well as field experiences to see the SDGs in action. You will complete a final small group project looking into one of these SDGs.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Break 2025 | March 7–March 16, 2025 | December 1, 2024 |
Important Note: This program departs for Ecuador on Friday, March 7. If you have any class on that date, you may need to miss them in order to travel.
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
On Campus Dates
Tuesdays (January 21–April 1), 2:30–4:25 p.m., East Bank
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Fees
Spring Break 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming
The cost of participation includes educational costs, group flight airfare, program administration, housing, most meals, international health insurance, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, and local transportation. Generally, program fees range between $5,600–$5,800. You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, meals not included (most are included), spending money, and miscellaneous activities.
Recent increases in international airfare and accommodation costs have impacted all instructor-led program fees. The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you are registered for less than 13 credits, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Bridging Loan
Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Spring Break 2024
Health in Ecuador: Humans, Animals, & EcosystemsSpring Break 2024 |
|
|---|---|
Program Fee
|
|
| Non-refundable deposit | $400 |
| Tuition and educational costs | $3,295 |
| International health insurance | $26 |
| Housing and/or mealsBreakfast, welcome and farewell meals, as well as a few group meals are included. | $724 |
| Transportation (if required and included in program fee)Group flight | $1,075 |
| Total Program Fee | $5,520 |
| Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable | $0 |
| Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable | $5,520 |
Estimated Additional Expenses
|
|
| Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad. | |
| Transportation to and from program site | $0 |
| Passport/photos | $150 |
| Visa/required documents | $0 |
| Travel clinic/immunizations*Consult with your provider or travel clinic for recommendations | $50 |
| Housing deposit | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure | $200 |
| Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | |
| Texts/materials | $50 |
| Housing and/or meals not included in program fee | $250 |
| Essential daily living expensesphone charges, etc. | $150 |
| Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country | $450 |
Total Estimated Cost of Participation
|
|
| Total Estimated Cost of Participation | $6,170 |
| Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation | $150 |
| Additional Notes & Information | |
| * Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage. | |
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
Register for On-Campus Course
Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.
You will also need to register for the on-campus course AHS 3004.
Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, send an email to
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827