Ecuador » GAIAS » Admission and Preparation

Application Deadlines:

The application deadlines for students are as follows:

• February 15 for Fall or academic year
• October 15 for Spring semester

The Galapagos program is highly competitive so early application is encouraged.

Eligibility Requirements:

This program is open to undergraduate students in any major interested in Latin America. To be eligible, students must meet the following minimum requirements before departure:

• Sophomore standing
• An overall GPA of 2.75 or above
• A minimum of one years of college-level Spanish recommended (or the equivalent)

Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress throughout the application process and during their study abroad program, and otherwise comply with policies and procedures of the host university, the OUS Office of International Programs, and their home university International Programs Office.

If you do not meet the minimum eligibility requirements, please consult with your home campus contact person before applying.

Application Process

OUS International Programs uses an online application and data management system called Studio Abroad. To submit an application you must create a student account within this system. Once you have created this account, you may begin the application process. Early application is advised.

To create an account and apply for an OUS study abroad program, go to the OUS Application page. Here you can access the OUS Studio Abroad online application system which will take you through all the necessary steps to initiate and complete an application. Be sure to complete all required documents by the application deadline. (We advise you to get an early start since it will take you some time to prepare/gather all the necessary documents.) A $50 application fee is due at the time the application is submitted and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

If you would like additional assistance regarding the application process, we have provided “Step-by-Step Instructions” and “Frequently Asked Questions” at the link above. As you go through the online application process, please consult these documents if you have questions.

Selection and Participation

Selection for the program is based on a review of the student's online application (application form, essays, transcripts, and recommendations) as well as the results of the student’s campus interview and language evaluation.

Participants must meet the eligibility requirements for their chosen program, and be prepared linguistically, academically, and socially to succeed abroad. Overseas study participants must satisfactorily complete the following:

• Well-written program application
• Personal interview and language evaluation
• Timely submission of all required paperwork
• Attendance at pre-departure orientation sessions
• Payment of program fees

Program participants must also demonstrate the ability to be successful overseas through evidence of maturity, motivation, and flexibility. Participation in any program is subject to the approval of the OUS International Programs Office, and its partner institutions, which may grant or withhold such approval in their sole discretion.

Acceptance to all study abroad programs involves a significant amount of paperwork for legal, financial, academic and safety reasons. Your Campus Contact and our office are ready to help explain and guide you through the paperwork process; however, it is your responsibility to complete the paperwork in a timely and professional manner.

Visa Information

All students going to Ecuador must apply for their student visa in person at the Consulate General of Ecuador in San Francisco, California. Information about required documents will be provided to each student during the application cycle. If you do not already have a passport that will be valid for at least six months beyond the projected ending date of your program, you should apply for, or renew, your passport once your initial application is approved.

Orientations

All students are required to attend the OUS pre-departure orientation that will cover academic, logistical, and financial matters. For detailed information, including dates and locations, please click here: