THE ECUADOR GAP SEMESTER
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Explore the challenges and solutions to critical global issues in communities throughout Ecuador. This semester program includes:
Each program group consists of 18 students and 3 Program Leaders. |
ORIENTATION
The two-week period is split between the capital city of Quito and the mystic beauty of Mindo in the cloud forest. You’ll learn to travel with cultural sensitivity and start Spanish classes. You’ll hold the first discussions of the curriculum and meet with your mentor to set your goals for the semester. You’ll complete health and safety training and team building activities that unite your group. Together, you’ll explore the cloud forest with waterfall hikes, a canopy tour, and tubing down the river!
UNIT 1: EDUCATION IN THE COASTAL LOW-LANDS
Education is the keystone of development. It can empower individuals and communities to prevent and treat disease, produce goods, and create equity and justice. You’ll investigate how governments, non-profits, and private actors work to address the needs of a rural community. Your group will work in public and private schools to understand education in Ecuador. You’ll live with local families with children and learn their views on education.
UNIT 2: PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE ANDES
Meeting the health needs of 13 million people is challenging. Cultural diversity, geographical variation from mountain peaks to tropical jungles, and a wide range of diseases compound this task. You’ll investigate how a country unified in name but divided culturally, economically, and politically meets the health needs of its citizens. You’ll explore to two crucial aspects of public health by working in clinics and in the field shadowing healthcare workers.
UNIT 3: NATURAL RESOURCES & THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE CLOUD FOREST
The environment and the natural resources it provides are in danger. Access to clean air, water, and land is threatened, and poor people are the most affected. You’ll investigate how industry, agriculture, and cultural conflicts endanger forests and clean water in rural Ecuador. Your group will support a community eco-tourism project to gain an understanding of community tourism, conservation, and sustainable practices in the Andean sierra.
CULMINATION
While traveling the world teaches many things, the greatest lessons are those we learn about ourselves. You’ll explore the relationship between the US and the rest of the world. You’ll meet representatives from the World Bank, Congress, and NGOs to discuss international development. You’ll reflect to bring together your learning and experiences into powerful conclusions. You’ll create a Presentation of Learning to raise awareness about critical global issues. You’ll attend the TBB graduation and celebrate your accomplishments.
Learn More:
- Ecuador Gap Semester Alumnus Matt S. Interns for Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT)
- Franklin & Marshall College Offers Credit to Spring Admits for Ecuador Semester
- Our Program Partners: Ecuadorian Experiment in International Living
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