Cuenca, Ecuador
Teaching English as a Foreign Language
The Cuenca Ecuador Study Abroad TEFL program is a 6-week long Linguistics Teaching English as a Foreign Language Program sponsored by Latin American Studies and Linguistics and directed by Betsy Partyka (Modern Languages). Cuenca is an ideal setting; it is a beautiful, medium-sized city located at a latitude of 8,200 feet in Ecuador’s southern Andes Mountains. Cuenca has preserved its colonial heritage of narrow, cobblestone streets and colonial architecture and has grown into a modern Ecuadorian city. The TEFL program is run through the Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI), which offers English courses to over 900 Ecuadorian students every day.
Program Length
Mid June - Late July
Eligibility and Selection Process
Students need to be in good academic standing at OU, should have at least a basic knowledge of SPanish. Previous study abroad experience is a plus, but not a requirement.
For those students intending to complete the Ohio University TEFL certificate, the prerequisite course is LING 350/351/550. Students will also be required to complete LING 475/575 either on campus during summer session II or fall quarter after completing courses in Ecuador. The TEFL program offered through CEDEI is a complete certificate program in itself, but does not hold OU status. Students will only receive the OU TEFL certificate upon completion of the above required courses at the OU campus.
The program is open to all interested undergraduate and graduate students. Freshman applicants should have previous study abroad experience. Admission will be based on academic accomplishments, statement of purpose, interviews, letters of recommendation, and academic standing.
Application Deadline
Living Arrangements
Each student will live with a family in houses that are safe, comfortable, and relatively close to the center of town.
Courses and Credits
Students intending to receive the OU TEFL certificate must have completed LING 350/351/550 at Ohio University prior to this program. One of these courses is highly recommended for all students.
Students will enroll in LING 480/580, LING 482/582, LING 410/510.
In addition, graduate students will sign up for LING 600 and undergraduates will sign up for LING 499 to complete the necessary hours to be a full time student.
Please note that this program does not satisfy the study abroad requirements for the Spanish major or for the Latin American Studies major.
Cost*
Billed by Ohio University:
- Tuition: OU tuition
- Program Fee: $1200
- Administrative Fee: $150
Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
- Passport and Photos: $110
- Roundtrip Airfare to Quito: $800
- Textbooks and Supplies: $200
- Immunizations: $200
Click here for info on vaccinations for this country.
- Exit Tax: $25
- Incidentals: $1,125
Program Fee includes Health Insurance, travel within Ecuador, housing, and most food.
*Cost is subject to change. Please see the program director for up-to-date information. Financial aid may be applied to program costs; further information available from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
For more information contact:
Betsy Partyka
Gordy Hall 231
Tel: 740-593-2764
