DESCRIPTION

The Trent-in-Ecuador Program offered by the International Development Studies Department enables undergraduates to deepen their understanding of comparative and international development by living, studying, and working in a developing country. It provides opportunities to acquire skills in community development, engage in cross-cultural living experience, and become fluent in Spanish.

While in the Program, students take five Trent courses taught by Canadian and Ecuadorian faculty, and participate in an extensive field placement.

ELIGIBILITY

Entrance is normally restricted to students majoring in International Development Studies and/or Anthropology who have a minimum standing of B- (70%) in at least eight full year courses. Spanish 100 or equivalent with a mark of 70% or higher is also required. All applicants are interviewed to assess their expectations and their capacities for adapting to a foreign cultural setting where conventional academic resources are limited.

FINANCES

Tuition and ancillary fees plus a Program fee are paid to Trent University. Participants are responsible for covering all other expenses, but the total cost of the Program, related fees and airfare approximate expenses for a year at Trent in Peterborough. Students on OSAP may use the funds towards their year abroad. The currency in Ecuador is the Sucre (ES)

EXPENDITURES

. Trent University tuition and ancillary fees;

. Year Abroad Program fee;

. living expenses in Ecuador (well below Canadian levels);

. books, supplies and incidentals;

. return airfare to Ecuador (a group rate is offered to students

travelling together;

. mandatory health insurance (Out-of-Canada insurance and

immunizations);

. passport and student visa;

. miscellaneous

NOTE: Passports must be valid for six additional months after departure from Ecuador. Students must obtain an “Identification Card” (Censo) which is carried at all times.

LOCATION

After several years in the Northern city of Ibarta, the Program moved to Sangolquí, a centre much closer to the universities, book stores, health services, and other amenities of the capital, Quito. A typical small Ecuadorian city of 40,000 inhabitants, Sangolquí is located in the Chillos Valley, just south of the equator and 35km east of Quito. Travel to the centre of Quito takes only (by frequent and inexpensive buses) 30 minutes.

Sangolquí was founded by the Spanish on the site of a pre-Columbian settlement. It was named after a prominent indigenous leader and developed as a centre for agricultural and textile production. The city is surrounded by villages and haciendas, now in the process of fragmentation and urbanization. One of the largest nearby settlements is San Rafael, a rapidly growing bedroom dormitory for rich Quiteños and quite different in character from Sangolquí. Agriculture remains an important activity in the Valley, however, and each Sunday there is a large peasant market. Agricultural producers sell vegetables, grain and other local products. A major fiesta is held early in September each year and Trent-in-Ecuador students are invited to participate.

UNIVERSITY

Although there is access to services and university libraries in Quito and the Chillos Valley, the Program’s offices, classrooms, and facilities are housed in the Trent-in-Ecuador Centre, a rented building in a residential barrio of Sangolquí.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

The Program runs from Labour Day weekend in September until the end of April, with some holiday breaks.

COURSES

Participants take five full credit course equivalents and may not drop or add any during the academic year.

IDST 387 – Introduction to Quichua Language and Culture or HSST 201 – Intermediate Spanish

IDST 388 – Ecuador Seminar

IDST/ANTH 389 – Andean Economy, Culture and Society

IDST 380 – Community Development

Cognate Departments may accept one or more courses for credit towards their own requirements, to facilitate a joint-major. Student should arrange this prior to departure.

TEACHING METHODS

The professors normally will introduce topics through lectures and small group teachings. Typical enrolment in the Program is normally 20-25 students.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is made through completion of coursework, projects and exams and is governed by Trent’s policies on marking and grading.

ORIENTATION AND SUPPORT SERVICES

All successful applicants participate in a compulsory orientation program, first in Peterborough (two evening meetings and a day-long session), and then in Quito and Sangolquí during the first week in Ecuador. Students live with families in Sangolquí for an initial period of six weeks, allowing students the opportunity to improve their Spanish and learn about local customs.

ACCOMMODATION

Following the initial six week orientation period living with local families, some students choose to continue living with their host families. Others make their own arrangements and will often choose to live in apartments with other participants.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Participants have found their time in Ecuador to be as one of rich, intense growth, filled with opportunities to meet many generous and wonderful people. They must, however, make allowances for cross-cultural differences that require difficult adjustments to new rhythms and ways of life. They must as well adapt their expectations to fit the context of a new country where they are privileged to be guests.

In meeting these challenges, students learn when to compromise, how to preserve their own integrity, and how to fend for themselves in difficult situations--all without giving offence to local people. In short, they acquire the skills necessary for a foreigner to function successfully in a developing country, whether in business, diplomacy, or development work. In doing so, they can rely on excellent support structures provided by program staff, their Ecuadorian families, and fellow students.

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Past participants have enjoyed mountain climbing, horseback riding, hiking and visits to volcanoes and hot springs located nearby. The national park in Pasachoa is a 30 minute bike ride from Sangolquí. There are several archaeological sites nearby, including Cochasquí, Rumiurco, and Pucara de Pembamarca. The colonial secto of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has many theatres, museums and exhibitions. The musical scene in Quito is rich and varied, folkloric concerts are held in Sangolquí and there are numerous local cultural and religious festivals.

CONTACT

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