CEDEI
Centers for Interamerican Studies
UW-W Partnership Program
| Location |
Cuenca, Ecuador |
| Academic Focus |
Various: Spanish, Journalism, and Business |
| Eligibility |
All Majors, 2.5 GPA |
| Language of Instruction |
English, Spanish, and Quechua |
| Terms |
Semester, Year |
| Partner Website |
Click Here |
The Center for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI) is a non-profit institution of higher learning, dedicated to the study of American languages and cultures in Cuenca, Ecuador. To foster understanding among the people of the Americas, CEDEI sponsors a variety of academic activities independently and in conjunction with universities in North and South America.
Academics
CEDEI offers several programs throughout the year for international students. Although course offerings change from year to year, every program allows students to gain credits, granted from a US university, in diverse areas such as Environmental Education, Business & Marketing, English, Literature, Quechua, Internships and service learning, History, Journalism, and Spanish Language.
A popular option for students wanting to spend a semester abroad is the Fall or Spring Semester in the Andes program. This program will allow students to earn 12 to 18 credits, as well as travel extensively throughout Ecuador and Peru.
The TV and News Production program is also a popular option especially for students majoring in Broadcast Journalism. Students in this program have the unique opportunity to create news stories and documentaries during their time in Ecuador.
To lean more about courses offered to international students, click
here.
Accommodation
Students in the CEDEI program will live with a host family. Living with a host family will provide international students with the best opportunity to learn about Ecuadorian culture as well as to practice their Spanish language skills.
Host families are held to high standards by CEDEI. CEDEI has long-standing relationships with many families within Cuenca, who all meet the highest expectations and requirements when providing for international students.
Student Life and Surroundings
The programs are primarily based in Cuenca, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Located high in a valley in Ecuador´s southern Andes, the city is home to around 400,000 people and is the third-largest in the country. Nourished by mountain rivers, Cuenca enjoys temperate weather year round.
The main CEDEI center is situated in the beautiful colonial heart of Cuenca, just a few blocks from the central plaza, Parque Calderón. The building, originally a colonial house, is home to the Department of International Programs and the Spanish Language Department. The rooftop study area, various classrooms, and central location offer a wonderful setting for students to study, relax and take part in cultural dance and cooking classes.
Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Despite its small size, Ecuador contains lush rainforest, snow-capped mountain ranges, mangrove estuaries, and tropical coastline. While much of Ecuador is modernized, the country also contains a wealth of indigenous groups -- each distinctive to their individual province. The programs take full advantage of this wealth of beauty and culture, many include extensive travel, weekend field trips, cultural classes and activities, and conferences on significant local issues.
Cost of Attendance, Financial Aid, and Scholarships
As a partnership program, UW-Whitewater students are subject to CEDEI tuition fees, which will be billed to the students’ UW-W accounts. As with all approved study abroad programs, UW-W financial aid can be used on this program. Eligible students are encouraged to apply for the Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad, and UW-W and external study abroad scholarships are available.
Other fees for this program, such as the Global Experiences Application Fee and CISI international insurance, are billed to the student’s UW-W account. Other expenses are paid individually (e.g. living expenses) or to the host university (e.g. round trip flights, living expenses).
Estimated Cost of Attendance (per semester)
| Billed by UW-Whitewater |
|
| Application/Administration Fee |
225 |
| Contingency Fee |
50 |
| CISI Insurance |
140 |
CEDEI Program Fee (includes tuition,
accommodation, meals, and excursions) |
14,070 |
| Subtotal |
$14,485 |
| Additional Estimated Expenses |
|
| Passport and Passport Photos |
150 |
| Ecuador Student Visa |
150 |
| Round-Trip Airfare |
1,000 |
| Books/Supplies |
100 |
| Personal/Miscellaneous |
1,500 |
| Subtotal |
$2,900 |
| Total* |
$17,385 |
*For comparison, the UW-W Financial Aid office estimates the cost of attendance on the UW-W campus for one semester to be $7,400.
Passport and Visa Requirements
Students will need a passport to study abroad that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of their program. Students studying in Ecuador are required to obtain a student Visa.
Key Dates
| Term |
Application Deadline |
Term Dates |
| Academic Year |
April 1 |
Late August to Early May |
| Fall Semester |
April 1 |
Late August to Mid December |
| Spring Semester |
October 15 |
Mid January to Early May |
Contacts
Office of Global Experiences
Office: McCutchan 204
Phone: 262-472-5759
Email: studyabroad@uww.edu