Accommodations and Meals
While in Quito students will stay in shared accommodation in economy hotels (2–4 per room). At TBS students will stay in bunk-style accommodation (4 beds per room). All rooms are screened. Running water is available and students share flush toilets and showers (cold water only). Food service is provided in a central dining hall and a generator provides electricity for several hours each day. There are food options available for vegetarians. Although networks can be unreliable, internet access is available in internet cafés in Quito, and limited access is available at GAIAS. Most daily meals will be provided as part of the program, with some purchased by students on-site.
Health and Safety
This program will involve fieldwork and extensive travel by air, water and land; in addition, Quito and the highlands are located at a relatively high altitude. Students will need to be prepared for extreme differences in temperature and precipitation. Students must be in good physical health and should not be especially prone to altitude or motion sickness. If you are under medical care of any kind, you should consult both a physician and the Professional & International Programs office before applying. Students will be expected to respect the health and safety rules of each facility. Care must also be taken on independent travel in Quito, following the directives concerning risk provided by the Government of Canada.
PRE-DEPARTURE ORIENTATION (PDO)
All students admitted to the Summer Abroad program are required to successfully complete an online PDO, which will provide general information and advice on international health and safety issues. Students must also attend an Ecuador Pre-departure Orientation in April/May (details TBA).
Flight
The university will not be arranging a group flight for this program; students must make their own flight arrangements. The portion of the program taking place in Ecuador is May 11 - June 2, 2023.
To encourage students to travel together, we will provide the itinerary of a suggested flight to and from Quito. We strongly advise students to book themselves onto this flight. This information will be in your post-acceptance materials.
Transportation between the airport and the hotel in Quito will be provided to students on the suggested flight.
Entry Requirements
All students are responsible for making sure that their necessary travel documents are in order for them to enter Ecuador as visitors. Information on the entry requirements is available by visiting the Global Affairs Canada website. Please note that most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory due to COVID-19.
Information on entry requirements is also available from the Consulate of Ecuador in Toronto:
www.embassyecuador.ca
Students will be required to see a Medical Travel Clinic and to obtain the vaccine for Yellow Fever. Proof of vaccination will be required well in advance of the program start date.