The Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) Cumbayá Exchange Program immerses students in the cultural diversity of the northern Andean country of Ecuador with all-inclusive excursions throughout the country. Students directly enroll at the USFQ, and have access to the full curriculum there.
Key Facts
Area of Study
Location
Home University
Program Structure
Internship Availability
Term
Coursework Level
BU Hub Offered
NoneHousing
Language of Instruction
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Boston University students only. Minimum of four terms of college-level Spanish language or the equivalent
- Admissions requirements for all programs
Curriculum
- Students have access to the full curriculum at USFQ and enroll in five to six semester-long courses in the liberal arts and sciences. Courses at USFQ carry three units each. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a local community service affiliation for two units.
- For the most up-to-date listings of courses available, please refer to the USFQ website.
Academic culture may be very different at a partner institution; USFQ provides a rigorous academic experience to both local and visiting students, and you will be subject to their academic policies and procedures during your time at this institution.
Housing & Student Services
Local Homestay
- Single bedroom in a shared home with a local family, including shared bathrooms; key access to home; all housing has A/C, window screens, or mosquito nets where necessary
- Kitchen available to use in Quito with permission from host
- Board included; breakfast and dinner with host family seven days a week
- No dining hall available but there are many local places to eat near the university and in Quito
- Laundry included—in home or handled by host family
- Study spaces available at the USFQ and local cafés throughout Quito
Program Dates
FALL TERM
Program Dates
Mid August – Late December
FALL TERM
Applications Open
December 15
FALL TERM
Applications Deadline
March 15
SPRING TERM
Program Dates
Early January – Mid May
SPRING TERM
Applications Open
June 1*
SPRING TERM
Applications Deadline
September 1
This program is not on a rolling admissions cycle. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office by the application deadline. Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline. Applicants will receive their decision via email.
Information on other programs that do not follow a rolling admissions cycle and information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2025/2026 Tuition & Fees: $35,454 per term
- Cost includes tuition, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance and emergency evacuation coverage.
- Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available
Ready to Study in Cumbayá?