Winter Program in Ecuador

December 26th - January 14th 2007-8

 Nature and National identities in Latin America.

Fascinating travel to the Andes and the Amazon forest.

          This course proposes a study of the national symbols of the Latin American republics, by visiting the natural scenery  that has produced the symbols and by experiencing the real context where these cultural products were  constructed.

         Besides the natural beauty of Ecuador, this country has two cities declared as “World Cultural Heritage”: Quito and Cuenca; indeed Quito was the first city recognized with that honor by UNESCO. Quito is one of the most important colonial cities during the Spanish rule of the continent. Quito, was adorned with numerous baroque and mannerist churches and squares. This beautiful city is surrounded by various volcanoes, including Pichincha volcano a massive rock measuring 4,800 meters (14,400 feet) high, which produces a dramatic and impressive visual contrast with the colonial city.

We will visit:

• Chimborazo and Pichincha volcanoes
• The tropical rainforest
• Amazon flora and fauna reserves
• Canoe and hiking trips through the Amazon rainforest
• Indigenous market of Otavalo
• Colonial churches, museums and monasteries
• Latin Dance classes or Ecuadorian Cooking Classes
• New Years Eve in Quito!

Credits: SPAN 384 + HUMN 195 (3+2 credits)

Included in the program fee ($ 2390):

• Airfare: roundtrip ticket
• Academic fee for 3 credits SPAN 384
• Academic fee for 2 credits HUMN 195
• Room and Breakfast
• Entrances to Museums, Monuments and Academic Excursions (Amazon forest, conoe trip etc.)
• Ground Transportation for academic purposes
• Two visiting lecturers
• The priceless experience of immersion in the daily life of a foreign culture and language!!!!

Does NOT include the food (apart from breakfast). Student must estimate $10 a day for food.

Course Director of Ecuador New Year 2008:

Dr. Esteban Ponce, Associate Professor of Spanish, The University of Virginia’s College at Wise.

Phone: (276)376-4663
e-mail: ep5j@uvawise.edu

For more info and to apply:

International Progrmas Office,

Darden Hall 105

e-mail: internationalprograms@uvawise.edu

Phone: (276) 328 -0287