Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	Completed 45 Semester Hours
Student Year	Junior, Senior, Graduate

 

About Program

What you will learn

With an economy highly dependent on petroleum and agriculture, Ecuador relies on the United States as its principal trading partner with crude oil, shellfish, bananas, cocoa, and cut flowers among the items exported to this country.  Manufacturing and wholesale/retail lead a bilateral investment treaty between the two countries.  You'll explore Ecuadorian business practices firsthand through site visits to local companies, street markets, and start-up incubators.  Lectures from Universidad San Francisco faculty introduce you to the cultural contexts and business customs found in Ecuador.

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required—Must be valid until at least November 30, 2018

Visa required if not a US citizen

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through IMG

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk up to 5 miles/day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven, hilly terrain and up/down flights of stairs.

Environmental - Tropical with high temperatures and humidity; time in/near Quito at high altitude (9,400 feet above sea level).  Excursions and some portions of the class will be conducted outside.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.

Zika - Cases of Zika have been reported.  Pregnant women should not travel to Ecuador.  All other travelers should read about traveling to areas with Zika on the CDC website and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$2,800-$3,100
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (double occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	EXTENDED!!  December 3, 2017
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 7, 2017
Non-refundable Deposit	$800 due December 8, 2017
Second payment	$1,000 due February 1, 2018
Final payment*	$1,000-$1,300 due March 1, 2018

* Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: February 1, 2018.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

BAT 300 - Option for Gen Ed Multicultural Studies credit.  This section is designated a Global Issues Course.

BAT 600 - May count towards graduation requirements for Master's of Business Administration

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Shanna Bruer Hess.