Humboldt State University
Department of World Languages and Cultures

Language and Culture Program in Quito, Ecuador

Spring Semester
Intensive 12 week program
Program Preparation Check List


The following check list is a general guide to help you focus on travel issues. This list does not suggest a chronology of events, rather it shows the items you must complete to make your Quito program a reality.
Some of the items may take no time at all to complete because you may have them already resolved. Others may take weeks and therefore you must plan ahead. Each student will have a different time line according to personal past travel experience.

If you are a US citizen you do not need a special visa to go to Ecuador, but you must have a US passport. The Quito Program requires that you obtain a Cultural Exchange Visa (Visa de Intercambio 12-VIII).

If you are not a US citizen, you may need a visa to enter Ecuador. Discuss your situation with the Director of the program as soon as possible:


    Complete HSU Study Abroad forms. The following two forms will be provided to you by the program:
    • Travel Study Agreement
    • Release and Hold-Harmless Agreement
    Obtain a US Passport (Prices may have changed):
    • Applications are available at most US Post offices
    • Regular application takes up to 6 weeks: $85
    • Renewal: $55
    • Expedite Service (two weeks): add $60

    Make Travel Reservations. Do this well in advance of your projected date of departure (recommended: two-three months before you plan to leave). Besides insuring flight availability, you will usually obtain the best fares.

Obtain Cultural Exchange Visa. This visa will facilitate all aspects of your stay in Ecuador. Detailed information about how to obtain this visa will be provided by the program.
    Obtain Health Insurance. If you are already insured, your insurance must have repatriation coverage. You can also purchase complete US travel insurance for US citizen students for 3 months or more from: Somerton Student Insurance Services, Rancho Murieta, CA. You can purchase this insurance online at Somerton or by calling them at 1-800-853-5899.
    Obtain Vaccinations. (Consult with family doctor or HSU Health Center). You may want to prevent health problems by making sure that you have the basic shots for travel abroad. The program recommends the followings considerations and vaccinations:
      Hepatitis A (Two shots, one now and a booster in 6 to 12 months. Available at the HSU Health Center)
      Typhoid vaccine (One shot or oral in a series of four doses. Available at the HSU Health Center)
      Tetanus/Diphtheria and Measles Be up-to-date with immunization.
      Hepatitis B is recommended if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with local population, stay longer than 6 months, or be exposed through medical treatment.
      Malaria is a risk in rural areas, not in the city of Quito. Discuss this with your doctor. If you go to the Amazon jungle you will be required to take this vaccination or pills.
      Yellow Fever. (One dose provides protection for 10 years).