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Spring Field Study: Ecuador - Service Immersion

Ecuador: Service Immersion

Spend your spring break building real relationships in the rural communities outside Quito, Ecuador. This faculty-led service immersion takes Rollins students to San Miguel de los Bancos, where you'll work side by side with local families on hands-on projects—from farm work to greenhouses, gardens, and footbridges—while learning about the region's history, agriculture, and economic development. It's short-term study abroad built around service and cross-cultural connection, and you'll come home with a clearer sense of how your own path can serve a better world.

Program Highlights

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Itinerary Highlights

  • Serve Alongside Local Families

    Spend much of your week on service projects with farming families in the community of La Unión Bolivarense—maintaining farms and building greenhouses, medicinal and vegetable gardens, dry latrines, and small footbridges. Along the way, you'll help a local family make cane sugar the traditional way.

  • Hike to the Waterfall of Love

    Explore the lush landscapes around Los Bancos with a hike and river swim and a visit to the Waterfall of Love. Then stand on the equator at the Middle of the World, one of Ecuador's most iconic landmarks.

  • Connect with Community and Culture

    Share activities with elders at a senior center in nearby Mindo, browse local markets, and explore historic Quito. Daily discussions and reflections help you connect what you see in rural Ecuador to issues around the world.

Headshot of Victoria Teske

Meet Your Program Leader: Victoria Teske

“Getting to know another country through the lens of service is a privilege most people never have, and I'm so honored to know the community of San Miguel de los Bancos.” — Victoria Teske

Victoria Teske is the Associate Director of the Center for Leadership & Community Engagement at Rollins College, where she directs the Bonner Leader Program, leads civic engagement initiatives across campus, and advises Student Government. She also teaches an annual course on immigration rights for first-year Bonner and Alfond scholars.

Victoria has been part of five service immersions, focused on everything from farm animal rescue and turtle conservation in Trinidad and Tobago to community building in Colorado and hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico. On this program, she brings students from different majors together around a shared impact area, so you learn as much from one another's perspectives as from the community you serve.

Why Study Abroad in Ecuador?

Learn Through Service

This is more than sightseeing. You'll work directly with rural families and a local nonprofit partner on projects the community has identified, building relationships that show you a side of Ecuador most visitors never see.

Grow as a Global Citizen

Examine your assumptions, raise hard questions, and link issues in rural Ecuador to global challenges. Guided reflection before, during, and after travel helps you build the leadership skills to put your personal and professional goals in service of a better world.

Make the Most of Spring Break

Field studies are designed to maximize learning during short-term breaks—no semester commitment required. Gain international field experience that stands out on your resume and in future interviews.

Financial Support Is Available

Partial need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 are available to help offset costs. Apply directly through your program application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rollins field study?

Field studies are short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs typically held during spring break, winter break, or summer. They combine academic coursework with immersive, in-country experiences and are open to eligible Rollins students.

How much does the Ecuador: Service Immersion field study cost?

Field study costs vary by destination, length, and number of credits. Total out-of-pocket costs for Rollins field studies typically range from $3,500 to $6,000, including the program fee and any additional expenses. Partial need-based scholarships of $500–$2,000 are available to help offset costs. For exact pricing for this program, visit the Ecuador: Service Immersion Field Study program details on Via TRM.

What does the program fee include?

The Ecuador: Service Immersion field study fee covers airfare, local transportation, housing in small locally owned guest houses and hotels, some meals, excursions, administrative fees, international medical insurance, and on-site staff support. Because only some meals are included, plan to budget for the rest. See the full list of what's covered for this program in our official study abroad platform, Via TRM.

What students should consider this field study?

This service immersion is an ideal fit for students studying Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Studies, International Relations, or Sustainability Studies—or for anyone with a passion for service and cross-cultural connection. There are no prerequisites; students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 and good academic and College standing. The program is not for credit and meets the SE Immersion and Global Experience requirements. Students should be ready for active days with substantial walking on uneven terrain, some strenuous hiking, high altitudes, and water-based activities. Food options are limited, especially for restricted diets, and alcohol is not permitted. You can learn more and apply on our official study abroad platform, Via TRM.

When does this field study take place?

The Ecuador field study takes place during spring break in March and lasts approximately 9 days. Please visit Via TRM for exact travel dates and application deadlines.

Travelers ride atop safari vehicle across grassland beneath misty mountains.

Ready to Apply?

Engage in meaningful service while experiencing Ecuador's diverse landscapes and communities. Apply on Via TRM to join this immersion.

Apply on Via TRM