Study Global Health in Quito: Applications for Global Health Course in Ecuador Open

Photo of Quito in the background. There is a maroon semi-transparent overlay with the text: "Applications Now Open – Ecuador: Social, Environmental, and Cultural Determinants of Health (GHSR 6723)"

Applications are now open for Ecuador: Social, Environmental, and Cultural Determinants of Health

This two-week course will take place May 17–30, 2025, and provides an opportunity for students to learn about health care in Ecuador, including western and Indigenous practices. University of Minnesota graduate and professional students, faculty, staff, alumni and community learners are eligible to apply.

Applications for the course are open until March 1.

This 2-credit course is an opportunity for UMN students interested in global health to study health care infrastructure, environmental and agricultural health, and Indigenous and intercultural health practices in Ecuador.

  • Discover alternative ways of imagining health and development based around Indigenous Andean studies of healing, agriculture, space, and time
  • Explore Quito with field visits to places such as urban health centers, private and public hospitals, traditional healing centers, agricultural sites, and nearby rural communities
  • Develop teamwork and collaboration skills that are vital to work in the multidisciplinary field of global health
  • Live with an Ecuadorian host family to become immersed in everyday life in Quito — and learn some Spanish!

This course is offered in partnership with Fundación Cimas del Ecuador, a nonprofit organization that provides academic programs that enable students to think critically about development and its impacts on Ecuadorian and Latin American life.

Students will arrive in Quito, Ecuador, Saturday, May 17, and start with an orientation day and tour of the city on May 18. Students are expected to stay in Quito through Friday, May 30. Days will be filled with field visits, lectures and engaging opportunities to explore Quito’s culture and health care systems.  

Any UMN students with an interest in global health are encouraged to apply for the course.

A pre-trip orientation will take place in April to go over logistics and answer any questions students may have.

Apply for the course