University of Wisconsin–Madison
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UW Environmental Ethics & Indigenous Rights in Ecuador

Collage of three images displaying outdoor markets and the mountain scenery.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Ecuador, Multiple

In this program, students will engage with various communities in the highlands of Ecuador, learning about their relationship to the natural world and their strategies for maintaining communal resilience and well-being in the face of significant challenges. 

Students will start their two weeks in Ecuador in the capital city of Quito, where they will build foundational knowledge about indigenous, colonial, and modern history and politics of Ecuador. The group will then travel north to Otavalo, Cotacachi, and Ibarra, visiting indigenous Kichwa communities to learn about their approaches to preserving cultural heritage and economic well-being.  Students will explore indigenous understandings of nature, participate in traditional handicraft work, and engage with ecotourism initiatives. The group will then move on to spend time in three different locations in Ecuador’s Intag Valley, visiting communities that are working to protect both the region’s incredible biodiversity and the health of local economies. Students will learn about ways of life in the cloud forest, ongoing attempts by international mining companies to extract rare-earth metals from the area, and the significance of the “rights of nature” as enshrined in Ecuador’s constitution.

Participants should be prepared for an active program that includes moderate to strenuous hikes, mountain travel, and time spent outdoors. Exposure to insects, varying weather conditions, and high elevations is part of the experience. Some locations may have limited Wi-Fi connectivity, offering a unique opportunity to unplug, connect with fellow participants, and fully immerse yourself in the program.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Discuss in your own words the history and culture of Ecuador in connection with course themes.
  • Analyze challenges facing the indigenous peoples of Ecuador, including but not limited to cultural preservation and economic well-being and the strategies of resilience that communities employ to address these challenges.
  • Analyze tensions between resource extraction and the “rights of nature” in Ecuador, including but not limited to the preservation of biodiversity and economic well-being and the strategies of resilience employed by local communities in the context of those tensions.
  • Apply insights about community resilience to challenges and tensions in the United States.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

UW Signature

Subjects

Political Science
Environmental Studies
Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Guesthouse, Hostels, Hotels, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Summer: Mid to late May

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 1/30/2026 Cost Details
Extended Deadline: 2/6/2026
Application deadline extended from 1/30/2026 to 2/6/2026.

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

You will receive 3 credits upon completion of the program. You can choose from Environmental Studies 404, Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies 440, or Political Science 390.

Your program leaders are John Zumbrunnen, Professor, Political Science, and Interim Provost, and Maria Moreno, Teaching Faculty, Department of Planning and Landscape Architecture.

The beginning of your course will be held online, with the following two weeks held in Ecuador. In addition to daily lectures by your program leaders, this program will allow you to explore the country by visiting indigenous Kichwa communities, exploring indigenous understandings of nature, participating in traditional handicraft work, engaging with ecotourism initiatives, and more.

Affiliate Institution(s)

Allabout Eq Cia Ltda

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents

Program Leader

John Zumbrunnen & Maria Moreno

Professors, Political Science, Planning and Landscape Architecture

Dr. Zumbrunnen and Dr. Moreno have partnerships and connections with communities in Ecuador that are well-established. They have led multiple study abroad programs both in Ecuador and elsewhere.