Prospective CIMAS Students
About CIMAS
Fundación CIMAS del Ecuador (CIMAS) is a private, non-profit organization committed to the study of Ecuador's environment, economic development and health issues. It is their mission to provide opportunities for individuals, groups and communities to explore their potential and to design alternative models of local development, which consider environmental, social and cultural differences.
Through academic programs, research and community service, CIMAS works to formulate responses to problems confronting Ecuador's society and in particular to some of its poorest citizens. Academic activities are related with research and/or community service activities. For many years, CIMAS has collaborated with many urban and rural communities, with local development projects, NGO's and groups, in order to provide them with support for their efforts to overcome the many pressing problems experienced by Ecuador's citizens.
About Ecuador
Ecuador is the perfect setting to experience a wide-range of cultures, rural and urban community life, and various natural environments. Ecuador’s ecological diversity is world-renowned. The country’s main ecological zones include the high Sierra of the Andes Mountains, the vast tropical rain forest of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and the extraordinary Galapagos Islands known for their unique flora and fauna. Ecuador also provides a representative setting to study Latin American development and is a microcosm for seeing first-hand some of the major pressing problems associated with development, health and environment in Latin America. Culturally, it is one of the South American countries that has been able to preserve its diverse indigenous and Spanish heritage, encompassing elements of Quitu-Caras indigenous cultures seen in pre-Columbian times and Spanish colonial cultural influences. This cultural diversity is evident in Ecuador’s architecture and monuments, as well as in its contemporary culture.
Academic Options
Theme-Based Program Track
Students may participate in any Theme-Based Program for only 1 quarter or may follow with another Program or Internship.
Students may combine any Language program with any Theme-Based Program to form their own track.
Conservation Ecology Program - Fall Quarter
Public Health Program - Winter Quarter
Local Development and Social Change Program - Spring Quarter
Intensive Language and Culture Track
Intensive Language & Culture Program - Offered Every Quarter
Study Spanish language intensively through class work, lecture, seminars, workshops, field trips and cultural events. Study of Latin American culture is integrated into language instruction and incorporates historical, anthropological, political, and economic dimensions. More Info...
Internship Program
Environment, Health & Development Internships
Student Teaching Internships
Ethnomusicology Internships
Application Procedures
Applications available from Washington State universities.
Deadlines, Selection Process, Applications/Application Fees & Financial Aid
Visit the Application Process page
Costs/Academic Calendar
The CIMAS programs operate on a quarter system that roughly corresponds to the academic calendars of the four-year public institutions in Washington State. Students from Washington State University may apply for two, quarter-long CIMAS programs to estimate a semester calendar.
For current program costs and administrative fees, please contact your campus study abroad advisor.
Past Program Information/Syllabus
- Conservation Ecology 2007
- Local Development and Social Change 2006
- Public Health and Development 2007
- Spanish and Culture 2006
Transfer Credit
Credit from the CIMAS program is directly transferrable to the Washington State four-year public universities.
Most universities award 15 credits per quarter. Upon successful completion of the program and review by departmental advisors, credit often satisfies major/minor and internship requirements.