 |
||
 |
 |
|
 |
||
Fundación Amauta
The Amauta Foundation is a non-profit organization devoted to education and research on social and environmental issues in South America, with special emphasis on Ecuadorian studies. It donates a portion of its income to local welfare projects.
The Amauta Foundation is located in the historic center of Cuenca, known for its colourful flower and handcraft markets, art galleries, colonial churches and variety of shops.
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city with 350,000 inhabitants. It is 2,534 meters above sea level, and has a temperate climate throughout the year. It was founded in 1557 and has maintained its colonial architecture. UNESCO has recently declared it as a World Heritage Site.
Our Programs
Spanish Language
We offer general Spanish training as well as technical Spanish in different fields. Students practice grammar and the four main language skills: conversation, reading, writing, and listening.
Classes are fun and entertaining. Tutorials offer one-to-one instruction, tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student. Students can make up their own schedules. Group classes are small, with pair work and team activities.
Academic Courses
Anthropology of Ecuador: an introduction to peoples and cultures of Ecuador. This course explores ethnographic literature from the three continental regions of the country, coast, highlands and jungle and incorporates historic perspectives while covering contemporary issues.
History of Ecuador: a survey of the historic and pre-historic roots of modern Ecuador.
Colonial and contemporary Latin American art: artistic expression, in painting, sculpture and architecture is explored as a means for understanding Latin American culture and society, with an emphasis on Ecuador.
Environmental Studies: a survey of environmental issues confronting present day Ecuador. Case studies are used to focus on specific problems and solutions.
Extra Curricular Activities
In your free time you can learn typical Latin American dance rhythms like the cumbia, merengue, salsa, and others. You can also practice traditional handicrafts and learn to play native musical instruments.
Examples of these classes are: Salsa dance, Andean music (rondador, quena, charango), Jewelry, Papier mache, Paja toquilla.
Field Trips
A good way to learn about culture and nature in Ecuador is through travel.
Jungle: the greatest biodiversity on earth is found in the Ecuadorian Amazon: The region has exuberant flora and fauna, as well as many endangered species.
Coast: the Ecuadorian coast has ecological reserves which encompass mangrove swamps and abundant bird life. There are important archeological sites including the earliest ceramic finds in the New World.
Highlands: the Andes are home to many indigenous communities, with their weekly markets, religious festivals, and agricultural tasks. Andean towns and villages are located in spectacular high valleys.
Galapagos: the Galapagos Islands are a wildlife sanctuary, and home of the Darwin Research Station. They have many endemic species, unique to these islands.
Internships
We can arrange internships or volunteer service in a variety of fields and institutions. Students spend mornings or afternoons, two or three days a week, providing assistance, companionship, clerical or computer skills, instruction, tutoring, and other services to local institutions. These internships allow the student to interact with, participate in, and contribute to the local community.
Possible institutions or programs for internships include primary schools, homes for the elderly, regional development projects, a women´s legal aid center, child care centers, street children, kitchen garden projects, and health care centers.