Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can. You just need to notify both the exchange coordinator at the host university and OPI at USFQ in advance.

Yes, you can, but you must be enrolled at USFQ at the time of applying. This means you cannot go to two different universities in consecutive semesters. Please note that you can only go on exchange for a total of one academic year during your time at USFQ (e.g., one semester at each university).

If you apply for the January semester, you can generally stay for a full calendar year. This means completing the second semester of one academic year and the first semester of the next. During the summer, you are responsible for arranging your own housing and meals.
Usually, you are not required to leave the country during the summer, and you may travel. However, you cannot take classes during this time. Not all universities offer the Spring + Fall option, so check with OPI in advance.
Please note that the Office of International Programs may limit your exchange duration due to academic calendar differences between USFQ and the host university. For example, if you apply to a European university where the first semester ends in February of the following year, you must apply for the full academic year—not just one semester. The same applies to a calendar year exchange that ends in February.

USFQ offers specific Financial Assistance for students who want to go on exchange. For more information, please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

We have many partner universities that offer some type of scholarship. In the “Universities by Major” file, you can find a second tab listing universities that provide scholarships for living expenses. You can also use the university search tool to find these scholarships. There are guaranteed scholarships and non-guaranteed scholarships.

Yes, you can choose to pay for just one semester. During the dates specified in the Academic Calendar, someone must go to the Treasury Office with your student ID code to pay for the second semester. Paying for the full year in advance is also possible.

You can visit the official TOEFL website at http://www.ets.org/toefl, register, and find all available dates and locations for the test. It will take at least 10 days to receive your results, so plan your test accordingly based on application deadlines.
USFQ is a certified TOEFL testing center.
How to register? Just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Visit the ETS website https://www.ets.org/toefl.html
2. Create your account
3. Schedule your exam
More information: toefl@usfq.edu.ec

Yes, almost all options in Europe and Asia offer courses in English. There are some exceptions, so please check the factsheets under “Programs.”

Taking Composition and Rhetoric at USFQ is mandatory, regardless of whether you go on exchange. The only way to be exempt is by passing the exam from the Department of Foreign Languages (DLE) or taking advanced-level courses during your exchange such as Academic Writing, etc., and obtaining approval from the Composition and Rhetoric Coordinator.

Even if a university doesn’t require the TOEFL, USFQ requires proof of your English level:
You must have passed level 5 English at USFQ or have a minimum TOEFL score of 60.

Yes, many students have gone to study at a University where they already have accommodation nearby. In this case, you will be responsible for your housing, and the host University will not be obligated to ensure a place for you to live.

We can place you in the next option of the four Universities you chose in the application. That's why it's so important that you consciously research all four options. If for some reason it's not possible to place you in the following options, we will help you find alternative options.

OPI is responsible for verifying that you meet the requirements and the profile that the foreign University looks for in international students to grant you a spot – this ensures that there is a positive response from the host University. However, you must take into account that it is your responsibility to fill out the application and send all the documents that the foreign University asks for before their deadline. OPI can help you with what you need, but it depends on you to send it complete and on time.

OPI will try to quickly find another option for you to go, as long as all the deadlines of the foreign Universities have not passed. If the deadlines have already passed, you can reapply for the next semester (you will only have to update some parts of your online application without paying the $35 again or requesting another Recommendation).

No, our academic exchanges allow you to do either summer, one semester, or a whole academic year, but you must return to USFQ to finish your studies. If you wish to graduate there, you must go through the transfer process on your own.

USFQ may cancel your exchange program and will not be responsible for or reimburse any expenses incurred, as it is your responsibility to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 and not have D or F grades in subjects of your specialization and/or general college.

It is your responsibility to successfully complete and pass the subjects you take during your exchange. All subjects taken within the program will be validated at USFQ, without exception; therefore, upon your return, you must assume the future costs derived from repeating or registering subjects to meet the graduation requirements of USFQ.

What can happen with the student visa is that it takes a long time to be issued. In this case, OPI would contact the host University to save your spot for the next semester when all the documents and the visa are ready. Remember that the application to the host University and the visa application are your responsibility, so we expect you to be careful with the documents they ask for in each instance.