Ecuador: Summer Training Applied Research and Service Learning (STARS)

Overview 

The STARS program (Summer Training on Applied Research and Service Learning) is a collaborative initiative between Ohio University (OU) and the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador (PUCE). Building on over two decades of education abroad, STARS emphasizes community-based training and immersive cultural experiences in the rural communities of Ecuador.

Designed to offer students an enriched understanding of Ecuadorian culture, this program moves beyond the classroom, placing students directly in the heart of local communities. While STARS has historically focused on research, the 2025 program shifts towards experiential learning with a strong emphasis on cultural exposure and service-learning, allowing participants to actively engage with diverse populations and gain valuable insights into Ecuador’s rich cultural landscape.

Program Dates

July 25 - August 6, 2025

Academics  

Participants will take a minimum of 3 credit hours from the following course offerings:

• Undergraduate (all options are 3 credit hours
  • INST 2222C - Community-based Research and Service-learning in Ecuador (Bridge: Learning and Doing)
  • ANTH 2900 - Special Topics in Anthropology
  • COMS 1100C - Communication Among Cultures (Bridge: Learning and Doing, Foundations: Intercultural Explorations)
  • COMS 4800 - Capstone Seminar in Communication (Capstone: Capstone or Culminating Experience)
  • T3 4103C - Undergraduate Service-Learning in Ecuador
• Graduate
  • ANTH 5900 - Special Topics in Anthropology (3 credits)
  • COMS 8490 - Special Topics in Health Communication (4 credits)
  • INST 6930 - Independent Study: Development, Communication and Latin American Culture (3 credits)

Cost  

In addition to the program fee, students should plan for tuition*, administrative fee, and out-of-pocket costs. These costs are outlined in the Student Budget Worksheet. Items that are not related to the program (ie. additional entertainment, souvenirs, extra travel, contingency funds) are not included in the cost estimates provided and should be budgeted for separately.  

Undergraduate Budget Worksheet - Summer 2025

Graduate Budget Worksheet - Summer 2025

HCOM Budget Worksheet - Summer 2025

*Note: 

• Non-resident surcharge waived for the credit hours associated with this program. 
• If you are nominated to this program, you will be required to pay a $500 deposit to confirm your participation. The deposit is a down payment on the total costs to be billed by OHIO and is determined by the total cost of the program. 

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on our funding pages. 

All participants can apply for ITDI Student Travel Awards.

Eligibility

Program is open to students from institutions of higher education (undergraduate, graduate, medical, non-degree), professionals and community members interested in international research related to health, development and community education; individuals interested in service learning; individuals interested in improving their Spanish skills; individuals interested in learning in a cross-cultural environment.

• Minimum GPA of 2.8 (or instructor permission) required. 

Students must be in good academic and judicial standing to participate. Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad. Read the entire conduct policy. 

This program accepts NON-OHIO students. For more information about this process visit the Non-OHIO student page.  

Participants must have a at least a high school diploma or the equivalent (e.g. GED) by the start date of the program to be considered for eligibility.  Students enrolled in College Credit Plus (CC+) are not eligible for study away programs.

Application Requirements 

Applicants are required to submit:

• A copy of their DARs (or unofficial transcript)
• A Personal Statement, with the prompt "Upload a 1 page essay about yourself, your academic and career interests in relation to this program."
• Contact information for 2 references. They may or maynot be contacted throughout the process.

Entry and Exit Requirements 

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year,  apply for your passport  now. Some countries also require a visa to legally enter or reside in the country.

U.S. citizens  will not  need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to this program. 

For more specific visa related information, please visit OGO’s  Visa Information Page 

Information for  non-U.S. citizens  

Resources 

• Health and Safety 
• Accessibility Requests and Accommodations