About this study abroad experience
Through visits to urban neighborhoods, rural communities, markets, farms, national parks and culturally significant sites, students will consider how food, physical movement, nature, mindfulness and social connection can contribute to healthier lives.
Guided activities and reflections focused on mindfulness, leadership, community and personal well-being will encourage students to consider how lessons learned in Ecuador could be applied to their own lives and to communities in the Charlotte area. Students will gather observations and information during these visits and present their findings at the conclusion of the program.
Students will travel through Quito, the Quilotoa lake and lagoon region, Mindo and Otavalo while learning about Ecuador’s geographic, ecological and cultural diversity. Experiences in the Andes and Cloud Forest will allow students to examine how altitude, climate, agriculture, local traditions and access to natural resources influence food systems and daily life. Visit Cotopaxi National Park and consider the relationship between physical activity, nature and personal well-being. A culinary learning experience with a 2026 Michelin-recognized culinary professional will introduce students to efforts to preserve, develop and promote nutritious Indigenous cuisine.
Travel dates: March 5–18, 2027
Ready to experience life abroad?
What you'll learn
- Examine the relationships among food, physical movement, nature, community, mindfulness, and overall well-being.
- Compare food quality, availability, cost and access in urban and rural communities.
- Visit local markets and learn about traditional ingredients, regional produce and community food systems.
- Visit farms and examine Indigenous agricultural practices.
- Learn about medicinal plants and their cultural significance.
- Explore traditional Ecuadorian cooking methods and nutritious Indigenous ingredients.
- Examine how Indigenous knowledge and culinary traditions contribute to nutrition, cultural preservation, and community identity.
- Complete guided mindfulness and leadership activities.
- Reflect on how lessons learned in Ecuador could be applied within the Charlotte community.
- Prepare and deliver a final presentation comparing observations from the markets, farms and communities visited during the program.
- Experience Ecuadorian history, food, landscapes, traditions and daily life.
Program details
- Central Piedmont curriculum students with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- This program requires in-person interviews after completed applications are reviewed.
- Participants should be prepared for walking, outdoor activities, changes in elevation, and travel between urban and rural locations.
All participating students must enroll in TVL 7880: Cultural Immersion (Continuing Education course)
Alisson Garcia – Assistant Director, Center for Global Engagement: Alisson.Garcia@cpcc.edu
Second leaders: Katrina Johnson and Clare Case
Estimated billable program costs: $3,800 per student. Billable costs are paid to the Center for Global Engagement at the college’s cashier’s office. Billable program costs include:
- Application fee
- Airfare and local transportation
- Lodging
- Some meals
- Academic and professional site visits
- Cultural excursions and program activities
- Provider and program-related costs
- Travel insurance
Students are responsible to pay for the following expenses directly:
- Passport and visa fees, if applicable
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Optional activities outside the official itinerary
- Transportation or expenses not associated with scheduled program activities
- TVL 7880 tuition and course registration fees.
How to apply
- Choose which study abroad program you will apply for.
- Log in using your Central Piedmont username and password.
- Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety, including the video submission and essay questions. Studying abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.
- Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment on the Campus Community website. This step is required, and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid.
Note:
Some programs will require a personal interview. You will be contacted to schedule an interview after completing the steps above.
Questions?
Direct questions to the Center for Global Engagement.