INVESTIGATING A NEW PROJECT CENTER: CUENCA, ECUADOR A report that analyzes Cuenca, Ecuador as a project center for students to complete their Interactive Qualifying Project. Interactive Qualifying Project Report completed in partial fulfillment of the Bachelor of Science degree at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA Submitted to: Project Center Director Laureen Elgert & Local Coordinator Gary Pollice Sponsoring Agency: Worcester Polytechnic Institute – Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Division Submitted By: Kyle Cederberg Bianca Espinoza Robert LaFlamme Marissa San Andres __________________________ Advisor Signature Date: December 17th, 2015 Abstract This study, prepared for Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), details how Cuenca, Ecuador could serve the university as an international center for students to complete their Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP). We used preferences of faculty and students derived from survey results and interviews, guidelines provided by the university, and information about existing centers to identify qualities appropriate for a new IQP project center. Through a literature review and an on-site investigation, we assessed Cuenca‘s suitability and recommended specific housing, sponsors, and projects. i Table of Contents Abstract ............................................................................................................................................ i Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................ ii Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................. vi Table of Tables ............................................................................................................................. vii Table of Equations ....................................................................................................................... viii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ ix Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ x 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 2 Background & Literature Review ............................................................................................ 4 2.1 The Origins of the Interactive Qualifying Project ............................................................ 4 2.2 Eligibility Requirements for the Global Projects Program .............................................. 6 2.3 Long-Term Effects of the Interactive Qualifying Project on Students ............................ 7 2.4 The Modern Day Interactive Qualifying Project.............................................................. 8 2.5 Necessities for Living at a Project Center ........................................................................ 8 2.5.1 Suitable Housing Accommodations .......................................................................... 8 2.5.2 Food & Dining Options ............................................................................................ 8 2.5.3 Reliable Transportation ............................................................................................. 9 2.5.4 Telecommunication Choices ..................................................................................... 9 2.5.5 Medical Services ..................................................................................................... 10 2.5.6 Safe Environment.................................................................................................... 10 2.5.7 Reasonable Interactive Qualifying Project Costs ................................................... 11 2.6 Ecuador and Cuenca ....................................................................................................... 12 2.6.1 Ecuador’s History and Culture................................................................................ 12 2.6.2 Cuenca’s History and Culture ................................................................................. 13 2.6.3 Language ................................................................................................................. 16 2.6.4 Geography ............................................................................................................... 16 2.6.5 Climate and Weather............................................................................................... 18 2.6.6 Housing ................................................................................................................... 18 2.6.7 Ecuadorian Food Options ....................................................................................... 18 2.6.7.1 Meals ................................................................................................................... 19 2.6.8 Transportation ......................................................................................................... 20 ii 2.6.9 Telecommunications ............................................................................................... 22 2.6.10 Medical ................................................................................................................... 22 2.6.11 Safety ...................................................................................................................... 23 2.6.12 Economy ................................................................................................................. 24 2.6.13 Cost of Living ......................................................................................................... 26 2.7 Potential Project Sponsors .............................................................................................. 27 2.8 Student Project Center Handbook .................................................................................. 27 3 Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 28 3.1 Project Center Characteristics ........................................................................................ 28 3.1.1 Interviews with Interdisciplinary Global Studies Division Staff ............................ 28 3.1.2 Survey of Worcester Polytechnic Institute Students ............................................... 29 3.2 The Cuenca Experience .................................................................................................. 30 3.2.1 Potential Housing .................................................................................................... 31 3.2.2 City Transportation ................................................................................................. 31 3.3 Assessing Sponsors ........................................................................................................ 32 3.3.1 Determining the Purpose of Each Sponsor ............................................................. 32 3.3.2 Meeting with Each Sponsor .................................................................................... 32 3.3.2.1 Sponsor Interviews .............................................................................................. 33 3.4 Project Site Selection Process ........................................................................................ 33 3.5 Cuenca, Ecuador Student Handbook .............................................................................. 37 4 Data and Analysis .................................................................................................................. 38 4.1 Preferred Interactive Qualifying Project Characteristics ............................................... 38 4.1.1 Project Center Sustainability................................................................................... 38 4.1.2 The Impact of a Project Center on the Community ................................................ 39 4.1.3 Collaboration between Sponsors and Students ....................................................... 40 4.1.4 Suitability of a Project Center for Students ............................................................ 40 4.1.5 Student Interactive Qualifying Project Preferences Based on Survey .................... 41 4.2 The Cuenca Experience .................................................................................................. 45 4.2.1 Spanish Classes ....................................................................................................... 45 4.2.2 Housing ................................................................................................................... 46 4.2.3 Groceries and Dining Out ....................................................................................... 48 4.2.4 Shopping ................................................................................................................. 53 iii 4.2.5 Transportation ......................................................................................................... 54 4.2.5.1 Air........................................................................................................................ 54 4.2.5.2 Taxi.....................................................................................................................