Studying Spanish at a UNIVERSITY?

Cold Canada wrote:

Spanish as a second language, or conversational Spanish.... I like the idea of starting off with a solid, longer term Spanish training program, perhaps ultimately leading to a DELE certification.  At this point, I prefer the university route. Any comments or suggestions most welcome!

I suggest a two-part approach, Cold C.

First, study for a month at a school a rung below the university level, such as the Yana Puma Spanish School* in either Quito or Cuenca.  The universities' offerings typically may be too advanced to enter cold-turkey for someone looking for Spanish as a second language.

During that month (or more) of Spanish immersion, possibly staying with a local family at one of the school-sanctioned private homes, you can personally research/network/visit the university programs.

At some point, you would decide when you are ready to enter a university program .. or pursue Spanish learning in some other way that is best for you.

Most of the members of this Ecuador forum are not attending university-Spanish courses.  But when you get to Ecuador and look for it, you'll get all kinds of input, reviews and recommendations assisting you to find your best path to good Spanish .. from Expats and locals alike.

*resource... www.yanapumaspanish.org

cccmedia in Quito

Catolica University in Quito offers Spanish classes.

This might need to be a new topic, but here goes:
What are items a gringo might be familiar with in English that are commonly called something unexpected in Ecuador?
For example, today in Gringo Tree, I learned that what we call "sweet potato" is "camote amarillo" in Ecuador. What other colloquial names should we be aware of when shopping (especially for food items)?