The questions every family has, answered straight
Does my child need perfect English?
No. It's not about starting perfect, it's about starting prepared. Each pathway has an entry level (B1 for ECP, B2 for the ISP and 4 Years) and the process strengthens academic English: writing, presentations, essays and university vocabulary.
What if they don't adjust well?
We don't send students unprepared. AUP recommends the right pathway based on age, maturity, English level, timing and family situation, and supports the academic and emotional transition. ECP and the ISP exist precisely for a gradual adjustment.
Is AUP an institute or a university?
No. AUP – Advanced University Programs is a brand of SISINTEL S.A., a private Ecuadorian company. It is not a university or a higher education institution in Ecuador and does not offer degree programs or Ecuadorian degrees. We guide and support you to study at U.S. universities; the ISP is a program of CAS, a U.S. entity, and the degree is awarded by the university where you graduate.
Is this a degree program?
No. The International Studies Program (ISP) is a CAS course program that transfers to U.S. universities.
Is this an exchange program?
No. It's not an exchange, an English course, or a dual degree. You take the ISP coursework here and transfer to a U.S. university, where you graduate.
What degree do I get?
The one from the U.S. university where you graduate: a Bachelor's Degree, valid for international employability, global master's programs and OPT. AUP does not award degrees.
Are my credits guaranteed?
At universities with an Articulation Agreement, transfer is direct, under that agreement and its requirements. At the others, each university evaluates the credits; there we cannot guarantee credits or scholarships.
Can I validate these courses at an Ecuadorian university?
The ISP is designed to transfer to the U.S. We do not guarantee recognition at Ecuadorian universities.
Can I apply for scholarships?
Yes. Scholarships are awarded by each university under its own policies. Every AUP student gets strategic support to apply for them based on their academic profile, extracurriculars and English level. There's no universal scholarship or guaranteed amount.
What if I still don't know what to study?
That's okay. Study guidance is part of the support: major, university and city are chosen based on your profile, job market demand and scholarship opportunities. You don't need it all figured out today.
How much does it cost to study in the US?
It depends on university, city, major and scholarship. As a reference: the Ecuador stage of the ISP and ECP is $250 per credit (up to 65 credits), and in the US from ≈ $21,000/year with scholarship applied. Your case gets personalized in advising.
Which pathway fits me?
In school: Early College. Graduated with a strategic savings plan: the International Studies Program (ISP). Graduated and want the full experience from day one: 4 Years USA. The Find Your Way quiz places you in 90 seconds.
Does AUP support the visa process?
Yes. AUP guides the F-1 student visa process: documentation, interview prep and international education paperwork, along with departure preparation.
Can I start from high school?
Yes, that's exactly what the Early College Program is for: from 1st, 2nd or 3rd year of high school you can start the coursework of CAS's ISP, with AUP's support.