The InterAmerican Academy located in Guayaquil (IAA or the Academy), Ecuador is a private, non-profit day school that offers a challenging, college preparatory curriculum leading to a U.S. high school diploma. IAA is also home to a warm, welcoming, close-knit community that offers the opportunity to learn and grow in a teach-abroad experience.
Ecuador presents something new to discover every day to those teaching abroad, mostly within short distances. This small Latin American country is made up of four distinct geographical regions: Amazon, Highlands, Coastal, and the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is characterized by impressive biodiversity, rain forests, cloud forests, and natural, protected reserves. Some of the world's most beautiful beaches can be reached within an hour and a half of the school. The current population of about 18 million inhabitants lives principally in the two major cities, Quito and Guayaquil. Quito, the nation’s capital, and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site is characterized by its beautiful, colonial churches and architecture. Guayaquil rests along the Rio Guayas, flanked by boardwalks and the promise of water activities. Outdoor cafes and restaurants provide lively settings for expats.
IAA campus is a haven, removed from the noise and bustle of Guayaquil. Those teaching overseas can enjoy the bike paths and walking areas close to the school condominium. While the neighborhood includes several parks and small shops, larger grocery stores and a major shopping mall are a 10-minute taxi drive away.
IAA’s beautiful, sprawling campus sits on the road to the world-renowned beaches of Ecuador. Looking out over the grounds, one will find mango trees, plants, green areas, and friendly iguanas spending afternoons basking in the sun on the soccer field. The school staff enjoys the use of the fields and the school’s regulation-size swimming pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon to swim laps. On the weekends, groups of staff members and families come to campus to play on the fields and in the play areas.
Accredited by Cognia (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, IAA currently enrolls about 250 students, from nursery to Grade 12, representing more than 26 nations. Students prepare for entrance to colleges and universities around the world, and most seniors choose post-secondary institutions in the United States, Europe, Canada, and Ecuador. IAA faculty comprises 33 professionals with teaching credentials that meet Cognia standards. Most of the faculty are proficient in two or more languages.
IAA is an inclusion school where teachers deliver differentiated instruction. Programs not only ensure that diverse learning needs are met but also guarantee that teachers are given the right tools for student success. IAA’s Multi-Tiered Support Systems (MTSS) include coaches at different grade levels to support teachers and students in both behavior and academics. The school currently offers Bridges Math, Reading Mastery, Language for Learning, Amplify, and NGSS science standards, among others. Additionally, IAA provides Tier 1, 2, 3, and 4 support for students with learning and language needs. The Academy is also one of the few schools in the region to offer a Gifted Program for students with high-achieving academic results. In addition, the school has a master plan based on the concepts of universal design which they will be working on in the coming years.
IAA values community service and responsible global citizenship and promotes the integral development of each student within a multicultural setting. After school, students can choose from extracurricular activities: varsity sports, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, swimming, art and music classes, and silks. Cocurricular offerings include the National Honor Society, Student Council, and Model United Nations. Students participate in local and country-wide sports tournaments, and IAA’s music and art programs frequently host presentations and exhibits.
IAA hosts an incredible Week Without Walls program where students travel within Ecuador, as well as regionally to places like Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. Starting in 2024, the school will be having our Week Without Walls program extend down to Kindergarten with students traveling out of the city of Guayaquil starting in 6th grade. It is a great experiential learning attraction to our school, along with our project-based learning focus, student led conferences, and exhibitions of learning.
IAA hires certified single teachers and couples with a non-teaching partner. They will consider teaching couples, newly certified candidates as well interns wishing to experience overseas teaching. Teachers must hold their academic degree in the subject they will be teaching. There is no age limit for certified teachers to obtain a work visa.
The overseas teaching benefits package includes furnished housing as well as allowances for moving, settling in, and annual airfare. For international teaching staff, tuition is free for up to two children. IAA contributes 8% to a retirement plan and provides opportunities for professional development. Worldwide health insurance is fully covered.
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Please note: The information presented about this school was valid on the date published. This information may change, and the most up-to-date information can be found on the school profile.
