KEI programs in Ecuador are hosted by Universidad de Especialidades Espíritu Santo (UEES), an autonomous not for profit institution of higher learning. UEES' mission is to serve society by training highly qualified professionals and developing world-class leaders with a focus on community and public service.

The University is accredited by Conesup, the official validating agency in Ecuador. The academic structure consists of the following divisions:

• College of Economics and Management
• College of Law, Policy, and Development
• College of Communications
• College of Liberal Arts and Education
  • School of Art
  • School of Human Relations
  • School of Psychology
  • School of Education
• College of Tourism, Hotel Management and Culinary Arts
• College of Architecture and Civil Engineering
• College of International Studies
• College of Medicine
• College of Systems, Telecommunications, and Electronics
• Graduate School
• College of Extended Studies

Since its establishment in 1993, UEES has expanded to include an academic community of more than 5,000 students and faculty. The majority of the student body comes from Ecuador with a growing number from other South American, North American and European countries. UEES faculty have extensive academic and professional experience; many have studied or worked in the USA, Canada, Europe and other parts of the world.

The University is situated on a modern campus in Samborondon, a residential community 15 minutes from downtown Guayaquil. The campus consists of administrative offices, classrooms and lecture halls, computer lab, TV and radio studios, cafe and restaurant, and a sports and recreational complex. KEI students can utilize all campus facilities.

UEES utilizes a liberal arts curriculum that encompasses the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and technology. Academic faculty tend to use a mixture of American and European teaching methods. Most classes will have a short syllabus. Professors utilize lecture, discussion and/or hands-on instruction, depending on the subject.

Despite the American link, the style of teaching may differ from what you are used to in the USA. For example, courses may be more centered on lecture instead of discussion.

UEES uses the American letter-grade system, based on a 4.0 scale. However, assessment methods may be different than in the USA. For example, UEES professors may ask different questions to different students. In addition, continuous assessment is used less frequently. It is quite normal for the final grade to be based entirely on one or two exams or projects.