http://www.uakron.edu/oip/admissions/index.php

Once your friend’s application as been checked and they have been accepted into the University of Akron the school will send them a form which is known as an I-20.

With this form they will then be allowed to start the student (F-1) visa application process. To obtain an F-1 visa your friend must apply at the American Embassy in Ecuador.

If your friend lives in one of the following provinces:

Bolivar, Esmeraldas, Pastaza, Orellana, Carchi, Imbabura, Pichincha, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Napo, Sucumbíos, Morona, Santiago or Cotopax.

Then all of the details including application forms, fees and how to schedule an interview are found below.

http://ecuador.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas/visa-types/students.html

If your friend resides in another province they should visit the website of the Consulate of Guayaquil which is found below.

http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov/student_visas.html

http://www.uakron.edu/law/lawadmissions/international.php

The visa issue is sorted out by the uni. Once they are satisfied that your friend is able to meet financial and academic requirements, they will issue an I 20 form. Your friend then needs to take that to the US Embassy to apply for his/her visa.

Wish him/her luck from me!