Galapagos - Up to 18 Credits per Semester

  Ecuador

• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: January - April, May - Aug, Aug - Dec

Description: A lifetime experience: Visit the cradle of evolution study (in) the Galapagos!

Our unique educational approach will take the class room to the field to experience the wonders of these islands from penguins to iguanas, from sharks to tortoises, from Darwin's finches to blue footed boobies, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peeks - all hands on.

IOI is a US-based not-for-profit marine science institute committed to providing highest quality, hands-on, college level education about Galapagos environment. Our partner, the Polytechnic University of Guayaquil (ESPOL) with its more than 12.000 students and over 50 years of experience is one of the leading universities in Ecuador.

Together, IOI and ESPOL offer a study abroad semester in marine related sciences and their human dimensions for most majors that is as unique as the archipelago itself.

The semester is a series of five consecutive block seminars, each taught in English and worth three credits. Our Professors are amongst the best of their respective fields and are contracted from their home Universities worldwide, providing state of the art teaching at IOI. We provide the highest level education in one of the most unique places in the world at a price lower than most US universities.

Our students stay with host families. This offers an invaluable cultural exchange experience as well as an opportunity to improve and/or acquire Spanish language skills. Additionally you will have first hand insight into the local community. You will gain an understanding of its socio-economic environment and the oftentimes contradictory needs of environmental protection a dilemma rarely more apparent and pressing then in endangered and unique Galapagos.

Highlights: Highlights? Its in Galapagos...!

and if that's not enough here are some testimonials of our alumni:

Monique G. (19) says IOI "makes this trip a life experience that all should have. The two weeks I spent on Isabela was definitely the most fun I've had anywhere in my life and I can't wait to go back!"

Christine Q. (20) says her experience at IOI "was truly amazing, different, beautiful, informational, fun, peaceful, funny, surprising, volcanic, oceanic, and Galapagonian all at the same time. I would go back in a second!"

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: 10500

Experience Required: yes

strong interest in conservation and natural science required; college level bio and eco 101 preferred

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of less than 15

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Isabela Oceanographic Institute's Mission Statement: Is to provide an academic platform for study abroad and to help sustainable development and conservation in the Isabela community through participatory and educational approaches and scientific research.

Year Founded: 06