Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes & Amazon

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito
• Galapagos Islands: 
Galapagos Islands
• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
El Coca,  Nanegalito,  Pichincha,  Otavalo,  Canoa,  Churute,  Muisne,  Puerto Baquerizo Moreno,  San Cristobal,  Rural Areas

Term: Spring, Summer 
Dates: Spring semesters

Description: The Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes & Amazon (TCS) undergraduate semester in Ecuador offers in-depth training in tropical conservation and applied ecology. This unique program combines internships with conservation organizations, coursework in conservation biology of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and immersion in Latin American culture. Offered by the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation in partnership with the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), this program is ideal for students in both biological and social fields that seek interdisciplinary training in international conservation. Participants will enroll in the following sequence of courses:

*Spanish Language & Cultural Immersion (3 cr.)
*Biological and Social Aspects of Conservation (3 cr.)
*Tropical Ecology I: Terrestrial Ecosystems (4 cr.)
*Tropical Ecology II: Marine Ecosystems (4 cr.)
*Conservation Internship (2 cr. )

Students travel throughout Ecuador together with faculty, and spend over half the semester at field sites that exemplify the diversity of tropical habitats and the efforts to conserve them. We explore the tundra-like páramo and lush cloud forests of the Andes, delve into the complexity of the Amazon rain forest, and study the living treasures of the Galapagos Islands.

Each student is paired with a host family in Quito with whom they reside over the course of the semester. The semester begins with an orientation to the people and environment of Ecuador and a month of intensive Spanish language training. Coursework takes place at USFQ, Ecuador's most prestigious academic institution, and at numerous field sites, and covers natural history, adaptation and evolution, research methods, ecosystem management, biological monitoring, and conservation theory and practice. Spanish language is taught by USFQ staff, while instruction in ecology and conservation is provided by TCS faculty.

During the final month of the semester, each student conducts an internship or research project with an Ecuadorian conservation or development organization. Students may work on an ongoing program, or develop a new project jointly with the host organization. Opportunities include protected areas management, reforestation, biological monitoring, environmental education, or community development. The internships will allow students to apply what they have learned in their coursework and language training to gain first-hand experience in international conservation work.

The TCS program provides a special opportunity to travel to exotic and fascinating places, with astounding biodiversity and a rich and varied culture very different from our own. Participants in the Tropical Conservation Semester will acquire a thorough knowledge of the ecology of the world's richest habitats, gain valuable language skills and cultural awareness, and obtain practical experience in conservation. Such an opportunity is a life-changing and eye-opening experience!

Highlights: * Three weeks in the Amazon rainforest
* Three weeks in the Galapagos Islands
* Month-long conservation internship
* Spanish language training and homestays
* Travel throughout Ecuador

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications: * Open to all undergraduate students.
* Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
* 3.0 cumulative GPA
* Second Semester Spanish
* Applicants must be eighteen years of age. A minimum of two semester of biology or ecology and two semester of Spanish is required.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 12,000

Salary / Pay: Emergency evacuation and travel health insurance is available for the program through the UW-Madison.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of max. 24 students

Scholarships are Available. For Ecuadorian students participating in the summer program ONLY.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad