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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

January Term - Marine Ecosystems

Study Abroad
Length:
Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

3 per Term

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

About the Program

Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this spectacular archipelago, where Charles Darwin first formulated his theory of natural selection, will be your home as you study at the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) on the island of San Cristóbal. This remote campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito was established to further efforts in conservation and sustainable development on the Galápagos Islands.

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The Galápagos Islands Will Be Your Classroom

Learn about the ecology of the marine habitats.

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Live with Local Residents

Live in a private room in a homestay with a family or señora.

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On-Site Staff

Our on-site staff are here to answer your questions.

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Individual Program Advisor

Your IES Abroad Advisor is your #1 resource for preparing to study abroad.

January Term 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Late January

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
4,972

Program Advisor

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Sarah Fang

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a student posing for a photo in the Galápagos highlands

Why the Galápagos Islands?

As one of the most biologically diverse locations on the planet, the Galápagos Islands are the ideal location for students interested in Marine Ecology and Environmental Studies.

Learn More About the Galápagos Islands

Get to Know Your New City

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Explore Kicker Rock

Travel by boat to enjoy one of the best spots for snorkeling.

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See Turtles at a Breeding Center

Observe turtles in their native habitat.

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Snorkel with Sea Lions

Head to La Loberia beach and spend a day in the sun.

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Support from Quito

On-the-ground staff are available at the Center in Quito.

The Student Experience

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Housing

Galapagos Housing Homestay
  • Homestay

Homestay

In Quito and the Galápagos Islands you will live in a private room in a homestay with a family or señora who will help facilitate your language learning and integration into Ecuadorian society. Two meals are provided daily. WiFi is available in your homestay, but speed and connectivity are often limited in the Galápagos Islands. Laundry is also provided.

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.  

We offer a unique course that explores Marine Ecology and the Galápagos Islands ecosystems through an in-depth and hands-on approach. Our world-class professors enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class. 

Partner Institution

a student posing with the USFQ GAIAS sign in front of their building
  • Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences

Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences

The Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) is a remote campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) that was established to further efforts in conservation and sustainable development in the Galápagos Islands. As a world-class academic and research institution, GAIAS attracts both local and international students and scholars from around the world.

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Courses

You enroll in one course for a total of 3 credits. Your course is taught in English, and previous Spanish study is not required. 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in the Galápagos Islands, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

A student sits on a rock in el junco lagoon

El Junco Lagoon

1 Day January

Located in the highlands of the island, this crater lake is home to many species of fauna and flora including the San Cristóbal mockingbird and the endangered Galápagos miconia.

A dorsal fin pokes above the water near Kicker Rock near San Cristobal Island.

Kicker Rock

1 Day January

This cone of an extinct volcano, which is shaped in the form of a sleeping lion, is the perfect habitat for sharks, large rays, pelagic and reef fish, and sea turtles.

Students pose with a Giant Galapagos Tortoise on the Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador.

Santa Cruz Island

2 Days January

Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galápagos and contains the most populated urban center in all the islands, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and Tortuga Bay. 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

January Term 2025

Tuition
$
3,851
Housing
$
1,061
Insurance
$
60
Total
$
4,972

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
Two students snorkel in the ocean.

About the IES Abroad Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a modern building near the financial district in Quito. Whether you’re walking through the city’s largest historic park, La Parque Carolina, or looking for a place to study with friends, the Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in the Galápagos
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to the Galápagos. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
On-Site Staff Support
Our experienced, trained, and dedicated local staff are on-site throughout your entire program to ensure you have the support you need during your abroad adventure.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the term with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Ecuadorian culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

January Term 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Late January

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • One general biology, environmental studies, or ecology course at the college level recommended 
  • No previous Spanish language study required 
  • Freshmen may participate as long as they are 18 years of age and meet the above requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

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