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Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS Application Requirements

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Eligibility Requirements:
  • 18 years of age
  • In good standing at your home school
  • 2.8 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.8 will not be considered)
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins
  • At least one general biology or one ecology course at the college level for the Evolution and Marine tracks.
  • Marine track students must have taken a prior biology class and will require DAN insurance for academic dives (included in program price)
Application Requirements:
  • Online Application
    Applications may be considered after the published deadline on a space available basis. Please note that late applicants may be required to submit a non-refundable confirmation deposit upon acceptance in order to secure a place in the program. Please contact us with questions about applying after the deadline.

Submit the following in your MyIESabroad account after your Online Application is processed:

  • Home School Authorization
    Your on-campus study abroad advisor can either complete the Home School Authorization electronically through IES Abroad’s PartnerPortal system, or by filling out the PDF form linked above. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
  • Official Transcript(s) for each college/university you have attended since high school. If you have multiple transcripts, IES Abroad will average the GPAs for all colleges/universities you have attended and use that cumulative GPA when reviewing your application.
  • GAIAS Application - Instructions available in your MyIESAbroad account.
  • Photo - A recent photo of yourself (head and shoulders with a plain background). Must be jpeg or pdf format not exceeding 40KB
  • Color Passport copy (signature page and photo page only).
  • Personal Essay (300-500 words): Describe how you will benefit both academically and personally from this program, including the connection between your interests and the programs academic content.
  • Students attending higher education institutions outside of the US may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.
Passport & Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end date of the program, with at least two blank pages is required. Visit travel.state.gov to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Most US Citizens who will only study for a single semester in Ecuador can enter with a Tourist Visa and remain in the country throughout the duration of the program, however there are certain rare circumstances in which US citizens still may need to apply for a student visa. Additionally, non-US citizens may also need to apply for a student visa. Please contact your IES Abroad advisor for more information