Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS | IES Abroad

Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS

The program evaluation date for this program has passed, and we have determined that a modified version of this program can run this spring. Learn more about the programmatic details on the Spring 2022 tab.

Tips for Navigating This Page

As you explore the details of this program across the Overview, Field Trips, Daily Life tabs and more, know that these tabs are reflective of our future programming once COVID-19 regulations allow us to resume. If you’re considering studying abroad in the nearer future, look for term-specific tabs like Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 to see how we’ve adjusted program details to give you that IES Abroad experience you’re looking for, while keeping you safe and healthy.

Why the Galápagos Islands?

There’s a reason why many of the world’s most famous scientists have visited the Galápagos Islands—now it’s your turn to discover one of the world’s most beautiful and biologically diverse island locations. It’s here that you will get hands-on experience studying topics such as Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Marine Ecology, and Sociology.

What You'll Study

This direct enrollment program is organized through the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS), a remote campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) located on the island of San Cristóbal.

Fast-paced and as rewarding as it is challenging, this program is great for students interested in conducting field research or going on to graduate school. Think of the ideal candidate as a streetwise Indiana Jones—that is, one who would happily trade indoor luxury for adventurous experiences, plenty of sun, and the open ocean air.

Before you head to the Galápagos Islands, the program will begin with a month in Quito. While there, you participate in an orientation, a 1-credit Spanish class, and the first course in your academic track. The program offers four tracks, consisting of five courses, or modules.

The remaining months are spent on San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Islands. Additional course-related trips allow you to spend time in other locations based on your course enrollment.

Learn More

Daily Life

The Galápagos Islands and Quito will be your classrooms. Witness the famous land iguanas and giant tortoises as you study the evolution of these unique species. Visit indigenous and traditional Andean communities to better understand the relationship between humans and the environment. Dive into the Pacific to get close to the marine life you learn about.

We want you to feel at home in the Galápagos Islands and Quito, so we do everything we can to help you integrate into student life. From housing to cultural events, our job is to make sure you have the most authentic study abroad experience possible. During your time in the Galápagos Islands and Quito, you stay with a host family or a señora, who will help you familiarize yourself with Ecuador, its people, and its cultures.

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from participating in an IES Abroad Program. This is why we commit more than $6 million to our scholarship and aid programs.

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Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences. That is why we partnered with Universidad San Francisco de Quito, which offers this program through their Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences campus.

Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS)
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.

GAIAS offers unparalleled courses that explore Ecology, Biology, and Environmental Studies through an in-depth and hands-on approach. The university’s professors and course options enhance your academic experience and provide you with new perspectives each day in class.

Program Tracks

The program offers the following tracks, each consisting of five courses, or modules. You must take three courses in your selected track. After that, you can take courses in other tracks as long as you meet all prerequisites and there is space available.

Evolution, Ecology & Conservation - Examine first-hand how Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems have been shaped by evolutionary processes and the role that distinct societies have played in the protection or transformation of these environments. Course-related trips bring you to biodiverse jungles, picturesque coastal regions, and to one of the world’s tallest volcanoes. To enroll in this track, you should have a background in Biology or Ecology.

Marine Ecology - Examine the importance of marine conservation and the social aspects of marine management by combining coursework and fieldwork on the Pacific Coast and in the Galápagos Islands. You visit mangroves, wetlands, intertidal ecosystems, open oceans, and coral reefs as you study animal habitats and communities. To enroll in this track, you should have a background in Marine Biology, Biology, or Ecology.
Please note: this track carries an extra fee. For exact pricing, please consult the Program Fees Sheet

People, Politics, & the Environment - Explore the economic, cultural, and social issues that affect the relationship between humans and the environment. Coursework includes course-related trips to several indigenous and traditional Andean communities.
Sustainable Tourism - Address the importance of sustainability and its impact on the economy, society, and global community. In this track, you will examine the various facets of the tourism industry and take courses that explore the interaction of tourism and wildlife. You will travel to the Ecuadorian highlands, go on snorkeling trips, and visit local institutions such as the zoo and a water treatment plant.

Courses

You will take 16-19 credits per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits. You are required to take a 1-credit Spanish language course at the beginning of the semester. If you wish to continue your Spanish language study, an optional 3-credit Spanish course is offered later in the semester.

Courses are taught USFQ faculty in a series of five consecutive modules. The first module is taught at the USFQ Cumbayá campus near Quito. Remaining modules are taught at the GAIAS campus on the island of San Cristóbal.

All area studies courses are taught in English. Courses vary by semester, but here is an example of past course offerings:

Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation (3 credits each)

Module 1 - Geographical Information Systems
Module 2 - Quantitative Field Ecology
Module 3 - Origin of Species and Island Biodiversity
Module 4 - Native and Introduced Plants of the Galápagos
Module 5 - Tropical Ecology

Marine Ecology (3 credits each)

Module 1 - Techniques of Marine Research I
Module 2 - Techniques of Marine Research II
Module 3 - Marine Ecology
Module 4 - Marine Ecosystem Based Management
Module 5 - Freshwater Ecology

People, Politics, and the Environment (3 credits each)

Module 1 - Climate Change
Module 2 - Socio Ecosystem and Development
Module 3 - Political Ecology
Module 4 - Strategic Planning for Natural Resource Management
Module 5 - Wildlife Conservation Biology

Sustainable Tourism (3 credits each)

Module 1 - Climate Change
Module 2 - Socio Ecosystem and Development
Module 3 - Introduction to Sustainable Tourism
Module 4 - Destination Marketing
Module 5 - Wildlife Conservation Biology

Spanish Language Courses (1 credit)

Advising & Support

In a direct enrollment program, you are enrolled as a full-time student at one of our international partner institutions. Even though your local host institution is where you’ll take your classes, we’re still here to fully support you.

Advising
Choosing and directly enrolling in courses abroad can be confusing and overwhelming—we offer you predeparture advising that’s specific to you. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.

On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled in the GAIAS program, you have access to USFQ and IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center staff who are specifically dedicated to your needs. Our on-site staff work with you and your local institution to answer any questions about academic requirements, housing, or well-being and safety.

Support
Our support services for direct enrollment students are designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals. We know studying abroad is an adventure, and, at times, you may need help or just someone to talk to—that’s why our staff is here for you.

Field Trips & Events

Even though your adventure starts in Quito and the Galápagos Islands, our field trips take you beyond the campus to discover the cultures and traditions of Ecuador. There is an additional cost for field trips.

Galápagos Islands - Island Hopping Boat Tour
4 days | Fall & Spring
Tour the islands of Santa Cruz, Floreana, and Isabela, where you will learn about the terrestrial and marine ecology, and the human history of each settlement.

See wild Galápagos giant tortoises in the Santa Cruz highlands and snorkel with marine species such as penguins, sea turtles, sea lions, seahorses, and a variety of rays and other animals in Isabela. You’ll also climb volcanoes and visit lava tunnels to gain a deeper knowledge of the formation of the archipelago.

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

Course-Related Trips

Course-related trips are academic trips associated with courses. They are organized to complement your courses and contribute to a general knowledge of current environmental, political, and economic issues. The cost of these course-related trips is included in the program fee, and participation is required.

Amazon Rainforest
Tiputini Biodiversity Station
4 days | Fall & Spring
Explore the largest and most biodiverse rainforest in the world. Developed by USFQ, the station is located adjacent to the Yasuni Biosphere Reserve in the equatorial western Amazonia, which means you will be in direct contact with the greatest concentration of species on earth.

Ecuador's Coastal Regions
Machalilla National Park & Manabí Province
7 days | Fall & Spring
Visit a number of coastal ecosystems and study the animals and horticulture that live within them. See armadillos, two species of monkeys, 270+ species of birds, and vegetation like the opuntia cactus, palo santo trees, kapok trees, and the algaroba tree.

Santa Lucia Reserve
Pinchincha Province
2 days | Fall & Spring
The Reserve is a biodiversity hotspot with at least 350 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, and 250+ species of butterflies. Experience the Cloud Forest, a generally tropical or subtropical, evergreen, and moist forest characterized by low-level cloud cover.

Papallacta's Hot Springs
1 day | Fall & Spring
The hydrothermal value of Papallacta's Hot Springs is due to its location between two volcanoes. The temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). Only available to Tropical Ecology students.

Paramo Preserve
1 day | Fall & Spring
Located 4,200 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains, this unique ecosystem experiences constant changes in weather. Visit an alpine forest and explore the diverse flora and fauna that has managed to adapt to the fluctuating weather and height of the mountain.

Note: IES Abroad field trip destinations, course-related trips, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability.

Daily Life

Part of making you feel at home in the Galápagos Islands is doing our best to help you feel safe and cared for. Whether it is an orientation program that makes you feel prepared, housing that is well-located and comfortable, or the field trips that take you to places off the beaten path—we’re all about our student services.

Orientation

Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to help you prepare for your IES Abroad experience. Orientation continues throughout the semester with activities focusing on academic and cultural adjustment. Detailed information about housing, public transportation, culture, health and safety, and other important topics are also covered.

When you arrive in Ecuador, you participate in an introductory orientation with IES Abroad staff at the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center and at the USFQ Cumbayá campus with GAIAS staff members. Designed specifically for direct enrollment students, the orientation program introduces you to your program, your fellow students, Quito, and the Galápagos Islands.

Housing

We want to make sure that your greatest challenge is deciding which landmarks to see first or discovering the best café—not finding a place to live where you feel comfortable. We do our best to locate housing that is reflective of how the local students are living. Our goal is that when you leave Ecuador, it will feel like home.

Homestays - 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. Three 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.

Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events

You have the option to participate in approximately two to three scuba dives in different marine environments throughout the semester, at an additional cost paid on-site. Though these activities are not required as part of the academic program, they are coordinated and led by GAIAS faculty. Please note that dives are not guaranteed and are subject to change based on student interest, instructor availability, and local safety conditions.

IES Abroad students that wish to participate in dives must have Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) Open Water Diver Certification in order to participate on any GAIAS-organized dives. Proof of PADI Open Water Diver Certification must be provided to IES Abroad prior to the start of the program.

Get to Know Your New City

Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station

A must-see for budding scientists, check out the breeding center, and learn about the islands’ fascinating ecology and history.

See Turtles at Turtle Bay

You just might observe hatchlings emerging from their eggs and heading to the ocean!

Snorkel with Sea Lions

Head to La Loberia beach, and spend a day in the sun with these unique marine mammals.

Hang with the Local Penguins

Take a trip to Las Tintoreras, and get up close and personal with the islands’ penguins.

Visit the Santa Cruz Fish Market

Watch fishermen unload their catches from the day, and grab a bite of fresh seafood.

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your study abroad office to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your home school policies, and other factors.

Term: Spring 2022
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Spring 2022	$17,085	$4,388	$230	$21,703

Term: Fall 2021
Term	Tuition	Housing	Insurance	Total
Fall 2021	$16,750	$4,297	$230	$21,277

Scholarships & Aid

Featured Scholarships

John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship

Up to $1,000; awarded to 2 students each year

John Gearen, a member of the IES Abroad Board of Directors for many years and past chair of the Board for six years, is a leading real estate attorney and Rhodes Scholar who is involved in numerous philanthropic causes. Mr. Gearen has generously established this scholarship to support students who have an interest in studying on an IES Abroad Center in a developing region of the world (Argentina, Chile, China, Ecuador, Ireland, Morocco, or South Africa).

Dr. William Louis Gaines Need-Based History or International Relations Scholarship

Up to $1,875; awarded to 4-6 students each year

This scholarship is named in honor of Dr. William Louis Gaines, President of IES Abroad from 1974-1992. Dr. Gaines was dedicated to strengthening IES Abroad's academic framework, broadening the scope of IES Abroad locations, and securing the financial foundation of the organization.

Open to students majoring in History or International Relations.

William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship

Ranges up to $1,000; awarded to 4-6 students each year

These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.

Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs

Learn More

$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid

Learn more

Our Center

Situated near the financial district, the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center is housed in a new, modern building walking distance from La Parque Carolina, Quito’s largest historic park.

Our Center is your connection point for all things IES Abroad.

Take your IES Abroad courses in the Center’s classrooms
Meet with staff in their offices
Study in the library
Meet up with friends in the student lounge

Other features include: WiFi, printing facilities, and a computer lab

Our Staff

Tania Ledergerber

Center Director

Tania has been the director of the IES Abroad Quito & Galápagos Islands Center since 2018. Tania brings a wide range of international education administration experience. She directed the International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership Program at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), and spent 10 years as the Resident Director in Quito for Kalamazoo College. Previously she taught for IES Abroad, instructing our Internship Seminar and Social Science and Community-Based Learning classes at USFQ. Tania has traveled and worked around the world, spending nearly 20 years devoted to NGOs.

IES Abroad Quito &amp; Galápagos Islands Staff

Ximena Paredes
Student Affairs Coordinator in Quito

Maria Cristina López
Student Affairs Coordinator in the Galápagos Islands

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 what time zone you’re in.

In response to COVID-19, enhanced safety guidelines will be implemented this year—such as social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE) in on-site classes, in-country field trips and travel only, and apartment or residence hall housing (no homestays) that ensures proper space should self-quarantining be necessary.

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student in denim jacket looking over shoulder and smiling

How We Support You

We plan for "what if" 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.

Learn more about the support you can expect to receive on our programs, including:

International health insurance through CISI in the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional
24/7 emergency support whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city
Location-specific health and safety information presented at orienation by on-site staff
TripTracker system allowing you to share independent travel plans in case you need to be contacted swiftly in a crisis
A mandatory cell phone policy so that you can be contacted locally and receive any emergency updates via call or text
Crisis drills so that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise
And more!

LEARN MORE

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Health & Safety Resources

You safety begins with being accurately informed from the moment you're considering study abroad through to the day you return home.

Take note of ways you can maintain your health and stay safe abroad while reviewing our resources, including:

IES Abroad MAP for Student Health, Safety & Crisis Management
Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling
IES Abroad Student Blogs on Safety and Mental Health
And more!

BROWSE RESOURCES

Fall 2021

We all know that Fall 2021 is going to look a bit different from other study abroad terms, but that doesn’t mean it still won’t be the most incredible semester of your life!

We’re working hard to keep you safe and well, so you can focus on what you came to do—live and learn abroad (and have some fun along the way!). Below is a summary of the main tweaks to the program this semester, which may be updated as more details become known. You can learn even more about our measures for all programs on our Fall 2021 Health & Safety page.

Academics & Partner Universities

Know that you’ll be learning from the best of the best this fall. On our Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS program, you’ll take courses at Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS).

In order to maintain a safe environment in which all involved are fully vaccinated, the program will start in the Galápagos Islands for the first four modules. The last module will take place on the mainland with a trip to the USFQ Tiputini Biodiversity Station, where all the staff has been fully vaccinated.

Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4 - GAIAS Campus in San Cristóbal, Galápagos Islands
Module 5 - USFQ Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon Basin

The GAIAS program will offer the following tracks for the Fall 2021 semester:

Evolution, Ecology & Conservation - Examine firsthand how Ecuador’s diverse ecosystems have been shaped by evolutionary processes and the role that distinct societies have played in the protection or transformation of these environments. To enroll in courses in this track, you should have a background in Biology or Ecology.
- Module 1: Geographical Information Systems
  - Field Study: Hike in the Highlands of San Cristóbal and day trip to Punta Pitt.
- Module 2: Native and Introduced Plants of the Galápagos
  - Field Study: Hike in Planchonales, Highlands and Tijeretas.
- Module 3: Quantitative Field Ecology
  - Field Study: Snorkel in Española Island and an additional day trip TBC.
- Module 4: Origin of Species and Island Biodiversity
  - Field Study: Santa Cruz and Seymour trip, Kicker Rock and Isla Lobos.
- Module 5: Tropical Ecology
  - Field Study: Day trip to the Andean Highlands, and two weeks at the USFQ Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon Basin.
Marine Ecology - Examine the importance of marine conservation and the social aspects of marine management by combining coursework and fieldwork on the Pacific Coast and in the Galápagos Islands. To enroll in courses in this track, you should have a background in Marine Biology, Biology, or Ecology. Please note this track carries an extra $1350 fee.
- Module 1: Techniques of Marine Research I
  - Field Study: TBC, GAIAS is consulting with the Galápagos National Park if you are able to do the activities they have planned for this class. They will let you know as soon as they have a confirmed set of activities.
- Module 2: Techniques of Marine Research II
  - Field Study: Santa Cruz diving trip
- Module 3: Marine Ecology
  - Field Study: Hike in Loberia, dive/snorkel in Rosa Blanca, Punta Pitt and Kicker Rock.
- Module 4: Marine Ecosystem Based Management
  - Field Study: Snorkel in Isla Lobos, dive/snorkel in Española Island
- Module 5: Freshwater Ecology
  - Field Study: Day trip to the Andean Highlands, and two weeks at the USFQ Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon Basin.

Explore all the course syllabi from GAIAS on the “Academics” tab.

Health & Safety Protocols

We’re making sure that your learning experience is a safe one so you can focus on the topic at hand. So, to enhance effective social/physical distancing, IES Abroad is taking proactive measures in the classroom, including:

limiting class enrollment sizes
adjusting space layout and room choice
and promoting student/faculty use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

To minimize health risks to students, staff, and locals in the Galápagos Islands, IES Abroad will require that students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for this program. Due to its remote island location, access to more advanced medical care on the mainland is potentially more challenging for students on this program. Additionally, the Ecuadorian government is prioritizing vaccination for the entire Galápagos population in an effort to revitalize tourism. The island is currently conducting extensive COVID-related screenings in order to enter the island, and we anticipate that vaccination may be required in the near future.

Learn more about our health and safety measures for Fall 2021.