- Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
You are here
Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment - GAIAS
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Academics
IES Abroad’s 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 USFQ and GAIAS.
The 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.
Courses
You take 16 credit hours per semester, and all courses are worth 3 credits. Courses are taught through USFQ in a series of five consecutive modules. The first (plus one week of module 2) and last modules are taught at a USFQ campus near Quito and the other three are taught at GAIAS on the island of San Cristobal. All courses are taught in English.
Program Tracks
The program offers the following tracks, which each consist of five-course modules. You must take three courses in your selected track. After that, you can take up to two courses in other tracks as long as you meet all prerequisites.
- 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 bio-diverse jungles, picturesque coastal regions, and to one of the world’s tallest volcanoes. There is a prerequisite of at least one Biology course or one Ecology course to enroll in courses in this track.
- 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, inter-tidal ecosystems, open oceans, and coral reefs as you study animal habitats and communities. There is a prerequisite of at least one Biology course or one Ecology course to enroll in courses in this track. It is also a requirement to be PADI certified to enroll in this track. 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 their environment. Coursework includes course-related trips to several indigenous and traditional Andean communities. To enroll in courses in this track, you do not need to have taken a biology or ecology course; it is recommended to have two semesters of college-level Spanish but not required. - Sustainable Tourism
Examine the components of the toursim industry and the interrelationships for successful and responsible planning and management. To enroll in courses in this track, you do not need to have taken a biology or ecology course.
Spanish Language
You are required to take a 1-credit Spanish language course during your time in Quito. If you wish to continue your Spanish language study, an optional 3-credit Spanish language course is offered later in the semester during your time in the Galápagos Islands.
Courses
Courses are taught through USFQ in a series of five consecutive modules. The first (plus one week of module 2) and last modules are taught at a USFQ campus near Quito and the other three are taught at GAIAS on the island of San Cristobal. All courses are taught in English.
Courses vary by semester, but here is an example of past course offerings.
| Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation | Marine Ecology | People, Politics, and the Environment | Sustainable Tourism | |
| Module 1 | Techniques of Marine Research I | |||
| Module 2 | Political Ecology | |||
| Module 3 | Origin of Species and Island Biodiversity | Island Socio Ecosystems | ||
| Module 4 | Native and Introduced Plants of the Galapagos | Marine Ecosystem Based Management | Strategic Planning for Natural Resource Management | Destination Marketing |
| Module 5 | Freshwater Ecology | Wildlife Conservation Biology | 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 your needs. Our goal is to provide support and guidance throughout your application and enrollment process.
But our advising services don’t stop there. While you’re in Quito, and the Galápagos Islands our staff is available to help you transition into your new home.
On-Site Staff
As an IES Abroad student directly enrolled at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) and the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) you have access to on-site IES Abroad 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 specifically designed to help you achieve your study abroad goals as effectively and smoothly as possible. 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 there for you.
Field Trips & Events
Even though your adventure starts in Quito and the Galápagos Islands, course-related trips and an extra-curricular field trip take you beyond the campus to discover the cultures and traditions of your host country. Destinations, activities, and learning experiences vary based on the track in which you are participating.
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.
Course-Related Trips
Here are some of the past course-related trips that have been offered as part of specific courses. Individual student participation depends on course enrollment.
Amazon Rainforest
Tiputini Biodiversity Station
4 Days | Fall & Spring
Explore the largest and most biodiverse rainforest in the world. Developed by USFQ (in collaboration with Boston University), 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, and 270+ species of birds, and vegetation like the opuntia cactus, palo santo trees, kapok trees, and the algaroba tree.
Maquipucuna Cloud Forest
Pinchincha Province
2 Days | Fall & Spring
The Reserve tops 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 thanks to its location between two volcanoes. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). (Tropical Ecology students only.)
Paramo Preserve
1 Day | Fall & Spring
Located at 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
When you arrive in Ecuador, you participate in an introductory orientation with IES Abroad at the Quito 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.
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins right when you arrive and continues through 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.
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 - You will live in a private homestay with a family or señora in Quito and in the Galápagos Islands who will help facilitate your language learning and integration into Ecuadorian society, and you will have a room to yourself. In Quito, all meals are provided except lunch on weekends; in the Galápagos, breakfast is provided daily, and dinner is provided Monday through Friday. WiFi is available in your homestay, but speed and connectivity are often limited in the Galápagos. Laundry is also provided.
Extracurricular Activities & Cultural Events
Optional Activities
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.
Scholarships & Aid
Program-Specific Scholarships
John Gearen Need-Based Dublin or Developing Regions Scholarship
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
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
These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.
Use our budget worksheet to calculate your costs
$6+ Million in Scholarships & Aid
Our Center
IES Abroad Quito
While in Quito, we want to ensure you have every opportunity to immerse yourself in new experiences. That’s why our IES Abroad Quito Center staff is committed to providing outstanding academic and student support services. We take care of the details, so you can soak up every moment of your experience.
Situated near the financial district, the IES Abroad Quito 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 Quito and Galápagos Islands programs 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 Service Learning classes at USFQ. Tania has traveled and worked around the world, spending nearly 20 years devoted to NGOs.
IES Abroad Staff
IES Abroad Staff
Ximena Paredes
Student Affairs Coordinator in Quito
Juan Carlos Sanchez
Administrative Support
Maria Cristina López
Student Affairs Coordinator in Galápagos
Cecilia Marcial
Accounting and Administration Coordinator
Latest from Galápagos Islands
Contact a Past Student
From budgeting tips to housing insight, IES Abroad Ambassadors volunteer their study abroad and internship experiences and advice.
