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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Direct Enrollment - GAIAS

Study Abroad
Program Options:
Direct Enrollment
Length:
Fall, Spring

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

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. 

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Start Your Semester in Quito

Take your first course in your academic track in Ecuador’s capital.

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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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Follow Your Academic Interests

Select courses from four Biology-based tracks.

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Travel Throughout Ecuador

Travel to the Amazon Rainforest and Ecuador's Coastal Regions.

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

August 08 - December 06

Application Deadline:

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 group of students posing for a photo atop volcanic rock with a marine iguana

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.

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. 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.

Partner Institution

a student sitting new the GAIAS building looking at a sealion laying on a bench
  • Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences

Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences

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. 

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.

Visit Website

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.

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

The program offers the following tracks, each consisting of five courses, or modules. You must take all five courses in your selected track.

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. 

Sustainability and Resilience**

Embark on an exploration of sustainability and the science of resilience, delving into the evolution of business practices, strategies for water and climate resilience, unique challenges faced by island communities, the interconnected dynamics of climate, biodiversity, resources, and the intersection of human development and resilience. This track offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between businesses, ecosystems, and societies, providing valuable insights into sustainable practices in our ever-changing world. To enroll in this track, you should have a background in Biology or Ecology.

All area studies courses are taught in English. Further information about course content and availability is provided on the University’s website. Courses vary by semester, but here is an example of past course offerings: 

Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation (3 credits each) 

Marine Ecology (3 credits each) 

 

Sustainability and Resilience (3 credits each)

  • Module 1 - Evolution of Business Sustainability
  • Module 2 - Water Resilience
  • Module 3 - Island Sustainability
  • Module 4 - Climate Nexus: Water-Energy-Food in the Galapagos
  • Module 5 - Human Development and Resilience

Spanish Language Courses (1 credit) 

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*This track carries an extra fee. For exact pricing, please consult the Program Fees Sheet.

**The syllabi for this track will be available at a later date.

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

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.

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.

Fall 2024

Tuition
$
18,095
Housing
$
4,650
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
22,990

Academic Year 2024

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

Spring 2025

Tuition
$
18,095
Housing
$
4,650
Insurance
$
245
Total
$
22,990

2025 Fall

Tuition
-
Housing
-
Insurance
-
Total
Pending

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
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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 semester 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

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

August 09 - December 06

Application Deadline:

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early August - Early May

Application Deadline:

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

January 10 - May 10

Application Deadline:

2025 Fall

Program Dates:

August 08 - December 06

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • 3.0 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale
  • Sophomore, junior, or senior standing when program begins 
  • Evolution Track/Sustainability and Resilience Track: Have taken at least one general biology or one ecology course at the college level, and received at least a B- grade in the course.
  •  Marine Track: 
    • Have taken at least two general biology courses and/or ecology courses at the college level and received at least a B- grade in each of the courses. 
    • Will require DAN insurance for academic dives (see additional estimated expenses for insurance costs) 

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.

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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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