Picture yourself in the exotic remote islands that inspired the works of Charles Darwin!
We are excited to be offering this program again this year! As this is a very popular program, make sure that you confirm your acceptance quickly and hand in your forms on time!
Courses:
BIO 2859: Island Biogeography (Biology majors)
BIO 1859: Tropical Biology and Evolution (Non-Biology majors)
Credits: 3
Dates: TBD
Explore exotic bird habitats, tour lush tropical rainforests, and hike across the terrain of a volcanic island, all while earning 3 credits!
With this program, you will travel to the tropical destination of the Galápagos Islands, on the Equator and in the Pacific, about 600 miles west of the Ecuadorian coast. This is a world-famous International Heritage site, one of the most unique ecologies in the world, featuring young lava-covered islands and some of the world’s most unusual animals. Consider the life-transforming experience of an expedition to a biological treasure. You will follow in the footsteps (and boat wake) of Charles Darwin.
Led by Dr. Christopher Bazinet, from the Department of Biological Sciences in the St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and experienced professional naturalist guides based in Quito and the Galápagos, you will sail, hike, and snorkel through one of the world's most unique and historic ecosystems. This is a three-credit course that introduces you to tropical ecology, biodiversity, and evolution. A required journal documents observations from field trips and notes from seminar sessions.
Accommodations: TBD
Next, you will journey to the famed Galápagos Islands, where you will embark on a 5 day, 4 night cruise aboard a chartered yacht. Led by a naturalist guide, you will discover the natural wonders of the Galápagos, experiencing the native flora and fauna up close, through experiences that are sure to produce vivid lifelong memories. Your itinerary includes stops at the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach, Darwin Research Station), South Plaza, Santa Fe, Espanola (Gardner Bay and Punta Suarez) and Floreana (Punta Cormorant) and the famous snorkeling site Corona del Diablo.
Meals: TBD
Professor: Christopher Bazinet
Program Fee: TBD
*Please note: Tuition and airfare are in addition to the program fee. Please check the tuition based on your school and how many credits you choose to enroll in while abroad.
Includes double occupancy accommodations in Quito and the Galápagos Islands, most meals in Quito, all meals in the Galápagos Islands, roundtrip internal flight to the Galápagos Islands, airport transfers, and bilingual guides.
The Program fee does NOT include the following:
- Tuition
- Airfare to Ecuador
- Galápagos National Park Entrance fee: $100 per person
- Galápagos Transit Card $10: per person
- Departure tax
- Personal expenses
Special Notes: Biology majors can get credit for this program. More information on the Galapagos Islands and Quito can be found on the Lonely Planet website.