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.

Start Your Semester in Quito

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

Live with Local Residents

Live in a private room in a homestay with a family or señora.

Follow Your Academic Interests

Select courses from four Biology-based tracks.

Travel Throughout Ecuador

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

Fall 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early August - Early December

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Estimated Cost:

22,990

Program Dates:

Early January - Late February

Application Deadline:

Oct 10, 2024

Program Advisor

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

At a Glance

Housing:

Homestay

Credits:

16 to 19 per Semester

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Destination

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

Explore Kicker Rock

Travel by boat to enjoy one of the best spots for snorkeling.

See Turtles at a Breeding Center

Observe turtles in their native habitat.

Snorkel with Sea Lions

Head to La Loberia beach and spend a day in the sun.

Support from Quito

On-the-ground staff are available at the Center in Quito.

The Student Experience

Nicollee Hammer

Nicollee Hammer, Jan 22, 2024

Arriving to a State of Emergency

After arriving in Quito and meeting my gracious host family, our school had closed the second day of classes after the country was announced to be in a state of...

Academics Cultural Immersion Food Housing Orientation

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Blue-footed Boobies, Boat Rides, and Beaches: Four Action-Packed Days in the Galapagos Islands

View All Blogs

Housing

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

Partner Institution

a student posing with the USFQ GAIAS sign in front of their building

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 module is 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. 

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.

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)

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)

Visit Website

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

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.

Helpful Links

two students stand arm-in-arm in front of lagoons in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Transcripts, Credit Transfer & Accreditation

Two students jump for a fun photo in front of Neue Burg in Vienna

Refund Policy

See All Student Policies

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.

One student taking a selfie while swimming in the Amazon Rainforest with a group of other students in the distance behind her

5 Days Fall, Spring, & Summer

Amazon Rainforest - Tiputini Biodiversity Station

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.

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.

Spring 2024

Tuition

18,110

Housing

4,650

Insurance

230

Total

22,990

Spring 2024

Galapagos Islands - GAIAS Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$18,110
Housing & Meals	$4,650
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance	$230
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$22,990

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Marine Ecology Track Fee	$1,750
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa Extension Fee (paid once arrived)	$132
Required Scuba Diving Insurance (DAN) (for students planning to Scuba Dive, prior to arrival)	$100
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$500-900
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$300
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$1,400
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$280
Optional IES Abroad Field Trips (not included in program fee)	$0
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$1,800
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on August 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

January 05 - May 04

Application Deadline:

Sep 14, 2023

Estimated Cost:

22,990

Fall 2024

Tuition

18,095

Housing

4,650

Insurance

245

Total

22,990

Fall 2024

Galapagos Islands - GAIAS Fees

Program Fee (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition	$18,095
Housing & Meals	$4,650
Base (no additional cost)
• Homestay (14 meals provided per week)
Health Insurance	$245
Total IES Abroad Program Fee	$22,990

+

Additional Fees for Special Options Associated with Tuition & Housing (invoiced by IES Abroad)
Tuition
Marine Ecology Track Fee	$1,750
School of Record transcript (if required)	$375
Total Additional Fees

+

Additional Estimated Expenses for Student Budgeting Purposes (select those that apply)
Visa Extension fees	$140
Yellow Fever Vaccine (paid to medical professional before arrival): cost varies	$200
Optional Scuba Diving Insurance (paid to insurance agency before arrival)	$40
Round-Trip Airfare (varies with point of departure and carrier)	$700-1,000
Textbooks, Copyright Permission Fees, Course Packets & Other Course-Related Materials	$320
Average Cost of Meals by Housing Option (not included in housing fee)
Homestay	$1,550
Rental or Purchase of Required Cell Phone (does not include usage fees)	$30-150
Local Transportation	$360
Personal Expenses (does not include personal student travel)	$2,300
Total Other Estimated Expenses

=

Total Estimated Budget

The amounts expressed above are in U.S. dollars. Estimated expenses are based on November 2023 exchange rates. These expenses may vary due to individual needs, spending habits, and exchange rates, and are not included in the IES Abroad program fee. Personal expenses may include but are not limited to the following: meals/beverages (outside selected housing/meals option), social activities and entertainment, toiletries, laundry, and communications facilities (e.g. Internet café, phone centers.) Some items such as textbooks may be billed separately by IES Abroad.

Discounts and Scholarships & Aid

Academic Year pricing reflects at least a 20% discount off second consecutive semester program tuition for the same or a different program. Students must enroll by November 1st to get the discount for academic year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Spring term’s tuition.
Students will receive a 20% discount applied as a credit to the second consecutive semester’s tuition in the same or different programs of a Calendar Year. Students must enroll by May 1st to get the discount for calendar year study, after which the second term’s tuition pricing will be based on the following Fall term’s tuition.
Students will receive a $500 credit on Summer tuition if a summer program is attended before or after a semester or academic year program.
Students will receive a $300 credit on a January Term tuition if a January Term program is attended before or after a semester program.
The IES Abroad program fee does not reflect scholarships, financial aid, or grants such as the IES Abroad Public University Grant.

Visa / Consular / Residency Fees

Depending on visa requirements related to certain program locations, length of term, and consular jurisdictions, students may also incur costs for expedited processing, predeparture travel to the consulate or for IES Abroad ACCeSS™ ($150) to obtain their visa.
These estimated fees apply to U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may have different requirements and costs.

Cell Phone Usage

Cell phone usage fees are additional and on a per call basis, depending upon location.

Program Dates:

Early August - Early December

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Estimated Cost:

22,990

Academic Year 2024

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Spring 2025

Tuition

Housing

Insurance

Total

Pending

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet

IES Abroad Quito & Galapagos Islands Staff

Ximena Paredes

Student Affairs Coordinator

Lupe Escobar

Administrative & Activity Coordinator

Maria Cristina López

Student Affairs Coordinator in the Galápagos Islands

Juan Carlos Sanchez

Office Services

Orientation

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

CISI International Health Insurance

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.

Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Helpful Links

Blogs on Mental Health

Study Abroad Safety Tips for Traveling

Blogs on Safety

Learn More About Health & Safety

Program Dates

Spring 2024

Program Dates:

January 05 - May 04

Application Deadline:

Sep 14, 2023

Fall 2024

Program Dates:

Early August - Early December

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Academic Year 2024

Program Dates:

Early August - Early May

Application Deadline:

Mar 28, 2024

Spring 2025

Program Dates:

Early January - Late February

Application Deadline:

Oct 10, 2024

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
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

Submit Your 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.

After your Online Application is processed, submit the following in your MyIESabroad account:

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. Consult your study abroad advisor to determine how they would prefer to complete your Home School Authorization.
Official Transcript(s) — Submit transcripts from 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. (Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. must obtain a professional course-by-course transcript equivalency report. You may choose any organization that provides professional international transcript equivalencies.)
GAIAS Application — Instructions will be available in your MyIESAbroad account.
Photo — Submit a recent photo of yourself (head and shoulders with a plain background). The photo must be jpeg or pdf format and not exceeding 40KB.
Color Copy of Your Passport — Submit a copy of the 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.
(If Applicable) English Language Proficiency Exam — Students attending higher education institutions outside of the U.S. may need to submit English language proficiency exam results. Contact your IES Abroad Representative for more information.

Apply Now

Passport & Visa Requirements

Renew (or Apply for!) Your Passport ASAP

Passport applications and renewals are taking longer than normal these days. Save yourself from the last-minute stress by making sure:

You have a passport
The expiration date is at least six months after your study abroad program ends

Visit  travel.state.gov  to locate U.S. passport agencies in your area.

Visa Requirements

Most U.S. 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.

Learn more about applying for a student visa for Ecuador.

Not a U.S. citizen? Consult the consulate website of your passport country and contact your IES Abroad Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply?

Students who wish to participate in an IES Abroad program will typically apply to both their college/university, as well as to IES Abroad. Start by visiting your school’s study abroad office website to learn more about their application process and deadlines. Note that some university’s deadlines can be as early as one year before your desired term abroad. After you have reviewed the process at your home school, start your online application on the IES Abroad website—there's no application fee! Once we create an account for you, we’ll then ask you to submit the required admissions forms in your MyIESabroad account. After we have received all of your materials, we will review your application and send you an admission decision via email within two weeks.

I’ve never been abroad before. When should I apply for a passport?

As soon as you know you are interested in going abroad, begin applying for your passport. In order to go abroad, you’ll need to have a passport that is valid until at least six months after your program’s end date. For most of our programs, you will need your passport in-hand in order to apply for the required student visa. Rest assured, our IES Abroad Program Advisors will be available to help you every step of the way, but it’s in your best interest to start this process as soon as possible!

How do I know if I will receive credit for the classes or internships I complete abroad?

You can find a list of the potential courses and/or internship opportunities available for students to pursue under the Academics tab of your program page. Syllabi for each course can typically be found by clicking on the hyperlinked course title, which you can review with your on-campus advisors to ensure that you can earn credit and stay on track for graduation. If a part-time internship opportunity is available on your program and something you want to pursue, discuss the possibility of earning credit for this with your study abroad office on-campus.

How do scholarships and financial aid work? Can I use my existing scholarships or apply for more?

You can apply for our IES Abroad Scholarships at any point before the deadline—even if you haven’t yet been admitted into one of our programs! Our scholarship opportunities are competitive, so it’s in your best interest to apply for our scholarships as early as possible. If you’d like to use your existing scholarships/aid towards your program fees, this will depend on your school’s policies and how you’re billed for the program. Talk to your school’s study abroad and financial aid office to learn their policies.

How does IES Abroad work with my school?

IES Abroad works as a partner to campus study abroad offices around the world to provide high quality academic programs for undergraduate students. In order to participate in one of our programs, we require that you gain approval from your home school’s study abroad office. While IES Abroad is here to help with your predeparture needs, you’ll also want to stay connected with your study abroad advisor on-campus to ensure you’re staying on track with their deadlines and aware of their policies for your program abroad.

What is the university or location where I will take my classes abroad?

The location of your courses will depend on the type of IES Abroad program that you select. Most IES Abroad programs are based at the IES Abroad Center in the host city. Our Centers are physical spaces within the city where we have staff offices and classrooms and they serve as the student hub for many of our programs. On these programs, your classmates will be other IES Abroad students from U.S. campuses and are taught by local or international professors. In some cases, it may also be possible to take one or two courses at a local university and the rest at the IES Abroad Center. Alternatively, some IES Abroad programs are direct enrollment programs, which means that you will take all of your classes at the local university alongside other students enrolled at that university.

What are IES Abroad’s health and safety resources and policies?

IES Abroad places student health & safety at the forefront of all that we do. All IES Abroad students are required to be insured under our mandatory CISI health insurance policy, and this cost is factored into your program fees. Students will be expected to complete a physical within the six months prior to your departure so that our student affairs staff on-site have up-to-date information and can offer support for any health or medical needs you may have while abroad. Mental health services may be available for students upon request. Please discuss any specific health and safety needs with our Dean of Students’ office as early as possible. You can also read more information about our Health & Safety protocols (including COVID-19).

Do I have to find my own housing on my IES Abroad program?

Our experienced housing coordinators work hard to screen and place students in IES Abroad housing, so you won’t need to find your housing on your own. Options can include homestays (highly rated!), residence halls, or apartments depending on your location. You will be given an opportunity to indicate any preferences you may have for housing once you are admitted into the program, which our staff will take into consideration to the best of their ability as they are making arrangements for students. While it’s not recommended, it is possible for you to arrange your own housing abroad if your home school approves you to do so.