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IES Abroad Galapagos Islands January Term - Marine Ecosystems (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Academic Level: Junior, Senior, Sophomore Language(s) of Instruction: English
Housing Options: Homestay, Hotel/Hostel Program Model: Partner Provider
Area(s) of Study: Biological Sciences (Biology), Other, Sciences Minimum GPA: 2.50
Open to Non-UHCL Applicants: Yes
Program Description:
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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

January Term - Marine Ecosystems

A sea lion sitting on the beach at sunset in Galápagos

About the Program

As one of the most biologically diverse locations on the planet, Ecuador's Galápagos Islands are the ideal location for students interested in Marine Ecology and Environmental Studies. Located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this spectacular archipelago, where Charles Darwin first formulated his theory of natural selection, will be your home as you study at the Galápagos Academic Institute for the Arts and Sciences (GAIAS) on the island of San Cristóbal. This remote campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) was established to further efforts in conservation and sustainable development on the Galápagos Islands. In the classroom and on numerous course-related trips, you will learn in depth about the ecology of the marine habitats found on and off the coast of these islands, including coral reefs, rocky shores, and hydrothermal vents. You will also discover the effect that human impact is having on these delicate ecosystems.
 

What’s Included

Personal Advising: Your IES Abroad advisor is here to help you prepare for study abroad.

Health & Safety: Your health and safety abroad is our highest priority.

On-the-Ground Staff: Our on-site staff and faculty are here to support you.

Cultural Activities: Our field trips and cultural events help you discover the culture and traditions of your host country.

At a Glance

Credits: 3 per January term

Visa Required: Maybe

Housing: Homestays on San Cristóbal Island; Hotels in Quito and during overnight trips

Language of Instruction: English

Language Prerequisites: None

Scholarships & Aid

Our aid application allows you to apply online for nearly all of our scholarship and aid opportunities at once. With our High-Impact Aid Commitment we make sure that the most aid goes to students with the highest need. You can apply at any and we'll let you know your need-based aid status within five business days. Just make sure you meet the scholarship and aid application deadline for your term.

Apply for Aid

Why IES Abroad

At IES Abroad, we're proud to be different. We can say that our academic standards are unmatched and our health and safety practices have set the standard for the field of study abroad. And all of that would be true.

But you know what really sets us apart? Our commitment to you.

As a not-for-profit study abroad and internship provider, you are our bottom line. Your success is our success. And in today’s world, that’s a pretty extraordinary thing.

Contact Us

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The IES Abroad Difference

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.

Throughout your journey we're here to support you.

Learn More About This Program

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Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Winter Break 2026-2027 11/01/2026 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.