Description

GALAPAGOS - become a part of the unique natural and social environment of "Darwin's Living Laboratory!" We offer a fully accredited once in a lifetime experience to study (in) the Galapagos while positively impacting it as well. From penguins to iguanas, sharks to tortoises, salt marshes and beaches to volcano peaks we link what is learned in class with what is seen and experienced in the field or among the local people.

IOI offers a rare, fully accredited opportunity to study abroad in the Galapagos Islands. All our programs are registered and accredited with the University of Miami (FL) to offer semester long as well as intersession programs programs.

The 15 credit Spring semester is organized with professors from the prestigious Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. In the Fall semester we work with the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS) - an innovative, interdisciplinary initiative that bridges the gap between science and environmental policy - and the UM Biology department for 15-18 easily transferable credits.
(for summer program please see the respective listing)

Classes are taught by UM faculty and the curriculum concentrates on the specific uniqueness of Isabela and the Galapagos Islands. It is a hands-on, field course-based experience with emphasis on cultural exchange and immersion. We take the classroom to the field. From penguins to iguanas, from sharks to tortoises, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peaks, students will not only learn about but be a part of the unique natural and social ecology of "Darwin's living laboratory."

To further increase and improve the connections between what is learned in class and experienced in day-to-day life, students of the semester long and summer programs live and interact with local host families. Upon arrival in Galapagos students get an important cultural orientation to prepare for living with families in Galapagos with respect and understanding for the people and the environment. The homestay is a basic principle of IOI that gives each student and host family intensive intercultural and Spanish/English language exchange.

The cap on students each semester is 15 in order to provide for a size group with an effective Professor-Student interaction.

Highlights

Monique G. (19) says IOI "makes this trip a life experience that all should have. The two weeks I spent on Isabela was definitely the most fun I've had anywhere in my life and I can't wait to go back!"

Christine Q. (20) says her experience at IOI "was truly amazing, different, beautiful, informational, fun, peaceful, funny, surprising, volcanic, oceanic, and Galapagonian all at the same time. I would go back in a second!"

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please visit our website for details

Program Fees Include:

everything minus international flight to Ecuador

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available

all regular US financial aid and scholarships apply if applicable

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Isabela Oceanographic Institute's Mission Statement

Is to provide an academic platform for study abroad and to help sustainable development and conservation in the Isabela community through participatory and educational approaches.

Year Founded

2006