High School Experiential Learning Programs in Galapagos Islands

I went on Projects Abroad’s High School Special on the Galápagos Islands in March 2020. It was a trip of a lifetime. I went with a group of friends but you could easily do it alone. Even before we got to the Galapagos Holly Hubble from Projects Abroad flew all the way with us. It made the whole journey so much easier and fun, even with the problems with our flights. For the first week on San Cristobal we helped out in one of Project Galápagos summer camps and fixed up a playground in a local school. On the weekend we went to Santa Cruz to see the tortoises and Tortuga Bay. The 2nd week was Conservation Work so we would do sea lion monitoring at sunrise, then after breakfast, feed the tortoises and control the invasive plants or do a beach clean up. After lunch we had sea lion or bird monitoring. On our last day we got a 360 tour on a boat around the island. We got to go fishing, swimming and snorkeling with sea lions, turtles, loads of tropical fish and even sharks. The food at our accommodation was nice having rice in every meal. The staff in both Projects Abroad and Project Galápagos were so friendly and helpful with everything. I do definitely do it again

TFT gave me such an incredible opportunity to experience personal growth, meet inspiring people, challenge my comfort zone, and form long lasting bonds with families and students that live across the globe from me. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I went on the Peru, Ecuador, and Galapagos service trip that I can honestly say changed my life. From working with local preschoolers, living with host families, and picking up trash from sustainable farms to exploring Machu Picchu and swimming off the shores of beautiful white sand beaches in the Galapagos, I had an unforgettable experience. All the people I had met, both in my travel group and locals, have become dear friends and people I will forever share a special bond with. TFT is one of the most amazing programs I have ever been a part of, and I am sure you will discover the same.

This summer was my favorite summer yet. I had the chance to spend a week on the Galapagos Islands and two more weeks in the numerous amazing places in Ecuador. I was able to snorkel with sea lions and sea turtles, learn about Charles Darwin's research, and help out the local community to maintain the island's sustainable practices. The Galapagos were incredible, but I could not wait to go to the Amazon! Not many people can say that they hiked through the Amazon to get to a lodge and shortly after, go piranha fishing, and top off the night with a night-walk to spot giant tarantulas. The adventure did not end there. We hiked up Cotopaxi, one of the tallest volcanos in Ecuador. The views were unbelievable! We finished off the trip but relaxing in natural hot springs, standing in the middle of the world (on the equator), and going on the best ziplining course I've ever seen. This was a truly unforgettable trip, and I have found another country to add to my list of places to re-visit!

The Galapagos easily one of the biggest and most important things I've ever done. It was beautiful and I loved everything we did and saw. We saw the most friendly and amazing wildlife in the world, and saw beautiful mountains, deserts and the ocean. The group was super friendly and helpful and taught us all about the islands. I wish I could go back because I've never been somewhere more amazing.

Two of our children have been on this trip (one 3 years ago and one summer of 2017) and both loved it! They are very different individuals and the fact that both of them came home so excited is a huge endorsement to the trip leaders and experiences they gained! Kudos to Global Works!

My 14 year old son had an amazing time on this trip. This is his 2nd year with the AARC program and I recommend it highly. It was not the easiest thing for me to send him off to a foreign country but the AARC staff and counselors did a wonderful job maintaining communication throughout. He was enriched by the experience. He will be back next year for sure!

Ive made some lasting relationships, going to the Galapagos was a dream, snorkeling with the wildlife there was a bucket list activity. This trip has some of the best cultural immersion experiences combined with nature. Highly recommended!!