IES Abroad Galápagos Islands Direct Enrollment – GAIAS

Studying abroad in Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands was a once-in-a-lifetime, life changing experience. As a biology major, I was looking to gain more knowledge and hands on experience with nature in other areas of the world. Getting to visit the Amazon Rainforest and staying in the Galápagos Islands fulfilled these desires! The courses I took exposed me to new material and were much more hands on than my courses at my home university. In fact, we spent more than half of our class time in the field in some of our courses. Besides the biological aspect, I had wanted to learn Spanish and experience life in another culture/country and Ecuador was perfect for both of these things! The people in both Quito and the islands were friendly and patient as I practiced my Spanish. As for the university and program staff, everyone was super approachable and there to help us adjust to a new life and environment. This experience taught me so many good lessons and I learned so much about my future aspirations. If you are looking for a study abroad program that is both culturally and biologically diverse, this is the program for you!

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I have always wanted to study abroad. Additionally, I have always wanted to be a wildlife biologist and do field research. Furthermore, The Galapagos and The Amazon have been at the top of my “Bucket List” for my whole life. The fact that my first field research opportunity in my life was at both of these locations is mind boggling.

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IES abroad made sure that everything was taken care of so all I had to do was show up and have the time of my life! Living in the Galapagos is a whole other world; the community is incredibly tight-knit and so kind. Latino culture is extremely warm and living with my host families was an absolutely amazing experience. We bonded over cultural differences and it was an opportunity for me to be immersed in their culture while also being able to teach my families about my own culture. This program is extremely hands-on and research based! If you love being outside this program absolutely takes advantage of being in the Galapagos and each course has a ton of field trips and outdoor excursions so that you really get to know the Galapagos Islands and all they have to offer! If you are scuba certified and in the Marine Ecology track each of your classes has a scuba component too! This program absolutely changed my life and it will change yours too!

I loved my time in the Galapagos, overall a completely amazing experience! I seriously think everyone should visit the Galapagos at some point in their life, and if you get the chance stay as long as you can!! Great people, great food, unforgettable location.

The Galapagos Islands/Ecuador was such an amazing experience and opportunity I am so grateful it is the best thing I have done so far in my life. I had two amazing host families that I still talk with. I saw amazing wildlife such as hammerhead sharks and many a rays. I conquered so many fears and anxieties and I had the chance to see the world and experience Latin culture. I will forever be grateful for my study abroad program. I also took my younger brother on his first trick or treating adventure. He went as a little black cat.

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My time abroad was an experience I will never forget. I was enrolled in the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation track, which gave me the opportunity to travel to the Amazon for a week! After spending a month in Quito and experience this historical city, we travelled to the Galapagos for 3 months. I got to snorkel almost everyday as part of class research but also on my free leisure time. The IES coordinator matched me with an amazing host family that took me in as their own daughter and with whom I am still in contact with. Overall I had the best time of my life and I recommend this program to everyone!

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The week spent in the rainforest is my most memorable experience. How many people can say that they lived eight hours deep into the rainforest for a week? I had always wanted to visit the Galapagos because of my major (Biology) and the influence of Charles Darwin. This experience was a dream come true! My host family in Quito was amazing, even though I only stayed with them for a month. I don't speak much Spanish and they spoke English and made my experience wonderful. My host family on the islands was wonderful, as well, but I didn't have the same connection because of the language barrier. I would stay with each family again, no question.

I would do this program again in a heartbeat. I loved every second of the excursions to the Paramo, the Rainforest, and the Cloud Forest while on the mainland, and the island trips when staying in the Galapagos for three months. There is nothing better than having class in the morning and going straight out to the beach for the rest of the day right outside of the university! I think about this trip every day and wish I could go back! Program Administration: Some disorganization when actually in Ecuador, but it's more because of the culture than anything. The representatives in Quito were so wonderful.

The IES Galápagos program is awesome! The courses were very interesting, especially since we could walk outside to see what we were learning about. I had wonderful homestays, and I still keep in contact with my host families. IES finds great families. The center staff really look out for the safety of their students and are always willing to help with anything you need.