Conservation & Preservation Study Abroad Programs in Quito, Ecuador

Study abroad in Ecuador with IES Abroad and experience one of the most culturally and geographically diverse countries in the world. Roughly the size of Colorado, Ecuador has the environmental megadiversity of a much larger country. Four eco-regions—the Amazon basin, the high Andes, the coastal plain, and the Galápagos Islands—offer a wealth of flora and fauna that attracts biologists, botanists, and environmentalists from around the world. These internationally known natural wonders are at your fingertips when you study in Ecuador. Adventure and learning opportunities will surround you when you study abroad in Ecuador. Snorkel in the Galápagos Islands as you study biodiversity, learn about indigenous culture as you stroll through Otavalo Market, and study environmental science in the Amazon rainforest! To make the most of your time in Ecuador, study abroad is a great opportunity to not only visit, but also learn about this stunningly diverse country.

SIT’s Global Master of Arts in Sustainable Development Practice is a full-time, one-year degree that explores the interconnected nature of global health crises, economic inequality, natural resource degradation, and political and ethnic conflicts. Study begins in Ecuador, focusing on biodiversity and urban-rural development, then continues in South Africa and Malawi, examining sustainable practice in diverse sociopolitical contexts. Hands-on learning provides a unique opportunity to acquire professional skills through research and fieldwork in a competitive global environment. This program is ideal for emerging professionals seeking careers in sustainable development, policy, project leadership, or community engagement.

The Tropical Conservation Semester offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in Ecuador, where you will immerse yourself in Latin American culture and language, and explore some of the most pristine and wildlife-packed sites on the planet. You will experience the immense biodiversity of Ecuador from the Amazon Rainforest, to the Andes Mountains, to the Galápagos Islands. Ceiba has partnered with the University of Wisconsin to offer an unparalleled semester in applied tropical ecology, conservation, and rural community development. We join real-world conservation projects, and encourage you to blend the academic and applied realms, bridging the gap between classroom science and practical conservation. This one-of-a-kind semester is ideal for undergraduate students in biological and social fields who seek interdisciplinary training for careers in habitat protection, tropical ecology, environmental education, and international development.

Travel to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos Islands for two weeks on this study abroad adventure. With 97% uninhabited conservation land, the Galapagos Islands are home to many species, including sea lions, sea turtles, rays, hundreds of species of fish, hammerhead sharks, blue-footed boobies, and the famous Galapagos tortoise. During this program, students work alongside a marine instructor to help research marine fish populations of the Galapagos by tracking numbers in real-time in the water, creating a presentation of findings, and learning about the marine ecology of the area and the anatomy of the variety of marine species. They also learn to scuba dive and earn their Open Water Diver certificate. Time outside of coursework can be spent relaxing and exploring the pristine beaches, doing beach yoga, snorkeling, going on hikes, and seeing the sights in Quito.