Home • Why EPI

Ecology Project International courses are for students and teachers who want to enrich the classroom learning experience. Our field-based science and cultural programs provide an experience that brings students closer to each other and to their teachers. EPI's program is all-inclusive, academically rigorous, scientifically authentic, and culturally appropriate.

All-inclusive

Our pricing will save you time and money! All meals and activities, transportation, lodging, taxes, tips, and even airfare for foreign courses are included in the course tuition. Excluding things like "optional" activities, "meals on your own", "tips for guides", and "taxes" may make the cost seem cheaper, but they add up. This pricing is part of our commitment to outstanding customer service. From your first interaction with us until you return from your course, you are part of our alumni network, and we do our best to ensure that this is the experience of a lifetime for you and your group.

Academically rigorous

You'll be provided with pre and post course curriculum and resources, daily science and culture lessons while on-course, and a highly trained and qualified instructor staff, many of whom hold masters degrees in science. Our student participants have received credit from UC Santa Barbara, the University of Montana, and Coastal Carolina College for their work on course with EPI.

Scientifically authentic

You will participate in authentic science with reputable scientific partners. Visiting students spend significant time (usually 5 days to a week) at the research site; this is enough time for students to learn, practice, and improve their data collection skills. Because of our commitment to conservation, EPI has presented our students' work annually at scientific conferences, including the International Sea Turtle Symposium, the Ecological Society of America, and the Society of Conservation Biology. Additionally, EPI's work has been profiled as a successful model in the Journal of Conservation Biology.

Culturally appropriate

A majority of EPI students are the locals−they participate in the exact same program as the US students. Local schools are our long−term partners, and not just a marketing tool. Cultural exchange with EPI means that students spend time together as peers. Students give presentations and share research data−not pencils and knick-knacks−because it's more powerful for our students to realize their collaborative strength than their economic differences.