Home • Galápagos • Galápagos Islands Ecology Program

You will collaborate with biologists and local communities to study populations of native and introduced species in the archipelago and participate in habitat restoration activities. This course is an amazing opportunity to assist with authentic research and be active in international conservation efforts.

The 14-day course includes over 50 hours of coursework and instruction with 20 hours of field research. Coursework includes evolution, island biogeography and ecology, habitat restoration, introduced vs. endemic species, journal writing, scientific method, snorkeling, Spanish, and art.

How to Apply

Send in an EPI application and $250 deposit. Applications can be downloaded by clicking on the Application icon to the right.

· Day 1: Afternoon arrival in Quito, Ecuador. You are met at the airport with a warm welcome from your Ecology Project International instructors.

· Days 2-8: Galápagos Islands Ecology and Conservation. You'll spend the week involved in various research and monitoring projects. We'll conduct surveys on land and in the water to learn more about the native and introduced species that can be found in Galápagos.

· Day 9: Galápagos High School Visit. Several Galápagos high schools are working with us, and today we'll meet with them. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice Spanish and get to know the locals who are collaborating with you to protect the islands.

· Days 10-13: Mainland Ecology. We'll return to Quito and spend a couple of days comparing the island diversity of Galápagos to the tropical diversity in mainland Ecuador.

· Day 14: Morning Departure. After a celebration dinner and time to reflect on our journey, we depart for the airport and look forward to the next adventure!

Course dates

February - July; contact us for the specific course date that best fits your schedule.

Age

This program is specifically designed for high school students who are seeking a learning experience outside of the classroom that is scientifically authentic, academically rigorous, and culturally appropriate. We do occasionally work with middle school groups, and ask that maturity level be considered when determining whether students are appropriate candidates for this program.

Group Size

Our minimum group size is 10, maximum 16. Please contact us to discuss options if you have a smaller or larger group.

Accommodations

Each of the destinations you will be visiting was chosen for its quiet simplicity and sustainable design. At the private reserves, EPI participants and reserve staff will be the only visitors during your stay. You will sleep in dormitory style cabins and share a room with 2-3 other students. The lodges and hotels supply sheets, pillows, towels, and other bedding. When camping, EPI supplies all group camping gear (tents, sleeping pads, kitchen).

Tuition

Contact us for pricing.