There is Only One Galapagos
Nothing inspires conservation in a person quite like time spent among the giant tortoises, iridescent finches, volcanic landscape and rich waters of the Galapagos Islands. The reason is simple. This little archipelago off the coast of Ecuador hosts a riot of life unmatched anywhere on the planet. You’ll examine, explore, learn and, above all, wonder.
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Your group will fly into Ecuador's capital city Quito. As you get to know your instructor team you'll preview your course, and develop a better understanding of what makes Galapagos so special -- and how you'll work to protect it!
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Today you'll get on a plane and fly to the famous Galapagos Islands. On arrival you'll transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where you begin to design your research project.
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Our collaboration with Conservation International begins today as you take part in an important biodiversity monitoring project. While camping at a private reserve, you'll catalog native and endemic species while learning more about the ecology of the highlands.
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Today you'll work side by side with representatives from the Galapagos National Park in an effort to help eradicate invasive species from habitat used by giant tortoises and other endemic species. You'll also learn about island biogeography and tortoise biology.
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Today you head down from the highlands to the main town of Puerto Ayora. You'll spend the morning monitoring juvenile Galapagos tortoises at the National Park, then you'll hike out to Tortuga Bay -- a pristine beach -- where you'll play games and watch the sun set.
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Today you'll visit a local high school attended by students from Galapagos who have also participated in the program. You'll share the results of your research, then play soccer in the afternoon.
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You'll board a yacht and begin a four-day, three-night journey through the archipelago. Each day you'll visit a different island, snorkel as much as possible, and really get up close and personal with the islands' famous wildlife. This will certainly be a highlight!
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Say goodbye to your instructors and then board the plane heading for home.
Conservation Impact
Working side-by-side with scientists in the Galapagos National Park, you’ll help improve conservation efforts for the archipelago. Projects address crucial issues such as species survival and habitat improvement. You’ll work hands-on with tortoises, help remove invasive plants, collect important data and restore critical habitat needed by native and endemic species. In short, you’ll leave the Galapagos better than you found it.
Academics and Education
Our 12-day program includes more than 20 hours of field research in many of the Park’s wildest and least visited reaches, plus another 40 hours of coursework and instruction in tortoise biology, island biogeography, Galapagos conservation, art and journaling. You’ll conceive, develop, analyze and present a field-based research project using data you collect. You’ll even have the opportunity to snorkel in the life-rich waters of the Galapagos Marine Reserve and explore the archipelago via a live-aboard yacht.
Cultural Exchange
More than half of our program participants are from Galapagos, which ensures a unique cultural exchange opportunity for international students who participate. After each group completes the field research, students meet their international peers at local schools where they give joint presentations, share research data, collaborate and come to see conservation from new perspectives.