Frequent Questions
Do I have to be part of a pre-established group to participate?
No. In addition to group enrollment, many courses are ‘open enrollment’. Individuals are welcome to join any open enrollment course. Find out more about participating on your own.
Will I be able to check e-mail and use the internet while I am on-course?
No. EPI maintains an ‘unplugged’ policy at all time on-course, in part to help ensure that students maximize their time away from home (and away from cell phones, computers, and Ipods), and to minimize the chance of damaged and/ or lost electronic equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and take as many pictures as appropriate. If students wish to bring Ipods or similar devices to use on airplanes, they are welcome to do so. EPI instructors will collect the devices on-arrival to the host country and return them to students at the end of the course.
Do I need to bring any first aid supplies?
No. EPI provides all necessary first aid supplies. Our instructors travel with comprehensive first aid kits at all times while on-course and participants do not need to bring any additional supplies.
Can I receive academic credit for participating in an EPI program?
During your course you will conduct research and carry out service-learning projects, all of which are worth academic credit at your school.
Before your course, we’ll work with your teachers and administrators to figure out the best way for you to get credit through your school based on the length of your course and the projects you’ll complete.
If you are a high school student interested in getting college credit for your course, ask your teacher to contact our office. When possible, we’ll work together to create a plan for you and your classmates to participate in one of our courses AND earn college credit at the same time. Call our office today for more details.
In addition, for some students the service-learning component of our courses is as important for graduation as credit-hours. Each of our programs provides verification of completion along with corresponding service hours.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes! You do need current medical insurance coverage while on-course. If you don’t already have medical insurance, EPI recommends Travel Guard Insurance.
Is travel insurance required?
No. Travel insurance is not required but we do recommend considering purchasing a short-term policy that covers your time out the country. EPI recommends Travel Guard Insurance.
General
What programs do you offer and when do they take place?
January – April Baja California Whale Ecology Program
March – July Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology Program
March – July Galapagos Islands Ecology Program
June – August Greater Yellowstone Ecology Program
Oct – Dec & February – May Baja California Island Ecology Program
What if I have fewer than the minimum students interested? Can we still go?
Yes, you can. We’ve got several options: run a smaller course, combine you with another group, and reach out to other students in your community.
What shots or immunizations are required?
No shots or immunizations are required for ANY of our programs. We do recommend that all participants are current with Hepatitis A and Tetanus.
What does EPI do to keep students safe?
Student safety is EPI’s number one priority and we take risk management very seriously. Our instructors are trained in wilderness first aid and we have at least one Wilderness First Responder on every course. We have a detailed emergency action plan and communication protocol for situations that require immediate attention. Additionally, we maintain a 24-hour emergency cell phone in the US in the event something needs to be communicated from the field to the US or vice-versa. Please contact our office with specific questions.
Does a physician have to sign the EPI medical form, or can we submit a different form signed by a doctor?
We require that all participants have a physical examination at least one year prior to their course, and we ask that they submit the EPI medical history form signed by an M.D. If a student has had another physical for other reasons (sports, etc.) within one year, we do not require an additional physical but we do require a physician’s signature on our form.
Do I have to be part of a pre-established group to participate?
No. In addition to group enrollment, many courses are ‘open enrollment’. Individuals are welcome to join any open enrollment course. Find out more about participating on your own.
Can individuals from outside the US participate?
Yes. We welcome students from any country in the world, and we’ve had participants from the US, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, South Korea, China, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, and more!
Does EPI offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes. We offer need-based financial aid and scholarships each year to our US participants in addition to the awards we offer our local students in Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico. The deadline for financial aid is in late October. Please contact our office if you’d like a financial aid application.
Will I be able to check e-mail and use the internet while I am on-course?
No. EPI maintains an ‘unplugged’ policy at all time on-course, in part to help ensure that students maximize their time away from home (and away from cell phones, computers, and Ipods), and to minimize the chance of damaged and/ or lost electronic equipment. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras and take as many pictures as appropriate. If students wish to bring Ipods or similar devices to use on airplanes, they are welcome to do so. EPI instructors will collect the devices on-arrival to the host country and return them to students at the end of the course.
What kind of insurance does EPI carry?
Ecology Project International carries an International Commercial Insurance Policy. The $1,000,000 international liability policy covers our participants who are traveling outside of the US; the coverage is valid anywhere in the world.
Do participants prepare their own meals?
No. EPI hires local cooks to prepare meals during all international courses. Occasionally breakfast will be served buffet style. The only exception is the Montana/ Yellowstone course in which students help out with meal preparation.
What if we want a custom itinerary?
We have ample flexibility in terms of the length and content of our courses. If you have a special request, please let us know and we will do everything possible to accommodate your needs.
Is there adult supervision 24/7?
Yes! At least one (usually two) of our staff members will be with students at all times while on-course from the time the group exits security at the airport to the time they enter security at the airport on departure, including all points in between.
How can I contact my child while they are on course?
If you need to urgently communicate something to your son or daughter while they are in the field, call our office at 406.721.8784. Our staff is in the best position to know the fastest way to contact the group when they are in the field. Calls placed after-hours will be transferred to our 24-hour emergency cell phone.
How many students do you take on one course?
Course size depends on location. On average, we have 11 – 14 students per course plus one to two chaperones and two EPI instructors.
Maximum group size (students and chaperones):
Costa Rica Sea Turtle Ecology: 20 participants
Galapagos Islands Ecology Program: 14 participants
Baja Island Ecology: 16 participants
Baja Whale Ecology: 10 participants
Montana Wildlife Ecology Program: 15 participants
Will EPI staff fly with the group?
No. The only time our staff is not with the group is during the airline travel prior to and after the field course. Teacher-chaperones travel with the group at that time and on-arrival our staff will meet the group at the airport.
Who are your instructors?
Our instructors are some of the most talented and interesting people you’ll have the chance to meet. They all have experience in field science, education, outdoor leadership, first aid, international travel, and for all international programs they are bilingual. For more information, read their biographies on our staff page.
Do I need medical insurance?
Yes! You do need current medical insurance coverage while on-course. If you don’t already have medical insurance, EPI recommends Travel Guard Insurance.
Is travel insurance required?
No. Travel insurance is not required but we do recommend considering purchasing a short-term policy that covers your time out the country. EPI recommends Travel Guard Insurance.
If I am not a student, can I still participate?
Yes! Adult friends and relatives are welcome on all of EPI’s courses. Also, EPI offers Adult and Family Trips each year for individuals of any age. See endangered sea turtles nest in Costa Rica, along with abundant rainforest wildlife, cruise the Galapagos Islands, or watch great whales from a chartered yacht in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico. Contact us for more information!