Galapagos Short Term Study Abroad
Select Topics in Biology (BSC 2933)
1 credit
- May 30 - June 8, 2025
- Leader
Melissa Schreiber - Leader
Marsha Butler
Before reviewing this page or applying to this program, read the entire COVID-19 Statement. If you have questions, please contact SAGE. All information is subject to change. Prices are an estimate only until flights are booked and could fluctuate.
Program Overview
Do you remember learning about Charles Darwin in biology class? This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn about the findings of Charles Darwin: genetic variation and natural selection. In this study abroad course you will travel to the islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The isolated islands have led to the diversity of many plant and animal species. You will observe the plants and animals that are similar from island to island and found on the mainland but have adapted to the unique environments on each island. The island that will be visited on the trip will include Santa Cruz, North Seymour, and Isabela. Students will tour the Charles Darwin Foundation on Santa Cruz Islands to learn about the conservation and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands. Students will also complete Service learning on Santa Cruz Island and Isabela Island. Also, you will view the lava formations and snorkel at Los Tuneles and hit the second largest volcano crater in the world at Sierra Negra Volcano.
Service Project Overview
On Santa Cruz Island, you will first learn about the environmental concerns regarding microplastics. You will analyze the different microplastics that are collected on the beach. On Isabela Island, you will provide support at the tortoise breeding center and clean ponds, and assist with landscaping for habitat restoration.
Course Description
SERVICE LEARNING Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 institutional or overall GPA; or department approval This course gives the student the opportunity to grow academically, pre-professionally, personally and civically through participation in a service-learning experience. Students meet real needs in the community by applying knowledge from their courses. Students complete 20 hours of service per credit, complete written reflections, and meet regularly with assigned faculty member. Multiple credit course. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits, but grade forgiveness cannot be applied.
Summer Application & Payment Deadlines
- August 2024 – Applications Open
- 12/06/2024 - Applications Close
- 12/13/2024 - Application Payment Deadline
- 01/31/2025 - Passport Deadline & Orientation
- 02/14/2025 - Deposit Payment Deadline
- 04/25/2025 - Final Payment Deadline
Contact us
Location
- 1800 South Kirkman Rd
Orlando, FL 32811 - West Campus
- 10 - 218
Hours
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 4:30pm (Virtual appointments only)
Email and Phone
Social Media
Things to Consider Before You Apply
- Familiarize yourself with Ecuador’s travel risk outlook, including COVID-19 entry restrictions and levels. Please visit the Department of State by clicking here and the CDC by clicking here to see more information.
- This program is open to students in good standing only. Please see GPA requirements.
- This program has no prerequisites
- Students are required to attend all pre-departure and re-entry class meetings.
- Students should expect to walk at least 10 miles per day, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Students will be traveling in the country via airplane, train, or bus. Packing light will be critical since the group will be moving around to different cities during the program. Be prepared to transport your personal belongings during those transitions.
- If a student has dietary restrictions, he/she should be prepared with extra money for meals and snacks. Dietary needs will be communicated beforehand but alternate meals may not be available due to travel arrangements, and students should plan accordingly.
- Daily breakfast and some dinners will be included in the price. All other meals, snacks, souvenirs/shopping, and structured free time activities will be the responsibility of the student.
- Students must acquire passports. Passport fees, course tuition, and course materials are not included in the price.
- Students can expect to share room accommodations with students of the same gender with en-suite bathrooms shared.
- During free time, students must always be in a group of three or more for safety reasons.
- Students are not allowed to drink alcohol per SAGE and Student Development rules.
- Valencia College requires a nightly curfew for students.
- It is important to understand that students will be acting as cultural ambassadors from the U.S. and representing Valencia positively to our foreign hosts. Students will be expected to follow the Valencia Student Code of Conduct.
Program Eligibility
- Be 18-years-old by time of travel.
- Have an Institutional GPA of 2.5 at time of application.
- Meet course requirements, including prerequisites if applicable.
Endowed Chair Eligibility
- Be a degree-seeking student with Valencia College.
- Completed one semester within last year.
- Completed 12 college-level credits by the time of travel.
- Have not received a SAGE scholarship in the current academic year.
Course Prerequisites
-
None
Funding Information
Be advised that the Application Fee and Deposit are out of pocket costs. The Final Payment is included in your tuition bill, eligible students can use their financial aid to cover part or all of the final payment and/or additional program costs (airfare, accommodations, meals, etc.) as long as the course satisfies your degree requirements. Consider doing a Valencia Foundation Scholarship Application to help cover costs for your program. You can meet with an Academic Advisor for details on how FAFSA or Foundation Scholarships may be applied to your program. It is important that this course count towards your degree or certificate program; otherwise, your financial aid payment may be reduced.
This program may receive partial funding by the Valencia Foundation, Endowed Chair awards or the SAGE Office. These departments will be contributing a percentage towards the cost of participation. Funding is limited to Specific Programs
Program Fee Includes
- Roundtrip Airfare
- Accommodations
- Daily Continental Breakfast
- Two Group Dinners
- Cultural and Professional Visits
- Most Ground Transportation
- Onsite Director and support
- Medical and Travel Insurance
Program Fee Does Not Include
- Most meals apart from breakfasts and two dinners
- Course Tuition and Fees
- Airport Departure Fees and Taxes
- Luggage Transport/Storage Fees
- Passport Fees
- Visa (not required for U.S. citizens)
- Immunizations
- Tips
- Spending Money and Extra Activities
Travel Information
Meetings
Pre-Departure Meetings
All Meetings are required
- 01/31/2025 - SAGE Orientation
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
TBA
TBA - 03/07/2025 Meeting #1
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA - 04/18/2025 Meeting #2
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA - 05/23/2025 - Meeting #3
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA - TBD - Meeting #4
TBa
TBA
TBA
Re-Entry Meetings
All Meetings are required
- 06/15/2025 - Re Entry Meeting
12:00pm - 3:00pm
TBA
TBA
Please note that the program may be altered or cancelled at any time at the discretion of Valencia College, and, in many circumstances, airfare or other transportation costs incurred by the student may not be refundable. Dates and prices are subject to change without notice before the application deadline.