Ecuador: Ecology and Conservation Biology
*Please note: This program will not run for Spring/Summer 2023.. Details below are subject to change.
QUITO, ECUADOR - ¡Bienvenidos a Ecuador! Students will explore and experience the ecology and biodiversity of the cloud forest ecosystem of the equatorial Andes Mountains as well as canoe and explore the Amazon River headwaters —all the while being immersed in the South American, Incan and Amazonian indigenous cultures in and around the Quito region. Students will conduct research in 3 river systems at Reserva Las Gralarias, a tropical bird sanctuary located literally on the equator, in the Parish of Mindo along the Western front of the Andes mountain range. We will explore land-use in and around the reserve including the impact of rural farming and grazing. Students will have the opportunity to assist with ongoing forest re-vegetation efforts. The river baseline data collected during this program will inform the local community about enhancing and maintaining their local ecosystem.
During the second week of the program, students will explore the world-famous Indian markets of Otavalo and a condor rehabilitation center, and spend two days at a working ranch in the high-elevation Paramo ecoregion at Antisana.
During the third week we travel into the upper Amazon Basin, trek down the Napo River, and live amongst the Sani Tribe and experience native culture, farming practices, education, and food; all the while exploring and experiencing the tropics in all its biological richness.
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Faculty-Led
2.5 GPA Required
English Language Requirement
Issue Friendly
Program Dates and Application Deadline
Spring/Summer 2024
Estimated Program Dates: May 2024 - May 2024
Application Deadline: February 1, 2024
(2.5 weeks)
Courses
Students will register for a total of 6 credits:
BIO 417: Tropical Field Biology (3 credits) AND
NRM 407: Natural Resources and Society (3 credits)
*Independent study credits are offered.
Fulfills General Education Global Perspectives requirement.
Fulfills both General Education Issues requirements. Reflection required.
Language of Instruction: English
Housing
Students will stay in hotels and hostels and boat berth.
Cost and Scholarships
2020 PROGRAM COSTS:
Program Fee: $6,025
Includes
- Round-trip airfare
- Accommodation
- Some meals
- All excursions and field trips
- All ground transportation
Other Expenses
- Tuition ($3,396)
- Personal expenses ($300)
- Passport ($150)
- Additional Meals ($100)
- ISIC optional ($28)
TOTAL PROJECTED COST: (Program Fee + Other Expenses): $9,999
SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS
Students may fund study abroad by using financial aid, scholarships, grants and personal funds. A study abroad adviser can help you create a funding plan.
Faculty-led Program Grant (Up to $1,500): Students who apply to a faculty-led program by the priority deadline are automatically considered for a grant from the Padnos International Center. Students must have a FAFSA on file.
Las Gralarias Foundation Ecuador Study Abroad Scholarships: The purpose of this scholarship is to support students studying neotropical conservation in Ecuador. Access the MyScholarships link here.
James F. and Virginia L. Goode Global Programs Scholarship: The purpose of the scholarship is to reduce the financial pressure on students and their families and make a Grand Valley education accessible to students from all backgrounds. This need-based scholarship will ensure that financial need does not become a barrier to intellectual and personal growth for students planning to study abroad.
To apply for scholarships, visit the Study Abroad Scholarshipspage or GVSU MyScholarships.
FINANCIAL AID:
To contact the Financial Aid office, email [email protected] with “Study Abroad” in the Subject line. Include your G Number and Total Projected Cost of the program in the e-mail.
Non-GVSU Students: Non-GVSU students admitted for study abroad are not eligible for Financial Aid from GVSU. Check with your home school’s study abroad and financial aid offices for details on applying for financial aid from your home school toward study abroad program costs.
Eligibility
It is recommended but not required that students take BIO 215 (general ecology) before departure.
2.5 GPA required.
GVSU is happy to extend this opportunity to Non-GVSU students.
Additional Information
Excursions
Excursion to the Galápagos Islands; a tropical paradise that is home to some of the most unique and undisturbed wildlife in the world
Already Applied
Arrival Information
CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.
Checkout CDC Report For Ecuador
CDC Report
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
Checkout US State Department CDC Information For Ecuador
US State Department Information
The first step to an international trip is to read our Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to our safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.
Contact Information
"My study abroad trip to Ecuador gave me the direction I was looking for - it answered that pesky "What I am going to do after college?" question we all fear. I now work with several tour companies in Ecuador, do some translating for the Ministry of Tourism of Coca, Ecuador, and am starting to offer English tutoring to help some of the naturalist guides improve their English. I think one of the biggest impacts it has had on me was seeing and experiencing a culture that is different of my own, by making me reconsider some my perceptions and bias. The best advice I can give to anyone considering going: Do it - you won't regret it." -Sarah Orchard
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