Location:

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

High School

Term:

Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer

Program Overview

Program Description:

Galapagos International Academy is an ecological-centered program which also includes a volunteering and cultural experience for all of our students. We offer both summer and semester courses of study, and, as a Westwind community School, we are accredited by NCA/CASI, a division of AdvancED. Based in San Cristobal Island, Galapagos, students will have the opportunity to visit many famous locations, as well as enjoy the culture while living with a local family.

Don't expect to be couped up in a classroom all day! This course of study will take you into the heart of Galapagos as you study the ecology of Galapagos and the Marine Preserve as an integral part of the curriculum. Volunteer opportunities will take you into local schools, the community, and/or the Galapagos National Park. Weekends will offer more exciting experiences and a final trip will take you to several more islands which will truly make this the trip of a life time.

Since we are an accredited program, you will receive instruction from highly qualified teachers from the United States as well as certified Ecuadorian teachers (in the semester program). As such, high school credit will given for each class completed on an official transcript from Westwind Community Schools. The international volunteering experience you gain will also be used for credit and certificates issued upon program completion.

Setting Description:

Your Galapagos experience will be centered in San Cristobal Island, but you will also have a chance to spend a few days "acclimating" in Guayaquil, Ecuador, visiting several ecological sites before boarding the plane to Galapagos. In transit, you will stay in hotels, double occupancy, but while in San Cristobal you will stay will local families. Before leaving you will have a chance to visit Santa Cruz, Isabela, and at least one more island!

Cost:

The cost for the summer program, including tuition for 1/2 credit of Field Ecology and 1/2 credit for International Volunteering, is approximately $4700.00 for the complete session. This includes all housing, food, tuition, insurance, fees, and travel in Ecuador. It does NOT include your R/T travel from home to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Write for information on the semester program if interested.