Description: Through coursework and related excursions to some of the world´s tallest volcanoes and the most bio-diverse tropical forests, in addition to the Galapagos’ Archipelago Islands, students in the Evolution, Ecology and Conservation program will examine and study: (1) the ways in which Ecuador´s diverse ecosystems shape evolutionary processes, (2) the manner in which these processes lead to adaptive radiation, specification, endemism, and biological diversity, and (3) the role that distinct social, cultural and economic conditions have played in the protection or transformation of these unique environments. By the end of the course, in addition to in-depth knowledge and understanding of the above mentioned processes, program participants will also be able identify the various strategies and mechanisms required for the protection and preservation of biodiversity, while addressing the past, present and potential future consequences of human actions on the environment.
Study Plan: 5 classes worth 3 credits each. Each class lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. During the students´ first month in Ecuador, they will take classes at USFQ’s main campus in Cumbaya. During the first month, they will also visit the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, a cloud forest and the Antisana Volcano. The other 4 classes are held at the GAIAS campus in the Galapagos. Through these hands-on classes students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most amazing places in the Galapagos and enjoy an education-based 4-day cruise.
Program Highlights:
- Personalized, small classroom settings
- State of the art teaching, research and laboratory facilities
- Hands-on classes and field trips
- Visits to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuadorian highlands, and a cloud forest.
- Free Spanish lessons
- Experiencing Ecuadorian culture and the opportunity to live in one of the most unique and amazing places on earth, the Galapagos Archipelago Islands.
- 4-day cruise and tour of the Galapagos Islands
- Ph.D. trained professors with vast teaching, research and field experience
Courses include:
Class Schedule (en pdf y en Excel):
Program Calendar (en pdf y en word):
Duration: 1 Semester (1 month at USFQ in Cumbaya, 3 months in the Galapagos)
Mode: Hands-on learning in the field and traditional classroom setting.
Coordinator: Gabriela Castaneda. usfq-gaias@usfq.edu.ec
Description: The GAIAS Marine Ecology program combines course and field work which addresses the importance of marine conservation and the social aspects of marine management. Through their studies on the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast and the Galapagos Archipelago Islands, students will experience and study a variety of ecosystems, including the subtropical ecosystems of the Humboldt Current and tropical ecosystems of the northern Ecuadorian coast.
Through this course, students will be able to take full advantage of the innate diversity of the Ecuadorian coast and Galapagos Archipelago Islands. Course related fieldtrips to oceanic mangroves, wetlands, cliffs, inter-tidal ecosystems, open sea, and rocky and coral reefs while observing and studying these habitats’ extensive and diverse marine life provides the students a once in a lifetime opportunity for hands-on, in-depth study and understanding of various marine habitats and communities. It is Ecuador’s extensive diversity, both on land and underwater, that makes Ecuador one of the most ideal places in the world for the study of Marine Ecology.
Study Plan: 5 classes worth 3 credits each. Each class lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. During the students´ first month in Ecuador, they will take classes at USFQ’s main campus in Cumbayá. In the first class, students will learn how to conduct research projects at the Machalilla National Park on the Ecuadorian coast. Marine Ecology students will also visit a cloud forest and the Antisana Volcano. The other 4 classes are held at the GAIAS campus in the Galapagos. Through these hands-on classes students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most amazing places in the Galapagos and enjoy an education-based 4-day cruise.
Program Highlights:
- Personalized, small classroom settings
- State of the art teaching, research and laboratory facilities
- Hands-on classes and field trips
- Visits to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuadorian highlands, a cloud forest.
- Free Spanish lessons
- Experiencing Ecuadorian culture and the opportunity to live in one of the most unique and amazing places on earth, the Galapagos Archipelago Islands.
- 4-day cruise and tour of the Galapagos Islands
- Ph.D. trained professors with vast teaching, research and field experience
Courses include:
Class Schedule (en pdf y en Excel)
Program Calendar (en pdf y en word)
Duration: 1 Semester (1 month at USFQ in Cumbaya, 3 months in the Galapagos)
Mode: Hands-on learning in the field and traditional classroom setting.
Coordinator: Gabriela Castaneda, PhD. usfq-gaias@usfq.edu.ec
Description:The People, Politics and Environment Program explores the various economic, cultural and social issues that affect relationships between humans and their environment. This course employs a combination of classroom discussion, visits to indigenous and traditional Andean communities, the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Archipelago Galapagos Islands.
Program participants will study ways in which societies adapt to diverse ecosystems on local and global levels. They will examine the economic, political, and societal transformations resulting from the tourism, fisheries, and agriculture industries, as well as from conservation efforts. Students will evaluate the impacts that societies have had on fragile ecosystems and research just and peaceful solutions to conflicts resulting from the delicate and, at times, volatile dynamics between people and their environments.
Study Plan:5 classes worth 3 credits each. Each class lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. During the students´ first month in Ecuador, they will take classes at USFQ’s main campus in Cumbaya. During this first month, they will also visit the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, a cloud forest and the Antisana Volcano. The other 4 classes are held at the GAIAS campus in the Galapagos. Through these hands-on classes students will have the opportunity to visit some of the most amazing places in the Galapagos and enjoy an education-based 4-day cruise.
Courses include:
Class Schedule (en pdf y en Excel)
Program Highlights:
- Personalized, small classroom settings
- State of the art teaching, research and laboratory facilities
- Hands-on classes and field trips
- Visits to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuadorian highlands, a cloud forest.
- Free Spanish lessons
- Experiencing Ecuadorian culture and the opportunity to live in one of the most unique and amazing places on earth, the Galapagos Archipelago Islands.
- 4-day cruise and tour of the Galapagos Islands
- Ph.D. trained professors with vast teaching, research and field experience
Duration: 1 Semester (1 month at USFQ in Cumbaya, 3 months in the Galapagos)
Mode: Hands-on learning in the field and traditional classroom setting.
Coordinator: Gabriela Castaneda, PhD. usfq-gaias@usfq.edu.ec