Galápagos Semester Program GAIAS

Located on San Cristobal Island, the USFQ Galapagos campus offers international students the opportunity to study in one of the world's most pristine natural laboratories.

The Galapagos semester program, from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, provides four academic courses in biological and social sciences, all taught in English. Students can choose one of the following concentrations:

1. Evolution, Ecology, and Conservation.
2. Marine Ecology.

More information  

Students must meet the following requirements:

• Must be entering at least their sophomore year of undergraduate studies.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0.
• English proficiency (international applicants for whom English is a second language must provide documentation of English proficiency).
• All students must have a yellow fever vaccination regardless of their chosen track.
• Requirements per track:
  • Evolution, Ecology and Conservation, and Sustainability and Resilience track students must have completed at least one college-level biology or ecology course with a minimum grade of B-.
  • One Health track students must have completed at least two college-level biology and/or ecology courses and one college-level laboratory course, achieving a minimum grade of B- in each. Applicants may propose equivalent courses.
  • Marine Ecology track students must have completed at least two college-level biology and ecology courses with a minimum grade of B-. Additionally, these students must obtain open water diving certification and DAN dive insurance prior to the start of the program for USFQ-sponsored academic dives. Students without open water certification or dive insurance will only be permitted to snorkel during excursions.Depending in the tracks, there are certain classes you have had finished before the course.

For more information, you can schedule a virtual meeting   or fill the following form: