Description

GALAPAGOS - become a part of the unique natural and social environment of "Darwin's Living Laboratory!" We offer a fully accredited once in a lifetime experience to study (in) the Galapagos while positively impacting it as well. From penguins to iguanas, sharks to tortoises, salt marshes and beaches to volcano peaks we link what is learned in class with what is seen and experienced in the field or among the local people.

IOI offers a rare, fully accredited opportunity to study abroad in the Galapagos Islands. All our programs are registered and accredited with the University of Miami (FL) to offer semester long as well as intersession programs programs.

The 15 credit Spring semester is organized with professors from the prestigious Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. In the Fall semester we work with the Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy (ECS) - an innovative, interdisciplinary initiative that bridges the gap between science and environmental policy - and the UM Biology department for 15-18 easily transferable credits.
(for summer program please see the respective listing)

Classes are taught by UM faculty and the curriculum concentrates on the specific uniqueness of Isabela and the Galapagos Islands. It is a hands-on, field course-based experience with emphasis on cultural exchange and immersion. We take the classroom to the field. From penguins to iguanas, from sharks to tortoises, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peaks, students will not only learn about but be a part of the unique natural and social ecology of "Darwin's living laboratory."

To further increase and improve the connections between what is learned in class and experienced in day-to-day life, students of the semester long and summer programs live and interact with local host families. Upon arrival in Galapagos students get an important cultural orientation to prepare for living with families in Galapagos with respect and understanding for the people and the environment. The homestay is a basic principle of IOI that gives each student and host family intensive intercultural and Spanish/English language exchange.

The cap on students each semester is 15 in order to provide for a size group with an effective Professor-Student interaction.