Overview

Spend a summer in the biodiverse Galápagos Islands, Ecuador with AIFS! Study environmental science at the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), one of the highest ranked universities in Ecuador. Begin the program at USFQ’s Cumbayá campus in Quito before flying to the university’s Extension campus on the island of San Cristóbal.

Academic Program Options in Galápagos Islands (Universidad San Francisco de Quito)

Summer Program

What’s Included

1. TUITION

   3 semester credits

2. courses

   environmental science

3. HOUSING

   with local families on San Cristóbal island. Hotel accommodation is provided for the Quito and Santa Cruz Island sections of the program

4. MEALS

   Breakfast and lunch in Quito, 3 meals a day on San Cristóbal Island and breakfast and one lunch on Santa Cruz Island

5. EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS

   Quito, Ecuador (2 nights at the start of the program and 2 nights at the end) Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos (2 nights)

6. CULTURAL & SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

   A guided tour of Quito’s historic center and the Middle of the World Monument or Otavalo Market. Activities in the Galápagos include visits to Frigate Bird Hill, El Junco Lake, La Galapaguera – home to the famous giant tortoises, La Lobería Beach to see the marine iguanas, snorkeling excursion to Kicker Rock, Puerto Chino and Isla Lobos to see the blue-footed boobies

7. HEALTH & SAFETY

   24/7 emergency support and comprehensive insurance

8. AIFS RESIDENT DIRECTOR

   who will be with the group throughout the program and be available to provide local information, answer questions, take care of linguistics and deal with emergencies

Unique to the Galápagos Islands

9. • Welcome reception
   • Round-trip flights from Quito, to the Galápagos
     
   • Galápagos National Park entrance fee and immigration card plus snorkeling equipment
     
   • Visit to Darwin Research Station
     
   • Extraordinary biodiversity that exists nowhere else on earth

Optional Components

10. AIFS FLIGHT PACKAGE >>

    Round-trip flights from 25 U.S. gateways
    Airport and hotel transfers to and from campus