SIT Study Abroad Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation
Explore tropical ecosystems, conduct biological fieldwork, and study conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.
WHY STUDY CONSERVATION IN ECUADOR?
You will live like a biologist as you explore the Amazon basin, the Andes, cloud forests, Pacific Ocean coastline, and the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador—unique climatic niches that harbor ecological treasures and a plethora of flora and fauna. Within these diverse and vulnerable settings, you will conduct biological fieldwork, studying plants and insects, taking soil samples, conducting species counts, using mist nets, and observing birds. You will also have the opportunity to live with two different homestay families: in capital city of Quito and the rural cloud forest.
See for yourself the importance of Ecuador’s biota as you learn from researchers during excursions to the Andean páramo highlands, the Amazon Region, and the Cloud Forest of North-Western Ecuador. You will also spend a week exploring the Galápagos Islands by land and sea.
Hone the Spanish language skills you will need to talk about environmental and conservation issues, conduct field research, and engage in institutional and community discussions related to ecology and biology.
Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.
MONEY MATTERS
SIT is an all-inclusively priced study abroad program – including academics costs, excursions, accommodations and meals, airport transfers, and health insurance. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
SCHOLARSHIPS
SIT has awarded an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in the past three years. All scholarships and grants are need-based. Awards generally range from $500 to $5,000.
CONTACT SIT STUDY ABROAD
· Visit our website: studyabroad.sit.edu
· Request more information or email us: studyabroad@sit.edu
· Call an admissions counselor: 888-272-7881
· Contact a former student.
· Apply to SIT
Academic Program
The program begins with a week of orientation conducted by the program director in Quito. Following orientation, students are placed in an intermediate or advanced Spanish course based on a placement exam. The academic program consists of:
- Spanish for the Natural Sciences (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Comparative Tropical Ecology (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Conservation and Sustainability Practices in Ecuador (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Environmental Research Methods and Ethics (0.75 Pomona credits)
- Independent Study Project (ISP; 1 Pomona credit)
There is no CR/NC option on this program.
Living Arrangements
Eight-week homestay in Quito. Brief rural homestay in cloud forest. Other accommodations during the program include hostels, field camps, reserve lodges, and boats.
Number of students
SIT enrolls approximately 20-25 students, selected from a competitive national pool.
Host Institution
School for International Training (SIT)
Eligibility
- Completion of advanced Spanish (Spanish 44), or equivalent, and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish.
- Previous college-level coursework or background in environmental sciences, ecology, or biology (environmental-related or field research), as assessed by SIT.
Faculty Liaison
Grace Davila-Lopez
Travel Advisories
