SIT Ecuador: Comparative Ecology and Conservation
- Location: Quito, Ecuador
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: Spanish
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Explore tropical ecosystems, conduct biological fieldwork, and study conservation in one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. 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.
- Visa:
Required. Non-US citizens should consult with SIT and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
Additional Visa Information - Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford. Haverford is responsible for making tuition payment to SIT. Students are responsible for paying room and board costs directly to SIT.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Previous college-level coursework or background in environmental sciences, environmental studies, ecology, biology or related fields. Three recent semesters of college-level Spanish or equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish, as assessed by SIT, are also required. It is preferred that students be enrolled in a Spanish course the semester before they are expected to study abroad.
Academic Credit
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Required Courses:
- Conservation and Sustainability Practices in Ecuador
- Comparative Tropical Ecology
- Spanish for the Natural Sciences
- Environmental Research Methods and Ethics
- Independent Study Project
Course Highlights
Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Natural Sciences, Spanish
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
During the first week of the program topics such as academics, culture, and health and safety are discussed. Through group discussions, readings, and participatory methods, students are introduced to the host country and develop skills for successful cross-cultural communication.
Number of Students
20-30
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay only. While on excursions, accommodations can include hostels, field camps, reserve lodges, and boats.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- SIT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
Dates
- Semester I: Early September - mid-December
- Semester II: Early February - mid-May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 1
- Semester II: October 1