Study Abroad

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.
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

Transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C (2.0) 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.

Review the Full Academic Requirements for Studying Abroad

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

View Scholarship Information

Apply to Study Abroad!

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  • Semester

Dates

  • Semester I: Early September - mid-December
  • Semester II: Early February - mid-May

Application Deadlines

  • Semester I: March 1
  • Semester II: October 1

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