Spring Break in the Galapagos

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Spring Break in Galapagos

Ecuador | Field Studies in the Galapagos

Dates: March 1 – 7, 2025
Location: Galapagos, Ecuador
Cost: $5,800
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $5,225 with spring tuition and fees deadline
Course information: BIO 315 – Field Studies in Biology

Requirements: In order to attend a Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program, students must have a 2.5 or higher GPA. Questions regarding this policy may be directed to Emily Dunn (dunn_ea@mercer.edu).

This faculty-led study abroad program is a combination of on-campus class sessions and intensive field experience in Ecuador. Students will learn the history of the Galapagos Islands and the ecological principles about how these islands came to be inhabited by unique species and will also develop an appreciation for the fragility and importance of this unique natural resource.

Program activities will include snorkeling around the various island reefs, visiting a giant tortoise breeding program, observation of local wildlife such as finches, sea lions, iguanas, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies, walking through cactus forests, exploring ancient volcanoes, and checking out the local villages.

Accommodations include 2 nights in a hotel in Quito, Ecuador and 4 days/3 nights onboard the ship that will take students from island to island in the Galapagos.

For more information about this program please contact Dr. Troy Nash (nash_tr@mercer.edu, 478-301-2892) or the Study Abroad Office (studyabroad@mercer.edu, 478-301-4444).

During this one-week program, students will experience:

a full day guided exploration of Quito, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site
Bachas beach on Santa Cruz, Galapagos
the eastern arm of the caldera of Darwin Bay, Genovesa
Darwin Bay
the volcanic islet of Bartholomew
El Chato Tortoise Reserve
the Twin Craters and cloud forest

*These activities are subject to change based on availability when booking.

To apply: Please click on the “Apply Now” button in the overview section and fill out all of the information requested.

Application deadline: October 15th
Decision date: October 16th
Deposit: $575 (non-refundable) due by November 1st to hold your place in the program.
Final payment deadline: $5,225 by spring tuition and fees spring deadline

BIO 315 – Natural History of Galapagos

3 credit hours

Course Description

This course is a combination class sessions and intensive field-experiential course designed to familiarize students with the Natural History of the Galapagos Islands. You will learn the history of the Galapagos Islands and the ecological principles about how these islands came to be inhabited by unique species. You will also develop an appreciation for the fragility and importance of this unique natural resource.

Enrollment

Students should be reading and writing at the college junior level, have a genuine interest in the biological sciences, a willingness to learn about other cultures and biomes, an acceptable level of physical fitness (including swimming ability), and permission of the instructor.