Spring Break in the Galapagos

Apply Now

Ecuador | Field Studies in the Galapagos

 

Blue footed boobie bird on rockDates: March 8 – 15, 2027
Location: Galapagos, Ecuador
Cost: $6,110
Included: airfare, accommodations, in-country transportation, some meals, program events and activities, and study abroad fee
Application deadline: October 15th
Deposit: $575 November 1st (non-refundable)
Final payment deadline: $5,535 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. Participants on this program will also need the requisite level of physical fitness and swimming ability to pass a swim test. Questions regarding these policies may be directed to Bryan Johnson (johnson_mb@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, 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 5 days/4 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).

What You'll Do

During this one-week program, students will experience:

  • a full day guided exploration of Quito, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site
  • Black Turtle Cove and the Santa Cruz Highlands
  • the eastern arm of the caldera of Darwin Bay, Genovesa
  • Darwin Bay
  • the volcanic islet of Bartholomew

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

Application Process

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: $5,535 by spring tuition and fees spring deadline

Academics

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.

Budget

What is included in the program fee: 

  • Airfare
  • Some Meals
  • Lodging
  • Transportation in-country
  • Entry fees and required activities
  • Study Abroad application fee
  • International Insurance

What is not included in the program fee: 

  • Tuition*
  • Souvenirs
  • Transportation to and from the ATL airport

*Tuition is dependent upon your current enrollment and your colleges tuition fees for the semester of your program. If you are enrolled as a traditional undergraduate on the Macon campus, the 3 credits for this program will go towards your overall and will not create an increase in tuition cost as long as your overall amount of credits (including this 3 credit course) does not go over 18 credits. For a current list of tuition costs, please visit the Bursar’s office at The Office of the Bursar.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities:

*Please contact Bryan Johnson, the Assistant Director of Global Education, before applying to the asterisked scholarship opportunities at johnson_mb@mercer.edu.