The Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) Galápagos Exchange Program immerses students in the ecological diversity of the northern Andean country of Ecuador. Students will spend a semester studying the vast and diverse ecosystems of Ecuador through intensive hands-on experiences based on field research in the montane, tropical rainforest and coastal regions. Students choose from four academic tracks in the biological and social sciences.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Boston University students only
- Admissions requirements for all programs
- Students must have completed at least one general biology or one ecology course at the college level
- Two semesters of college-level Spanish language or the equivalent
- Must be able to engage in intensive fieldwork for significant periods of time
Curriculum
The Galápagos Semester Program offers two Academic Tracks taught in English. Students may choose one of the following tracks:
- Evolution, Ecology and Conservation
- Marine Ecology
Students also enroll in an intensive Spanish language course
Graduate credit may be awarded for the ecology courses to full-time graduate students if they conduct additional independent research
Galápagos Semester Program Information and Course Descriptions
Academic culture may be very different at a partner institution; (USFQ) provides a rigorous academic experience to both local and visiting students, and you will be subject to their academic policies and procedures during your time at this institution.
Housing & Student Services
Local Homestay
- Single bedroom in a shared home with a local family, including shared bathrooms; key access to home; all housing has A/C, window screens, or mosquito nets where necessary
- Kitchen available to use in Quito with permission from host
- Board included; breakfast and dinner with host family seven days a week
- No dining hall available but there are many local places to eat near the university and in Quito
- Laundry included—in home or handled by host family
- Study spaces available at the USFQ and local cafés throughout Quito
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: mid August to late December
- Spring Semester: early January to mid May
Application Timeline
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline September 1
This program is not on a rolling admissions cycle. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials have been received by the BU Study Abroad office by the application deadline. Decisions will not be made until after the application deadline. Applicants will receive their decision via email.
Information on other programs that do not follow a rolling admissions cycle and information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
