SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
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, an... read more
All Reviews
Absolutely worthwhile! I got many more hours' worth of fieldwork experience in a variety of sub-disciplines and exposure to topics that are helping me to inform future career choices, as well as the opportunity to see through an intensive research project by myself, increasing my skills and confidence as a scientist. I also gain... A student - Pomona College View Entire Review
I gained an incredible amount from this experience. Among them: -Fantastic experiences in ecological methods that prepare me for a future career -The opportunity to see a myriad of ecosystems and wildlife across the country -Significant growth in Spanish ability -Ecuadorian connections in my professional sphere -Lifelong fr... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I was challenged academically and I gained a lot confidence in myself. We were given many opportunities to practice field techniques, and the various assignments throughout the semester helped prepare me for the Independent Study Project, which was the most challenging and rewarding academic experience I've ever had. Ella H - Oberlin College View Entire Review
This program allowed me to pursue my academic interests (environmentalism, conservation, biology), improve my Spanish skills, learn about a new culture, and make friends with like-minded people. I had many experiences that I never would have been able to have as a tourist or visitor in the country. I felt very well supported by ... Ellie C - Tufts University View Entire Review
I gained confidence in my language abilities, as well as confidence in field techniques. I gained tools to define effective research methods and complete independent projects to successful conclusions. Rae L - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
It made me really appreciate home, and I don’t know if I needed to go to Ecuador to do that. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
The program absolutely lived up to the expectations of being immersed in Ecuador's amazing biodiversity and complex conservation challenges. I learned so much through the experiential, comparative approach of the program. Furthermore, the opportunity to perform independent real-world field research was invaluable and allowed me... A student - Whitman College View Entire Review
I got to be in entirely new ecosystems learning in person about the organisms and system interactions. I learned how to live in uncomfortable situations and how to leave my comfort zone and grow as a person. Extremely worthwhile A student - Macalester College View Entire Review
I feel much more qualified for research opportunities in ecology, and much more confident in my Spanish classes. It was 100% worthwhile! Phoebe Merrick - University of Virginia View Entire Review
I had never traveled abroad before this experience. First, I learned a lot Spanish and increased my confidence in speaking. I also learned a lot about different perspectives in regards to culture, ecology, and conservation issues. One thing this program stresses is our responsibility as students and guests in another country. It... Nicole C. - University of Denver View Entire Review
I got to go to some very cool places. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I better understood what I do and do not want for my future. The exposure to many different topics helped show me what I enjoy doing. Katie W - Sewanee: The University of the South View Entire Review
Ecuador is an amazing country, and if you're interested in science or love the outdoors, there's no better way to experience it for a semester than through this program. Henry - Claremont McKenna College View Entire Review
I wanted learning to be fun again, and this program did just that. Moreover, I study environmental engineering; as such, I am used to examining similar issues we learned about but from a completely different angle. I was glad to gain an understanding of the biological/conservation side of environmental issues. I was able to lear... A student - Johns Hopkins University View Entire Review
I loved the experiential learning that this program offered. With a greater independence in our projects, I became a lot more confident as a student and a scientist. The academic rigor of this program made it all the more rewarding. The leaders of our program, Xavier, Ana María, and Diana, were all very knowledgeable and availab... Danielle Kleinberg - Gettysburg College View Entire Review
It was very much so worthwhile. I gained friends, experience, and loads of knowledge that I'll be able to use to develop my education and push myself towards my career goals. Tessa S - Northwestern University View Entire Review
I have so much experience that I feel comfortable pursuing a career in biological research. Learning in the field, being exposed to different field methodologies, carrying out an independent project, and gaining lots of experience with scientific writing fulfilled much of that. Secondary learning in language and culture was also... A student - Muhlenberg College View Entire Review
field techniques, knowledge of natural history, spanish proficiency, comfort in navigating a foreign country. Yes. Zane Libke - Davidson College View Entire Review
The program was definitely worthwhile - I improved my Spanish, learned about important ecological concepts, conducted my own research, and learned to live with less during a month of living in the Amazon. A student - The College of Wooster View Entire Review
I gained confidence in myself, as well as an appreciation for familial bonds and a different perception of life and family structure. I learned about important environmental issues while visiting some of the most beautiful and biodiverse places in the world. I also made amazing friends who share my passions and values, both from... Sarah Tobey - Colby College View Entire Review
I learned how to deal with sexism, poor organization, somewhat unsafe situations, and generally adverse circumstances. I am a better person for this and am glad to have learned this. Harper Baldwin - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Experiential learning is key, it's better to go with the flow Matt Nocella - Wofford College View Entire Review
I learned greatly about my own comfort levels, and I greatly gained confidence in myself to navigate a totally new culture and place on my own. It also opened me to different ways of life. I lived both with a family in Quito and also with a family in a small village with only 100 people. Both families demonstrated were incredibl... Keifer - Whitman College View Entire Review
I apologize for the cliche, but you will truly broaden your view of the world and of foreign cultures on this program. Yes, it is a science program, and I feel like I now intimately understand the ecology and ecosystems and the complex conservation issues that Ecuador faces--and the workload of the courses will make sure that yo... A student - Colby College View Entire Review
An appreciation for the effort of anyone trying to speak a language when it is not their native language, lots of new knowledge, 2 more moms and families. Absolutely worthwhile A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
About
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.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- Spanish
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- Spanish
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
These scholarships ($30,000 divided between several students annually, with an average award of $3,750 per student) are for students who wish to study in Latin America or East Africa and focus primarily on women’s reproductive health and/or other topics such as girls’ education, poverty, social justice, ecology, or regional integration. Preferred SIT East Africa programs are those based in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, or Tanzania.
$3,750
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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