ecology & Environment
in ecuador: the Amazon & the galapagos
TENTATIVE DATES:
January 2 - 20, 2014
Application Fee
$100
APPROXIMATE PROGRAM FEE: $5,275
The Program Fee includes tuition and program expenses. Click on Program Fee for details.
International airfare and personal expenses are not included in the Program Fee and are the responsiblity of the participant.
Application Deadline
October 4, 2013
Eligibility
This program is open to all undergraduate and graduate students with a cumulative GPA of 2.25, including students who do not attend George Mason University.
Credits
Undergraduate
3 semester credits in Biology 440, Environmental Science and Public Policy 490, or New Century Learning 395
Seeking credit approval for Geography 333.
Graduate
3 semester credits in Biology 507 or Environmental Science and Public Policy 505
TYPE OF HOUSING: Hotels, Campgrounds, and Research Stations
HIGHLIGHTS: Tiputini Research Station in the Amazon Rainforest; canopy exploration in Yasuní National Park (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve); extinct and active volcanoes; Playa Ochoa, a beautiful powder-sand beach; the marine sanctuary, and Los Túneles.
CONTACT: Marie alice Arnold via email or by calling 703.993.2167 or toll free at 866.468.1243. The toll free number does not accept calls from the 703 area code.
Take 15 minutes to watch a video journal from one of last year's study abroad participants:
Surrounded by forested mountains and volcanoes at 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito is the second highest capital city in Latin America. Despite the fact that it's only 15 miles south of the equator, Quito's elevation gives it a wonderful spring-like climate year-round.
This study abroad program's participants will explore and compare the natural and cultural highlights of the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands; experience the diverse ecosystems of each of these areas including the Galapagos Archipelago, where on the voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin developed key ideas that led to his theory of evolution; observe recent volcanic and tectonic features in both the Andes and in the Galapagos; and visit areas of cultural and anthropologic significance in and around the capital city of Quito.
Participants will often be joined by scientists, naturalists, and local experts who will guide the group by providing lectures on biodiversity, culture, evolution, volcanism, and various environmental issues. A variety of activities including kayaking, camping, hiking, snorkeling, and swimming will require a moderate degree of physical fitness from participants. Overnight accommodations include rooms in hotels, campgrounds, and research stations.
Due to the sensitive nature of the Galapagos Islands, this group's size will be limited.
Academic Director
TENTATIVE dATES: January 2 - 20, 2014
You should plan to leave the United States at least one day prior to the program start date to arrive in Ecuador for the first day of the program. You can schedule your return to the United States from Ecuador for the last day of the program or choose to travel independently.
approximate program fee: $5,275
The Center for Gobal Education Program Fee includes:
- Tuition
- Domestic airfare and transfers
- All meals
- Accomodations
- Guides
- Park fees
- Wet suit rental
- Snorkeling equipment rental
- Airport departure taxes
- Pre-departure orientation
- Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
Scholarships are available to George Mason students. George Mason students can click here to download the CGE Global Perspectives scholarship application. Mason students may also use financial aid to cover a program's cost. Discuss this with your financial aid counselor early in your study abroad planning process. If you are not a George Mason University student, check with your study abroad office or office of financial aid to learn more about how to cover the cost of your study abroad.
How to apply: Consult the How to Apply section for detailed instructions. Start by completing the online application. Pay the $100 application fee.
Note that all supplemental documents are required by the application deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Contact the Program Officer for further application forms and instructions specific to your program.
*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.