SIT Study Abroad: Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation
SIT Study Abroad
Request Info
(For American Students)
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. With... read more
All Reviews
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
The program was everything that I hoped it would be and more. I had the absolute time of my life and have truly grown so much as a person as a result of my time there. My Spanish is better, I've learned an incredible amount about plants, animals and the environment, and I'm just a more confident person in general. This program w... A student - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
It was absolutely worthwhile! I learned so much about Ecuador, and gained a lot of confidence in myself from living abroad. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
The main things I gained were botanical knowledge, field research experience, and connections with the science community in Ecuador. Not too much new academically, but the experiences were great. I also saw a fair number of birds, which for a birder like me was great. A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
I learned a lot of normal glasslike things to learn about, but I think more importantly I learned to be confident in my Spanish and how to use it. I also learned so much about life, as I'd never lived in a city before and spent such an extensive time in a new culture. Julia R - Colby College View Entire Review
I learned far too much to summarize concisely. I learned so much about my own character while I was abroad, in addition to tons of fascinating information about indigenous & local cultures and about the natural ecology and & resource management of the Amazon rainforest. Lauren D - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned how to live up and do science research by myself in a foreign country. Most importantly, I was deeply touched and inspired by the professors here who cares about the environment deeply with their heart. To learn biology and conservation with these amazing people in Amazon and Galapagos? Of course it's so worthwhile!! A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. I learned that nothing is in your control when you're in a different country, and once you accept that, it's not too difficult to go with the flow. Also, it was very rewarding learning about the various ecosystems of Ecuador with Spanish and Environmental focuses. Brad O - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned so much, its really hard to answer that question. It was one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Definitely worthwhile. Harrison G - Brandeis University View Entire Review
New appreciation for home as well as other cultures and my own abilities to withstand adversity. Very worthwhile Taliesin K - Austin College View Entire Review
I've decided that I will not be a reasearcher and that I would LOVE to work with people in an environmental context. This program helped to strengthen my belief in social activism. Genea F - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Studying abroad with SIT in Ecuador was the best thing I could have ever done at this time in my life. It has taught me that anything is possible and has inspired me to fight for what I believe in. Lucille S - The University of Texas at Austin 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 felt that my conversational spanish greatly improved and I felt more confident speaking in spanish by the end of the program. I thought the entire experience was worthwhile and I would love to go back to Ecuador and continue to learn about the culture and environment. Anik R - Macalester College View Entire Review
I learned what I was capable of when faced with many challenges. This was one of my most difficult semesters, but I also think it was worthwhile. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I had very little fieldwork experience before my program, and knew the minimal amount of ecology for my program. After the program, I was by no means an expert, but definitely knew a lot more than when I began the program. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I realized how interested I was in ecology and actual research. This program only served to increase my passion for environmental science and protecting nature. Even though I've been sick for a while after returning, I would do it all over again without hesitation. The only thing I was upset about was having to leave!! ecuacology2014 - University of Virginia View Entire Review
My study abroad experience provided me with a cultural, language, and academic experience I had never had before. I grew so much as both a student and as a person, gaining so many things that I have brought home with me. Devika B - University of Delaware View Entire Review
My time abroad was worthwhile. I loved the people I was with and the people I met. However, I cannot get over the block that I am a student first, and as a student the program somewhat failed me. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile, I learned a lot about a new culture, and actually living there (as opposed to just visiting) helped me look at my experiences in the US from a different perspective too. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned so much about who I am and realized I can do anything now! I also learned a lot of local Spanish. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Mostly, I just feel so lucky that I have seen the animals and plants and landscapes that I saw in Ecuador. I found poison dart frogs and cock-of-the-rocks. I watched an anaconda attack a cayman and a hammerhead swimming alone while I snorkeled above it. I wanted a break from the midwest landscapes and the intense academic set... Ellen D - Carleton College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile because of the language component, and the places I got to visit. It was interesting because I got a different perspective on environmental studies. Julia W - Wellesley College View Entire Review
About
SIT's program in Ecuador offers the choice to do a minor in environmental science or conservation biology. You’ll develop practical skills in biological fieldwork, biodiversity assessment, and apply environmental research methods across Ecuador's four distinct ecosystems—from the Amazon rainforest to the Galápagos Islands—to contribute to conservation solutions in one of the world's most biodiverse countries.
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
Take me there!Statistics
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
Videos
.Featured SIT Study Abroad Programs
Italy offers an unparalleled setting for exploring the intricate connections between food, culture, and su...
The subject of death is so taboo in American culture that people use metaphors to avoid talking about it w...
