SIT Ecuador - Comparative Ecology and Conservation

Students spend a semester in Ecuador, studying in the Sierra, the Amazon, and on the Galapagos Islands. They learn field techniques and methodologies, the major characteristics of plants and animals in the various ecosystems, the relationship between human beings and the natural world from pre Colombian times to the present, Ecuador's role in the global economy, and so on. They also have an intensive Spanish course and do an independent study project during the final month of the program. Students have a couple three-day rural homestays and live with families in Quito for six weeks, during the lecture/Spanish study periods.