Immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth through the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) Galápagos Exchange Program. Spend a transformative term exploring Ecuador’s extraordinary ecosystems, from the misty Andes to lush Amazon rainforests to the Pacific coastline. Designed for curious and passionate students, this program offers hands-on, field-based learning grounded in real-world research. Choose from four dynamic academic tracks in the biological and social sciences, and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world—and your place in it.

Portrait of Sage Suorsa.

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Key Facts

Area of Study

Location

Home University

Program Structure

Internship Availability

Term

Coursework Level

None

BU Hub Offered

None

Housing

Language of Instruction

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 terms 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

This program follows rolling admissions and may fill before the official deadline.

Fall Term

Program Dates

Mid-August to Late December

Fall Term

Applications Open

December 15

Fall Term

Application Deadline

March 15

Spring Term

Program Dates

Early January to Mid-May

Spring Term

Applications Open

June 1*

Spring Term

Application Deadline

September 15

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

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Universidad San Francisco de Quito Exchange: Galapagos