Before You Leave
Leave copies of your important documents, such as your passport, as well as traveler’s check and credit card numbers, with someone who can fax them to you in the unlikely case they are stolen and/or give a copy to a trusted traveling companion. E-mailing numbers to an on-line e-mail account on Hotmail or Yahoo is also a good idea since you can access the Internet from almost anywhere. (Please note that you will also be required to leave copies of your passport with the IOI staff in Isabela).
Some students also find it helpful to add a parent/guardian to their personal bank account while they are abroad. This helps in case of emergency or if a student needs to manage funds from overseas.
Visas
Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive a letter from IOI with special instructions on how to obtain your visa. All semester-long students will be required to apply for the visa. Students participating in a summer or short-term program who plan to be in Ecuador for less than 90 days most likely will not need a visa and can simply enter as tourists.
Immunizations
See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect. We can not make official recommendations on what you need. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following vaccines for Ecuador (as appropriate for age):
- Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
- Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay >6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
- Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever vaccination
- As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
Malaria
There is no Malaria in Galapagos. However, Malaria is found in Ecuador mainland at altitudes below 1500 meters. Malaria medication is recommended for these regions. You should discuss the proper malaria medication with your doctor and take the precautions you deem necessary. Larium is the drug recommended by the CDC. (make sure you really need these medications – they are very strong and have plenty of side effects).
What to Bring
Two things not to forget are sun block and lots of sun block! It can be found in Isabela, but it is more expensive and there are very few varieties to choose from.
Most other essential things can be purchased in Isabela, but they are usually national products and offer less variety. Many students prefer to bring personal items from home. Please refer to the packing list below for more complete information on what to bring.