Study at IOI
Through our partner Universities IOI offers the rare opportunity to study abroad in the Galapagos. Our undergraduate program is designed in two ways: short programs for winter intersession, Spring Break and Summer and full exchange semesters in the Fall and Spring.
Monique G. (19) says IOI “makes this trip a life experience that all should have. The two weeks I spent on Isabela was definitely the most fun I’ve had anywhere in my life and I can’t wait to go back!”
The spring and fall semesters are organized in cooperation with the University of Miami and its Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS) – one of the biggest and most renowned marine science schools in the country/world. Students need to enroll into UM’s system rather than signing up with IOI directly. Of course IOI is still in charge on the ground and will help you with any coordination.
The intersession classes are taught by a rotating group of internationally renowned professors coming from the best universities in marine and environmental sciences worldwide (USA, Europe, Ecuador). Accreditation varies depending on the sponsoring institution. Our intersession programs are 2 – 3 weeks long, worth 3 credits.
We take the classroom to the field. From penguins to iguanas, from sharks to tortoises, from salt marshes and beaches to volcano peeks – all hands on in areas no tourist ever gets to see! Our curriculum concentrates on the specific uniqueness of Isabela and the Galapagos Islands. It is a hands-on, field course-based experience with emphasis on cultural exchange and immersion. In order to provide an effective Professor – Student ratio and to not culturally overload the community there cap on students each class is 15.
Christine Q. (20) says her experience at IOI “was truly amazing, different, beautiful, informational, fun, peaceful, funny, surprising, volcanic, oceanic, and Galapagonian all at the same time. I would go back in a second!”
Upon arrival in Galapagos students get an important cultural orientation to prepare for living with families in Galapagos with respect and understanding for the people and the environment. The homestay is a basic principle of IOI that gives each student and host family intensive intercultural and Spanish/English language exchange.
A regular day at IOI looks like this: a seminar/lecture in the morning including theoretical background material and then time for individual projects; fieldwork during the afternoon; and an overview discussion of the day's work before dinner. Throughout the 12 weeks on Isabela, every student under the mentorship of community members and IOI staff will participate in community service and conservation projects.
*Note: A homestay coordinator who keep in close contact with IOI staff will be available to council both the host families and the students.
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS
The Isabela Oceanographic Institute admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.