Ecuador
Dates
May 23 – June 7, 2024
Subjects
Biology, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Ecuador program embraces the natural beauty of this South American country: snowcapped volcanic peaks, volcanic caldera, cloud forests, and rainforests. This program will focus on the biological sciences, visiting three diverse eco-systems. As we travel around the country, we will examine the country’s economic and conservation activities as they have been shaped by human and environmental elements.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The colonial center of Quito became the second UNESCO World Heritage site ever chosen. We will visit colonial churches and plazas on a walking tour of the Old City.
If you’ve ever wanted to be in two hemispheres at the same time, here’s your chance! We will visit the park astride the Equator before heading off to see the volcanic caldera at Pululahua
Our excursion into the eastern cloud forests will enable us to see hummingbirds and perhaps catch a glimpse of a masked trogon, one of the most colorful birds in all South America. Don’t forget your raincoat… Yanayacu ca be quite wet!!
Our Amazon field camp is an amazing place, some five hours by canoe downriver from civilization. We will spend multiple days with native guides exploring the tropical rainforest.
Your chance to climb an active volcano (contingent upon local conditions). We hike up the flank of the Tungurahua to see recent lava flows before returning to the spa town of Baños for a dip in a volcanic heated steam bath to sooth aching muscles
Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in all of Ecuador and arguably the most picturesque. We will take a guided tour around the base of the volcano, taking us through windswept alpine tundra and lava flows past and present.
An opportunity to see a volcanic caldera up close and personal. The Quilotoa Crater at 3,800 meters also bears the honor of being the highest caldera anywhere in the world.
The Galapagos are home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, inquisitive sea lions, the famous blue-footed boobies and Pacific frigate birds along with a whole host of mammal, aquatic and bird species found nowhere else on Earth.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,450 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $200-$500 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), Vaccinations (approx. $250), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“My study abroad experience was fulfilling, exciting and invigorating beyond expectation. The world is a fantastic place and the amount of free floating information that is up for grabs is mind blowing, you just have to reach out and grab it. If I had to describe my experience in one sentence it would be this: Do not be afraid to take opportunities, experience life to the fullest, and take chances where other’s would not because you never know when you will be able to live life, so make it now.”
– Ranae, Ecuador
“I learned so much by being exposed to the many diverse and beautiful ecosystems in Ecuador which has made me a better biologist!”
– Brandy, Ecuador
“I’ve never been somewhere so different and challenging and felt so at peace.”
– Sarah, Ecuador
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
May 23 – June 7, 2024
Subjects
Biology, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Honors
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Ecuador program embraces the natural beauty of this South American country: snowcapped volcanic peaks, volcanic caldera, cloud forests, and rainforests. This program will focus on the biological sciences, visiting three diverse eco-systems. As we travel around the country, we will examine the country’s economic and conservation activities as they have been shaped by human and environmental elements.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
The colonial center of Quito became the second UNESCO World Heritage site ever chosen. We will visit colonial churches and plazas on a walking tour of the Old City.
If you’ve ever wanted to be in two hemispheres at the same time, here’s your chance! We will visit the park astride the Equator before heading off to see the volcanic caldera at Pululahua
Our excursion into the eastern cloud forests will enable us to see hummingbirds and perhaps catch a glimpse of a masked trogon, one of the most colorful birds in all South America. Don’t forget your raincoat… Yanayacu ca be quite wet!!
Our Amazon field camp is an amazing place, some five hours by canoe downriver from civilization. We will spend multiple days with native guides exploring the tropical rainforest.
Your chance to climb an active volcano (contingent upon local conditions). We hike up the flank of the Tungurahua to see recent lava flows before returning to the spa town of Baños for a dip in a volcanic heated steam bath to sooth aching muscles
Cotopaxi is the second-highest volcano in all of Ecuador and arguably the most picturesque. We will take a guided tour around the base of the volcano, taking us through windswept alpine tundra and lava flows past and present.
An opportunity to see a volcanic caldera up close and personal. The Quilotoa Crater at 3,800 meters also bears the honor of being the highest caldera anywhere in the world.
The Galapagos are home to the giant Galapagos tortoises, inquisitive sea lions, the famous blue-footed boobies and Pacific frigate birds along with a whole host of mammal, aquatic and bird species found nowhere else on Earth.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,450 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of obtaining a passport ($165), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $200-$500 depending on your food tastes/spending habits), Vaccinations (approx. $250), any class readings/materials, and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“My study abroad experience was fulfilling, exciting and invigorating beyond expectation. The world is a fantastic place and the amount of free floating information that is up for grabs is mind blowing, you just have to reach out and grab it. If I had to describe my experience in one sentence it would be this: Do not be afraid to take opportunities, experience life to the fullest, and take chances where other’s would not because you never know when you will be able to live life, so make it now.”
– Ranae, Ecuador
“I learned so much by being exposed to the many diverse and beautiful ecosystems in Ecuador which has made me a better biologist!”
– Brandy, Ecuador
“I’ve never been somewhere so different and challenging and felt so at peace.”
– Sarah, Ecuador
