Program overview
This course is led by Stephanie Spacciante, Faculty of Arts
- Course dates: May 12, 2025 - June 15, 2025
- Travel dates: May 12, 2025 - June 15, 2025 (tentative)
- Format: In-person
Spanish 203 is a new intensive course that combines both SPAN 201 and SPAN 202 in just 3 credits. It will meet the Faculty of Arts Language requirement. Students who have previously taken SPAN 201 may take SPAN 203. - Locations: Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
- Approximate fee: $5000-$5500 (Go Global fee, tuition, flights are not included). Includes accommodations and meals.
- Funding: All qualifying students will receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. We encourage students with financial need or other barriers to going abroad to apply for the Global Pathfinder Award.
About the course
Totally immersing yourself in a language and culture is one of the most effective ways to learn Spanish! This intensive Spanish course will be taught in the Galapagos Islands during Summer 2025. Course assignments and learning goals will directly relate to students’ firsthand experiences while studying in this “living museum and showcase of evolution.” The local people, the archipelago of volcanic islands, and their immense marine reserve offer a unique and enriching setting in which to immerse yourself in. Students’ experience will be deepened by excursions and guest speakers from renowned institutions such as the Charles Darwin Research Centre, the Rural Giant Tortoise Ranch, Las Grietas, etc. The course aims to broaden students’ understanding of the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the Galapagos Islands, strengthen students’ understanding of intercultural topics, and improve their Spanish language proficiency. The course will be centered on project‐based learning so that students can take advantage of their life in the Galapagos beyond the classroom. To immerse students further in the language and culture, this course will incorporate vlogs, interviews, independent site visits, journal writing, and a final multidisciplinary project. Additionally, students will focus on improving their everyday communication, while also acquiring greater precision in the description of both past events and everyday needs. This focus allows students to develop higher level language skills for expressing thoughts, emotions, feelings, and desires in the present and future. Last but not least, Spanish 203, offered on the Galapagos Islands, is a rare opportunity to achieve personal growth in a truly unique setting in South America!
*Please note, this new course [SPAN 203] meets the Faculty of Arts Language Requirement.
Program eligibility
General Global Seminar requirements
To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:
- Be in good-standing in their faculty (I.e. not be under academic or non-academic discipline)
- Have full-time status in the year leading up to the Global Seminar
- Arts students must have completed 1st year before the start of the program (i.e. progressing into 2nd, 3rd or 4th year standing) and students in other faculties must have completed 2nd year requirements (i.e. progressing into 3rd or 4th year standing)
- Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
- Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
- Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating
Final selection will be done by the lead faculty program directors. Spots in the program may be limited.
Graduating students registered full-time (min 9 credits in most faculties) in Term 2 may participate in a Global Seminar as an Unclassified student in the summer. During the selection process, preference may be given to students returning to UBC in Term 1.
Program-specific requirements
- This is an interdisciplinary program: All are welcome!
- Completion of Spanish 11 or Spanish 12; Or Spanish 102, or Spanish 201, or equivalent before May 1, 2025;
- Or special permission from Ecuador Program Director: stephanie.spacciante@ubc.ca
- If a student has already taken SPAN 201 at UBC, they can still take SPAN 203 in the Galapagos for credit.
Experience and conditions in the Field
Students must be able to walk, carry their own bag and be able to get in and out of small boats on their own. We will have to take ferries, water taxis, and bus transfers to arrive at the islands. Life is very basic out there and not all specialty foods are available due to the distance away from the mainland.
Accommodations
Host families - meals included.
Program fees and costs
Approximate program fees: $5000-$5500*
*The final fee depends on the number of students in the seminar. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.
Program fees include:
- Accommodations (6 weeks);
- 3 meals/day with the host family
- Airport pick-up + Hotel 2 nights/3 days in Guayaquil before departure to the islands + On-site orientation upon arrival
- Program-related travel in-country; (airport pick-up, private buses)
- All Excursions and entrance fees (including guides, bus drivers, tips & hostal)
- Local Ecuadorian Assistant Program Coordinator
- On-site guest lectures
Note that students may occasionally be asked to take private or public transport to-and-from program activities at their own cost (e.g. local buses, metros/subways, taxis/ride-shares in urban areas.)
Not Included:
- Go Global Fee
- Flights
- UBC tuition for credits
- Visa/country entrance fees
- Health or travel insurance
- Personal spending money*
* Some examples of personal costs included: mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the Program Fee, immunizations, Visas, etc.