Ecuador - Spanish Language in the Galapagos: SPAN 203 (3 credits)

This intensive Spanish course is taught in the Galápagos Islands and ties classroom learning to first-hand experiences in a unique ecological and cultural setting. Excursions and guest speakers support total immersion and project-based learning, helping students strengthen intercultural understanding and Spanish proficiency.

UBC students will also contribute to the community by assisting English teachers at the University of San Francisco Quito (USFQ) and participating in outreach with local children. Additional experiential activities include beach clean-ups, tree planting at Hacienda Tranquila, and participation in USFQ community activities such as sports and group classes.

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 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

Program-specific requirements

• This is an interdisciplinary program—students from any year and major may apply.
• Prerequisite before departure: Spanish 11 or 12, or SPAN 102 or SPAN 201 (or equivalent); or special permission from the Program Director.
• Priority will be given to Spanish majors, minors, and RMST degree-seeking students.
• Students will be asked to meet with the faculty lead for an interview as part of the selection process.

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program director. Space in the program may be limited.

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Pre-departure

Students will complete required pre-departure orientations and may be asked to attend program meetings organized by the faculty lead.

In-country dates

Dates will be confirmed. The program includes time in Quito, Santa Cruz, and San Cristóbal Islands.

Post-travel

Students will be required to complete final assignments and reflection activities after returning to UBC.

Field activities

Activities include cultural tours and seminars with USFQ faculty; visits such as the Charles Darwin Research Centre, tortoise breeding centres, Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas, and Hacienda Tranquila; a plastics seminar with beach clean-up; and twice-weekly community outreach assisting English classes for local children.

Housing

Shared hotels in Guayaquil and Santa Cruz (double or triple rooms). On San Cristóbal, students live with homestay families. Some placements house one student; others house two, each with a private bedroom. USFQ matches placements via a Homestay Application and can re-place students within 2–3 days if needed.

Transportation

Travel involves flights, ferries, water taxis, and private buses/boats. All tours are accompanied by certified Galápagos National Park guides.

Climate and daily life

Expect hot, humid weather and basic living conditions. The islands are slow-paced and walkable, and water activities are close to campus.

Mobility

Daily walks of about 10–20 minutes to the USFQ campus are typical. Students must be able to carry their own bag and get in and out of small boats.

Water-based travel

The program uses ferries, water taxis, and small boats frequently. Wheelchair access cannot be accommodated on these segments.

Dietary needs

Homestay families can accommodate dietary needs if listed on the Homestay Application; specialty foods may be limited on the islands.

Visa

Students who are not citizens of Canada or the USA should check Ecuadorian visa requirements for their nationality.

Approximate program fees: $5500-6000*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award.
Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

The lead faculty member is Dr. Stephanie Spacciante (Department of French, Italian and Hispanic Studies). Program support is provided by the University of San Francisco Quito (USFQ) team: Pamela, Mara, Diana, and Edison.

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented. 

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g. respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.