University of Wisconsin–Madison
Back to Top

Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester: Galapagos, Andes and Amazon

 Students are lying on the beach next to seals. There is a boat in the background and they are looking away from the camera.
Students are gathered on a boat wearing wetsuits. they are smiling at the camera.
Zoomed in view of small birds in the sand. They are surrounded by volcanic rocks and looking awayfrom the camera.
Students are snorkeling in the ocean and interacting with the marine animals. They are focused on their activities and looking away from the camera.
A small hummingbird is perched on a branch. The background is blurred to focus on the hummingbird.
A small mammal is walking through the rainforest. It is fuzzy and looking at the camera. The rest of the background is blurred.
Students are in the forest and crouched on the ground. They are planting trees. One student is smiling at the camera.
A colorful bird is perched on a btanck. It is surrounded by other branches and trees.
Four students are gathered together in the rainforest. They are wearing outdoor gear and smiling at the camera.

Ceiba Tropical Conservation Semester Info Session
Mon, Apr 20, 4:30pm
158 Birge Hall or Zoom
Register in advance for this meeting here!

Please be advised this program goes to a country under a current Level 3 Travel Advisory within specific locations. This program has been approved for travel following the policy outlined in UW-Madison’s “International Travel Policy” (International Travel Resources, Guidelines and Policies).

Ecuador, Multiple

Experience the stunning biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, Andes Mountains and Amazon Rainforest in this applied tropical ecology and conservation program. Venture deep into the Amazon rainforest, snorkel the Galapapgos Islands, scale mountainous cloud forests, then return to your host family in the sunny, cosmopolitan outskirts of Quito. Offered by the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, this spring semester program in Ecuador provides training in the ecology and natural history of the tropics, practical experience in conservation and scientific research, and immersion in Latin American culture. The TCS program is ideal for third and fourth year undergraduates in biological, environmental, political, or social fields with a desire for experience in international conservation. You'll earn honors credit for 11 of your 16 credits in Ecuador.

During the program, you will hike through rough, mountainous, or very muddy terrain to see some of the most remote and pristine ecosystems on earth. Good physical condition and a sense of humor are essential for our field adventures.

The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is a non-profit organization offering field courses led by highly experienced staff from the US and Ecuador. Since 1997, Ceiba has worked in Ecuador to help local people improve their livelihoods through the protection of biodiversity. Ceiba's academic programs train future scientific leaders through participation in field courses, ongoing research, and internships. Field excursions visit multiple Ceiba project sites and give hands-on experience in real-world conservation.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

Request Information

Join our email list to receive program updates-including application notices, scholarship information, and more!

Eligibility

  • As swimming and snorkeling are an integral part of the program, you must be able to swim
  • Minimum of one semester of biology or ecology

  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Prior Spanish language coursework or experience recommended

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Language Prerequisite(s):
    Variable (see notes) Spanish
  • Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Biological & physical science, environmental studies, humanities, global health

Classroom Language

Spanish, English

Housing

Field Research Station, Local Hosts

Program Duration

Spring: Early January - Mid-May

2026 Tentative Dates: Jan 6 (Arrive in Ecuador) - May 21 (Depart from Ecuador)

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 10/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

I was not only able to get credits for my major, but also got a look at what real-life conservation work looks like and how to work with local communities. -Monica D.

You'll take classes for the first month of the semester on the campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). While at USFQ, you will enroll in a Spanish language course. The course will not advance you a language level here at UW, but will provide a foundation or refresh your language skills. You'll also start your Tropical Ecology and Conservation Biology courses. Your Spanish language skills will help you build relationships with your Quito and Galapagos host families, and effectively communicate during fieldwork projects and internship placements.

You will spend over half of the semester at field sites studying ecology and conservation in some of the richest ecosystems on earth: the Galapagos, the Andes, and the Amazon. The program consists of the following set of courses totaling 16 credits:

  • Spanish Language & Latin American Culture (3 credits)
  • Tropical Ecology, Ecosystems & Evolution (4 credits - Honors)
  • Conservation Biology & Global Sustainability (3 credits - Honors)
  • Marine Biology of Coastal and Reef Ecosystems (4 credits - Honors)
  • Internship in Conservation and Community Development (2 credits)

The three ecology and conservation courses will be noted as honors credit on your UW transcript. All students will receive this honors credit and you do not need to be in the Honors Program to receive this credit. Syllabi for these courses provide additional details on the academic work and assessment. 

During the last month of the semester, you will select from a wide range internships with the Ceiba Foundation or numerous Ecuadorian conservation and development organizations. Past internships have included sea turtle monitoring, reforestation, primate research, environmental education, organic farming, and wildlife rehabilitation. These capstone internships encourage you to apply knowledge and language skills obtained throughout the semester and provide you with first-hand experience in international conservation and sustainable development.

This program is approved to fulfill the Certificate in Global Health field experience requirement.

Program Web Pages

Ceiba Tropical Conservation Program Page

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents