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Route and dates proposed for 2013

(Subject to change. Detailed itinerary with specific activities will be distributed ONLY to enrolled participants).

Summer  2013
July (Dates to be announced)
These dates are subject to change to accommodate flight availability and logistical arrangements in country.
Final route is contingent to approval by the Galapagos National Park authorities.  
Cancellation and rescheduling of the workshop is at the discretion of the TDI.

General description of route: After landing in  Quito, Ecuador's capital, the participants will travel by TAME or Aerogal airlines to Baltra Island airstrip.  Please note that no more than 25 pounds of luggage (one suitcase) per person may be checked on board the plane. Additional luggage can be left in Quito. A quick bus ride will take us to Baltra’s Island dock, where our yacht will be waiting for us.  Travel from island to island is by boat, with distances from one site to the other varying from just a few to over 100 kilometers.  All long navigations will be done at night.  

The route proposed for this trip will include the following islands: Baltra, Sta. Cruz, Sta. Fe, Plazas, Floreana, Isabela, Fernandina, James y Seymour 

Eligibility and enrollment

This program is open to students from all majors. Undergraduate, graduate and medical students are encouraged to apply. The program is also open to faculty, staff and community members.

The workshop language is English.

Students of all higher education institutions in the United States of America and abroad are eligible for enrollment. Graduating seniors may apply. Participation in the program does not hinder Spring graduation.

Enrolment is limited to 15 participants. Admittance into the program is at the discretion of the director.

An open enrollment system is in place: Applications are evaluated as they are received. Applicants are notified of the decision within two weeks. Applications will be accepted until all available slots are full. Applications received after that and deemed acceptable will be placed in a waiting list. The program will be cancelled if the minimum number of participants is not reached by the application deadline.

Vaccinations and Travel Health Information

CDC recommendations for travel to Ecuador will be followed. However, participants will only be in the highlands of Ecuador and in the Islands. Galapagos Islands are not endemic for Malaria, Dengue or Yellow Fever. Therefore, several general requirements for Ecuador are optional.

• Anti-malarial prophylaxis medication as directed by a physician (optional)
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Yellow Fever (optional)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Anti-dizziness mediation as directed by a physician (optional, but highly recommended)

If you have any medical condition that would prevent you to conduct physical exercise (moderate hiking) in a hot and humid environment please contact Ms. Vallejo to determine your eligibility.

What to bring to Galapagos

Other:

• Binoculars
• Cameras (Still photos or video)
• Film and more film! or
• Enough flash memory or a devise to download pictures (You will probably need lot’s).  
• Sunglasses
• Snorkeling gear (snorkeling gear will also be available at the yacht)
• Extra batteries for flashlight and cameras
• Personal first aid kit (antifungal powder, neosporin, Band-Aids, kaopectate/peptobismol, prescription medicines (copies of critical prescriptions with generic composition)
• Small notebook to keep as journal
• Ziploc bags (mix of sizes, e.g. large one to keep journal in)
• Small back pack to carry water, cameras, etc. during hikes. (Food is not allowed in while visiting protected areas)  
• Suitcase (Please limit luggage to one piece so we can transport small equipment and supply items and so you will have space to bring back souvenirs)
• Galapagos Textbooks and guides (to be announced)
• Sun block (High PF recommended)
• An emergency pair of glasses/contacts lenses
• Two copies of your passport (one in your luggage, one in your carry on)
• Money belt; Concealed money/passport bag
• MONEY for personal use, souvenirs, tips to the boat crew and guide, etc. - bring mostly low denomination bills ($5 to $20) in good.
• Traveler’s checks will not be useful. There will not be access to a bank or ATM during a visit to the Islands.

Course requirements and academic Information

This course is offered as 5 (summer) credit hours or Non-credit option

Admission into the program is contingent on:

• evaluation of application
• written statement submitted to TDI
• good academic standing
• letters of recommendation

Education abroad office will register participants after payment of deposit fee and completion of required forms

Preparation:

• Prior to the workshop every participant will be required to attend the organizational meeting (unless not residing in Athens) or participate in conference calls, read assigned material related to the topics to be discussed. Participants should be prepared to share knowledge with the group during the course of the workshop.
• Information related in organizational meeting will be made available to out of town participants via e-mail/web/conference calls.

Evaluation:

• Each participant will be expected to participate in the different activities and to contribute with their observations during discussions.
• Each participant is required to keep a journal during the trip and, upon their return to the U.S., to submit a paper describing their experiences and summarizing insights they have gained. - Specific topic will be assigned by the instructor.
• Each participant will be required to work in group to compile the web journal.

Logistics and Safety

Airline Tickets: Participants are responsible to arranging their transportation to Quito, Ecuador.

Arrival to Quito: Since participants may arrive from different destinations in the USA and other countries using different airlines, arrangements will made for pickup at the airport in Quito by the Ecuadorian crew. Similarly, arrangements will be made to drop off at the airport at time of departure. Accommodations will be arranged for participants that remain in country to attend other Ohio University sponsored programs (See workshops page).

Logistics: The group will travel by a yacht built to comply with both local and international safety regulations, and equipped with all safety devices for 16 passengers plus 8 crew. The yacht offers fully air conditioned accommodations (8 double cabins with private bathroom) as well as a lounge and dinning room, which will be used as a conference room.  There is also a solarium and sundeck.  Transportation to and fro the islands will be made by small dinghys, locally called “pangas”.  Life vests will be used while on the dinghys.

Safety: A large portion of the financial resources and the efforts by the personnel are focused on ensuring the safety of the participants. Workshop logistical arrangements are carefully planned to maximize the safety of the group. Although previous workshops to Ecuador have not had any trouble, participants will be reminded to follow the subsequent recommendations, most of which are just general common sense travel tips: Luggage should be locked at all times in airplanes, hotels, yacht and vehicles; carry only small amounts of currency in your pockets for occasional personal expenditures; conceal location of passport and other important documents; do not put cameras or expensive equipment in your luggage for international flights; Observe the new travel regulations regarding items not allowed in carry-on; do not accept to carry packages from strangers ; do not leave your personal effects/luggage unattended; do not disclose details on lodging or route plans to strangers (even other international travelers); avoid crowds and very crowded places; do not get separated from the group; never buy food from street vendors.

E-mail and telephone access: Students might have limited access to internet ($1.50/hour) and telephone while in the yacht.

Costs of the program

• The final program costs will range depending on the number of participants, credit/non-credit, residence, etc. This total charge will include the cost of 5 credit hour tuition and program fee, or a Non-credit fee  for non-OU students  + $150 administrative fee. The current program fee for the credit option is estimated between $2540 and $3062. Non-OU students should contact program director for non-credit cost information.
• Program fee and tuition will cover all participants’ program related expenses in country (Airfare from Quito to Galapagos, food, lodging, air and ground transportation, logistics, entrance to the National Park, HTH health insurance etc). Soft drinks provided with the meals will be covered by the program. Bottled water will be available at all times on the boat. Extra soda or pop, and any alcoholic beverages are not covered by the program. Other items not covered include: souvenirs, entertainment, telephone and internet access charges, food while in route from USA to Quito to USA and $42 Quito Airport departure tax.
• International Airline ticket cost are not covered by the program (participants are responsible for arranging their own flight, see above). Past participants have purchased tickets from different cities in the USA to Quito from $450 to $850, depending on dates and airline. Shop around.
• Beyond that, cash for souvenirs, etc. A backup credit card is a good idea in the event of unforeseen expenses.

Financial Aid and Travel Scholarships

Most financial aid can be applied to the costs of this education abroad program. Detailed information can be found in TDI's funding opportunities for students page.

OU students should check with the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to confirm your aid package.

Non-OU students, please check with the appropriate office in your home school. Credit for this program can be given by your home institution to facilitate financial aid if previously arranged. Contact the Education Abroad office directly (740-593 4583), for more information.

Sponsorships: Participants are encouraged to seek financial backing by individuals, businesses or other organizations.

Actions required

4. E-mail a current picture showing your face as a jpg attachment to the program director. This picture will be used for the participants dossier.
5. Get passport (review expiration date)
6. Get vaccinations (Hudson Health Center or other health care provider - appointments usually required)
7. Final payment will be billed by Ohio University Prior to departure (Mid May to Early June).

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