Biology in a Social Context: Galapagos and Ecuador A Student, Faculty and Alumni Learning Experience June 2007
Tell me about the trip Who will be going ? What are the costs ? What is the itinerary ? Tell me about the course What will we cover ? What do I need to read ? Am I eligible to go ? Can I get funding ? How do I apply to go ? Forms and Information Study Abroad Approval Waiver of Liabilities WorldTopper Application US State Department Ecuador Embassy Passport, visa and shots Traveler’s insurance Helpful hints: Galapagos Helpful hints: Ecuador Adventure Life Home Who should I contact ? Students: Doug McElroy Kinchel Doerner Alumni: William Skaggs	The Western Kentucky University Galapagos and Ecuador experience is a novel type of adventure, sponsored by the Department of Biology and the Office of Alumni Relations. We will bring together students, faculty and alumni on a 12-day excursion to some of the world’s most biologically diverse, important and fragile ecosystems. We will walk in the Darwin’s footsteps on the Galapagos Islands, marvel at the diversity of flora and fauna of the Andean cloud forests, and taste the vibrancy of the world famous Otavalo Market. Unlike a standard vacation, however, the WKU Galapagos and Ecuador experience is a learning adventure. We will use the places we visit as a backdrop and context for considering socially-relevant issues in biology. The students on the trip will host a series of group discussions on issues such as global warming, the economics of agriculture, wildlife conservation, and public health threats in emerging nations. We will take advantage of the students’ in-depth knowledge of the issues, coupled with the input and diverse experience of our alumni travelers to create an experience that helps us all appreciate the role and responsibility of science to modern society. The logistics for our trip are being handled by Adventure Life Travel. This company specializes in small group tours throughout Latin America. They are committed to a philosophy of sustainable tourism that fits in perfectly with the topics we will be discussing. At the same time, their experience ensures that our trip will run smoothly. Because of the restrictions on travel to the Galapagos Islands, this trip is limited to 20 participants. We project that there will be 4-6 spaces for students and 8-10 slots for alumni, so don’t delay ! Please look around this site to learn more about what we have planned, and how you can become a part. ~ seabirds that don’t fly, and those that seldom land ~ ~ lizards that swim in the ocean, and others that walk on the ceiling ~ ~ penguins at the equator, and docile sharks ~ ~ cactus covered islands, sultry rainforests, and volcanoes covered in ice ~