All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Galápagos: See the world in a completely different way!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

When reflecting on travel I always find it so hard to narrow my experience down to one memory or moment. It is difficult to capture what defines a trip of a lifetime like our travels through the Galapagos. In doing so I would have to point to the threads that tied this trip together. Firstly, SPC Study abroad program and group we traveled with, who by the end of the trip started to feel like those friends you have known so long they become family. Next the Intercultural Outreach Program who hosted us and gave us access to truly incredible destinations we would not have otherwise had the ability to visit as tourists. And finally, my personal favorite the Sweet little treats.

My family likes to joke that I travel from meal to meal, because I take pictures of my food, and always post them on my social media. But the truth is I find those are the moments you truly connect with the people around you. Whether it was trying new things, or encouraging and supporting others to, each and every meal was a moment we slowed down, reflected on what we had been doing and not only shared a meal but laughter, personal wins and most importantly memories. From day to day where we ate or who we ate with changed but what didn’t change was the quality of food and connection shared. These kinds of programs and trips give once in a lifetime opportunities and make experiences like these accessible to students like me.

So to the single mother, the student who has to work full time to support themselves through college, the student who comes from a small area, or doesn’t have much experience navigating the world alone Study Abroad programs are a way for you to see the world in a completely different way.

– Lytichia, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Japan: A Journey to Remember!

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, Scholarships, Study Abroad in Japan, Travel

Beginning thoughts

I can hardly believe I am finally going to Japan! It hasn’t really hit me but it probably will once I’m there. There’s a lot of stuff I’m looking forward to on the itinerary and excited to see if I end up doing anything off schedule as well. Was able to hang out with my grandmother and best friend on different days before leaving and my older brother also messaged me safe travels

Day 1

I tried my best to sleep but couldn’t. After some final set up with my phone and packing, my body crashed and got an adequate amount of sleep before finishing the packing and going to the airport. Said goodbye to my younger brother and then to my parents after meeting up with the group.

Day 2

I ended up sitting next to Sydney on the flight from Florida to Colorado and we chatted for a bit before taking off. I watched Cruella and it was a pretty good movie. An alternate version of the character from The 101 Dalmatians but it was fun!

Hung out with Gavin and Nick at a Coney Island restaurant during the layover and we talked a lot about our favorite anime and which ones we enjoyed as well as stuff to probably keep in mind once we’re in Japan

On the flight from Colorado to Japan, I sat next to Logan but we didn’t really talk too much due to being tired. Gavin was practically asleep in a horrible fetal shrimp position

I watched Avatar: Fire and Ash as I wasn’t able to watch in theaters back in December. It wasn’t bad, I enjoyed a lot of what they did. It did kind of feel like an odd retelling of the first two films in a way. I don’t know, I just wish they spent more time on the Ash Na’vi and that fire was more Incorporated into their environment and nature instead of just a desert like how the first film they were connected to the forest and the second to water. Fire seemed a little more metaphorical than literal

Some of the food on the flight was ok. My neck got stiff so I tried to stretch it and my tailbone was killing me. Listened to music and played the new Yoshi game Yoshi and the Mysterious Book.

After landing, I was nervous about filling out the forms correctly but we’re done right. The train ride was fun looking at the buildings outside and seeing the familiar layouts I’ve only seen in media and video

The food from dinner was great! My favorite was the shrimp dumplings and salmon. As per usual I wasn’t much of a fan of the prepared mackerel. I just prefer raw fish. It was familiar but ok. In fact, a lot of the food tasted very similar to if I had gotten it back in the States. Given there were other foreigners passing through and eating, it makes me wonder if it was a location that changes the food to be more favorable to foreigners or if the food really was the same

We then got to the hotel and I got to room with Logan, who lost his wallet earlier. No jet lag so far.

Day 3

Breakfast was nice. The daifuku was yummy. Tried natto but I unfortunately didn’t like it. Maybe without the mustard next time

We walked to the Senoshi Shrine we past on our way to the hotel. I walked with Nick and Gavin. I got a fortune and it was normal, just saying thing will happen. Nick got a best fortune and Gavin got a bad fortune of which he tied up for the shrine to burn later. Also got Pocari Sweat which I am told is like an orange Gatorade with electrolytes which thankfully did not have the same consistency as Gatorade. It was nice 

We then tried on Kimono. We had to strip to our undergarments before putting it on, thankfully there was a nice breeze at the shine during that time. I wore a black one with a green belt. Before leaving we stopped by the 7-11 and got another Pocari Sweat as well as Japanese Pudding. It was delicious! It had a much soother texture, creamier taste, and more gelatinous than the Spanish Flan I am used to. Both being variations on the French crème caramel.

We then took the subway to get to the Ueno National Museum. There was a concert with vendors happening nearby. In the museum, I went through the exhibits with Ava. It was fun seeing the traditional paintings and seeing old artifacts with the patterns or engravings in them. When we met back when we finished, we realized the second floor were the actual exhibits and told to go back and experience. First water fountain I found next to the bathrooms in the basement of the museum.

A few people went off for an interactive museum, which off schedule and we had to pay for, while Logan, Gavin, the professors, and myself went back to the hotel. Had a few snacks that were originally brought for the flight between Colorado and Japan

Gavin and I decided to explore and visit the Tokyo Skytree which took a bit to get to. It is a huge shopping mall. A lot of Blue Lock advertising. Not sure if it’s some collab with the area or just announcing season 2. My dad and younger brother had been watching it together. found the area where they do pop-up collab cafes and they were doing Hatsune Miku and had the 6 main Vocaloids. I saw the Kirby Cafe but I wasn’t able to a reservation in time for the trip unfortunately. However, if I enter from the inside of the building I could go to the store it has. Before making that discovery, Gavin headed off back to the hotel. I also saw the Pokémon Center and the Shoen Jump store. In the first store I went to, I saw a lot of merch that peaked my interest. Pokemon, Zelda, Splatoon, Animal Crossing, Final Fantasy, and Kingdom Hearts. There were two Kingdom Hearts areas so I believe the one I bought stuff at may have been a limited pop-up perhaps. I got two bind boxes, one a pin badge of the stained glass Dive into Heart, which ended up being the Foretellers, and one of the game title cards as magnets, which ended being the one for Birth by Sleep. I got a deck of playing cards model after the cards you used in Chain of Memories as well as a necklace if a wayfinder from Birth by Sleep which was Ventus’. While trying to find my way out, I stopped by Family Mart for a snack and got a sandwich with whipped cream and blueberry jam as well as a bun with a filling. I thought was going to be Japanese pudding but ended up being maple syrup. Both good.

Since I had left an AirTag in my luggage, I was easily able to get the address of the hotel and make it back.

Day 4

Had breakfast and tried switching things a little bit. We then went to the Meiji shrine and they happened to be having a special prayer going on. We saw shrine maidens walk by and later priests

We then went to Harajuku. I went with Ava, Sydney, Lyn, Morgan, and Abby to McDonald’s and I got a teriyaki burger. Afterwards I primarily just did Gotchapon and got four orbs, one of One Piece and Madoka Magica and two miscellaneous.

We then went to Shibuya Crossing. It was funny seeing the locations as I could recognize them from the game The World Ends With You. Saw the Hachiko statue and walked through Scramble Crossing. Saw the 109 building above. I then went with Nick, Gavin, Karolina, and others to one of the buildings. On the fourth floor found the Pokémon Center as well as the SEGA, Nintendo, Capcom, and Shonen Jump stores. I only got stuff at Nintendo being a salmon egg keychain from Splatoon and a Navi cup from Zelda.

The boys, myself included, left with the instructors to see the government building and then head back to the hotel.

Day 6

Woke up early and had a quick breakfast and headed downstairs as we were headed to Kyoto. Hopped on a bullet train for about two hours to get there.

After getting to the hotel we went to a place that was made to resemble and traditional area. In it, there was an Evangelion photo op I went with Gavin. We went to watch a ninja show in a building that had so many activities that unknown to us beforehand. The ninja show was primarily comedic. After I took photos of the Super Sentai and Kamen Rider stuff they had on display. (Power Rangers)

We then did a casual tea ceremony where they demonstrated how they work and made some ourselves. I like matcha but only if there’s a little bit. I drank all the tea in my cup to be polite.

We then went to a shrine area on a hill which had a pretty garden area with a pond. I had an ice cream and took a taxi back to the hotel.

Day 7

I had a brief breakfast and we headed out in the rain to the Golden Pavilion. It’s very different seeing it in person.

Carolina, Lyn, Nick and I decided to Uber back to the hotel as we were wet and tired.

I then went to Aeon Mall and got a handful of gochapon, got two figurines from claw machines, and two plushies. I ate some delicious sushi and udon along with dango and orange cream float. I also did the arcade Mario Kart. Additionally ran into Carolina, Lyn, and Nick twice. I then headed back to the hotel.

Day 8

After breakfast we hopped on a 2-hour bullet train to Hiroshima. We got to the Itsukushima Shrine after a nice ferry ride which reminded me of Disney. There were a lot of deer roaming around. I walked around with Ava, Sydney, and Bri. I bought a charm and a ceramic bowl. I had more takoyaki and got grilled squid. A deer came by to harass Ava while she was on the phone and then stared at my food. Also had a pancake-like treat with custard inside

After the ferry and bus, we went to the Atomic Bomb Dome & Peace Memorial Museum. It showcased how the bomb hit and detailed the aftermath with photos, illustrations, videos, and artifacts. It was difficult to go through. About halfway in I just wanted it to end. It was devastating. I hope and pray that something of that nature, or even worse, would never come to pass again. It’s good that I experienced the museum, I just don’t want to revisit it.

Thankfully that was the last thing of the day and we took taxis back to the station for our 2 hour bullet train back to Kyoto. I got a cone shaped like a maple leaf that had caramel ice cream in it before getting on the train. Ava let me have one of her sushi rolls and both were great, Maiyuko, our tour guide, got us treats as a way to celebrate our trip. Funnily enough they just so happened to be the pancake-like treat I had earlier. We then got back to the hotel.

Day 9

Woke up and got ready for the 2 hour bulletin train from our hotel in Kyoto to the one we originally stayed at Tokyo. After getting my luggage from the lobby, I dropped it off in the lobby as it wasn’t time to check in before heading back to Shibuya. Using the train alone was  not bad. I just keep assuming that is how it worked be if I were to use public transportation in New York. Upon arriving I stopped at the Starbucks above Scramble Crossing and got a hot chocolate, sausage in bread, and a strawberry custard cake. While in the building, I took a brief look at the other floors which consisted of a Pokémon Card Lounge where you could battle others in the trading card game (TCG) and have food, a manga floor where you can just read from the available options, and a few merch stores. There was also a pop-up store in the basement but was not interested as it was Star Wars. I walked into the Disney store I had passed the last time and it had three floors. No Kingdom Hearts though.

I finally reached the mall and got stuff from the Nintendo and Capcom stores and the Pokemon Center. I also got a gotcha from the Jojo store though I didn’t get any food. Also didn’t get anything from the Jump Store. I then headed back to the hotel.

By this time, I was able to check into my hotel room. After resting for a bit and dropping off my stuff I headed to the Tokyo Skytree. I got a few more Kingdom Hearts stuff from the pop-up they had and also got some other stuff from other stores such as this Jump Shop. I wanted to get one last thing but my card did not want me to. I had a feeling it would happen on the last day. I then headed past the Skytree aquarium to a cookout area where we had dinner. Because it started nearing when the stores closed, I called my mom to check the card and rushed back into the store one last time. I then headed back to the hotel by bus with Mayuko and Logan.

With all the stuff I had, I had to visit Don Quixote to get a suitcase which ended up being a yellow Pikachu one. The line literally took an hour. After getting back and resting a bit with a snack, I then was able to successfully Tetris my stuff within by bags. I finished at 4am and forgot that is when the sun came up in Japan.

Day 10

I skipped breakfast as I wanted to prioritize rest as I knew I was not going to be able to on either plane ride. Ava gave me her seaweed flavored chips as she wasn’t the biggest fan of them but at least I had “breakfast”. They were really good! We then hopped on the shuttle bus to the airport 

Got through security and got some sushi. Also got two Pokemon items and a Pokemon themed snack.

The plane rides back did not take as long as the ones to Japan which was surprising. Watched Shrek 4 and Goat on the way back.

Closing thoughts

This trip was amazing. I felt great the entire time despite my legs hurting by the time I finished each day. I’m glad I was able to do something with each classmate at some point during the trip including the instructors. Looking at vlogs or photos of the areas I’ve been during the trip even if I already saw them feel so different now that I’ve actually been there in person. I already want to go back!

I would encourage anyone to do a study abroad if given the chance and opportunity. Since SPC’s trips are just a week, it can help dip your toes into the country to help prepare if you were hoping to stay an entire semester in the future. Thank you SPC for letting achieve my goal of visiting Japan!

– Gabriel, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Japan: Absolutely Beautiful!

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Japan, Travel

I had the absolute pleasure of going on the SPC Study Abroad Trip to Japan this summer. This was my first international trip I had ever taken so I was a little nervous going into it, but I ended up having the time of my life. We stayed in Tokyo, Kyoto, and took a day trip to Hiroshima! Japan succeeded my expectations, it was absolutely beautiful and picturesque, it felt like every little corner or street was worthy of a photo. I wish I could share every photo I took. The people there are so polite and respectful. I got to see a completely new culture/new way of life, and it was eye opening in a lot of ways; especially when we went to Hiroshima and saw the Atomic Bomb Dome and walked through the Peace Memorial Museum, seeing the other side of that story was devastating but necessary in my opinion. I met some amazing people on this trip (our tour guide Myuko was absolutely amazing, and it was a pleasure getting to know her), saw beautiful sights, experienced so many new things, and learned a lot about myself while on this trip. I loved the itinerary that SPC provided for us, and I loved how it also left plenty of free time for each of us to explore things on our own.


I think going on my first international trip with SPC was the perfect start to traveling, it was structured and well-planned, even when things got interrupted with a Typhoon hitting Japan, we persevered through the rain (safely of course!) and that ended up being one of my favorite days with a beautiful shrine, bamboo forest, and calligraphy session that was so peaceful and eye-opening, I’m so glad that we didn’t let the rain deter us. None of this would have been possible for me without the help of the Study Abroad Association and their generous scholarships that they offer to students who need it. I would recommend this 10 times over, to go on an SPC study abroad trip, this is just the beginning of my journey with traveling, however, I will never forget this trip, these people, and who made it possible😊 Photo Recap: 1.) Calligraphy Class in Kyoto 2.) Our group in front of the Meiji Shrine on day 1! 3.) Free time in Shibuya, rooftop access over Shibuya crossing with a photoshoot! 4.) Kimono wearing experience in front of Meiji Shrine.

– Brianna, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Galápagos: A Dream Fulfilled!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

I highly recommend taking the opportunity to study abroad! You will learn new perspectives, see a new part of the world, and have that adventure you’re craving. Studying in the Galapagos Islands is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and it was a lifelong bucket list dream fulfilled. I’ve had many adults older than me tell me how envious they are and how much they wished they dared to take the risk to do something new.
Specifically for this unique location, if you are a natural science major, particularly Ecology or Marine biology, this is meant for you! These courses give students the simulation of what field work as a scientist is like, but do not underestimate the physical demands. Start training cardio, like swimming, biking, and hiking months in advance to better conquer this gorgeous archipelago.

I’m incredibly honored to say that I was able to snorkel with reef sharks, green sea turtles, hike up a volcano for 6 hours, mountain bike, and hike to the most breathtaking places this wonder of a place has to offer. You’ll never forget the abundant wildlife, astonishing landscapes, and the pride you’ll have afterwards to say you explored it all. I would love to study abroad again in the future.

– Alena, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Galápagos Islands: One word, breathtaking!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Japan, Travel

My experience in the Galapagos can really be summed up by one word, breathtaking. Going to the islands has been a dream of mine since I was a child watching Animal Planet and The Discovery channel. Everything I hoped and dreamed it would be was exceeded by what it actually was, from the luscious highlands all the way to the rocky basalt basin towards the water. It was my first experience traveling without my family so I was cautious for the beginning of the trip but after a couple days with the amazing group I had I began to make connections and open up more. The professors (Dr. Palomino and Dr. Gaskill) 1000% made the trip a true and authentic experience because it wasn’t just our trip it was there’s too and seeing everyone geek out about the same thing was amazing and a realization that this trip was so special.

The activities we did were body testing but we got through them in one piece (some of us at least). We hiked a volcano, biked a trail up and down what felt like endless hills, snorkeled with sharks and rays all within 72hrs of each other. We saw many different endemic species that many people in the world dream of seeing. Even though we were all exhausted by the end of each activity we still all were there for each other for support and reassurance that we got each other’s back. (The photo I attached is what I like to call the homeless population of the Galapagos islands)

– Destin, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Japan 2026: An Amazing Experience Unlike Any Other!

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, Student Resources, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Japan, Travel

Visiting Japan has been one of the things I have wanted to do since I was very little. When I got the acceptance notification from Professor Newsom, I was super excited! I had previously been out of the country in another SPC study abroad program, so I was prepared for everything related to packing and the plane trip. Visiting Japan was nothing like visiting Europe, as the culture and language were very different. In fact, a traveler’s worst nightmare happened to me the first night I was there, when I lost my wallet! However, our tour guide was very helpful in speaking with the police, and I was able to get my wallet back within about 12 hours, with everything in it! I feel as if that wouldn’t happen in any other country than Japan.


The people I went on this trip with were also amazing. We all hung out and did so many things. We visited many shrines and ate lots of great food, and a small group of us went to Tokyo DisneySea on our last day in Japan. The rides and food they served there were super thrilling and tasty. My all-time favorite experience, however, was on the last day for dinner: we ate at a camping-style restaurant at Tokyo Tower, where we grilled hot dogs and pork while sitting in tents or camping chairs. The restaurant was outside and offered amazing views of the surrounding city.


Where we stayed was also nice. In Tokyo, we stayed near Asakusa, which had plenty to see, places to eat, and activities to do. The second night I was there, I saw a street performance of two people fighting with wooden katanas. I also liked that the public transit was very punctual and connected all the places seamlessly. It allowed me to visit Akihabara, which had lots of cool vintage manga and video games, and Harajuku, which had plenty of interesting food places and fashion shops. The bullet trains were amazing and very fast, and they were smooth enough to play solitaire on the tray tables. Kyoto was also nice, with my favorite thing there being the Uzumasa Kyoto Village, which was themed after an old Kyoto village (similar to Heritage Village in Largo). They had a store that sold Neon Genesis Evangelion merch, and they even had a cool ninja show! Another thing I enjoyed visiting was the Itsukushima Shrine, which was very picturesque. My favorite thing on that island was all of the friendly deer, but you had to be careful so they wouldn’t go poking around in your bag and stealing your food!


Overall, this study abroad trip was amazing, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is currently on the fence about it! The sights were amazing, the food was delicious, and the company was super nice. I walked away from this trip feeling more knowledgeable about the world at large, and it made me ask one specific question: “When can I go back?”

-Logan, SPC Study Abroad Japan Program, May 2026

SPC Japan: Truly an amazing experience.

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Study Abroad in Japan, Travel

Traveling to Japan this summer was truly an amazing experience. I do not think I would have ever made the trip on my own, but SPC made it possible. This has been my first SPC Study Abroad trip, and I have nothing but good things to say. Our itinerary was wonderfully made, and Professor Newsom and our tour guide did a phenomenal job. It was nice to have a group of people to go with and I am excited for the friends I have made through it. It was such a fun adventure, and I am so glad I was given this opportunity.


Japan is truly a must-see country with so much to offer. I had the best food during my trip as well as my new favorite drink, their McDonalds mango smoothie. Culture and tradition alone are beautiful, but the sights are on another level. Temples and shrines are each uniquely serene and breath taking and the natural landscape is like nothing I have seen before. One experience that I loved was being able to see Mount Fuji from the bullet train to Kyoto. Also, the Kimono wearing experience at the Asakusa Sensoji Temple was definitely my favorite thing we did. Japan is one of those places you have to go to so you can truly appreciate it. The picture is of Tokyo Tower, which we were able to visit during our free time.

– Sydney, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Japan: Gave me memories that I will never forget!

Japan 2024, Japan 2025, Japan 2026, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

Japan was an incredible experience and gave me the opportunity to see places and learn things that I never could have learned in a classroom. Throughout the trip, we explored Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. We visited historic temples and shrines, participated in a tea ceremony and calligraphy workshop, and walked through the famous bamboo forest. Seeing these places in person made me appreciate Japanese culture and history in a way that reading about them never could. One part of Japan I already miss is the change of pace. One day we were standing in the middle of the world’s busiest crosswalk in Shibuya, and another day we were sitting along a quiet Zen garden. Being able to experience both sides of Japan made the trip feel unique and gave me a greater appreciation for the country.


My favorite part of the trip was visiting Miyajima Island and seeing Itsukushima Shrine. The floating torii gate was beautiful and seeing it in person was even more impressive than I expected. Another experience that stood out to me was visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome. Seeing these sites in person was eye-opening and helped me better understand the impact of the events that took place there. Reading about it in a textbook is nothing compared to walking through the museum and seeing it for yourself. This trip taught me a lot about Japanese culture and history and gave me memories that I will never forget.

– Morgan, SPC Japan Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Galápagos Islands: Childhood Dream Come True!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

The Galapagos Island is known for its rich historical ties with evolution and its dense biodiversity. Ever since I was a little girl, I would read countless books and studies and dreamed of witnessing the science behind it all firsthand. This trip was a life-changing experience from the cultural shocks to the various ecosystems. During our time on Isabella Island, I got the once in a lifetime opportunity to hike the Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes of the Galapagos. Standing on the top at roughly 3,688ft peering over the span of 10 miles, it felt like being transported to a different planet. Especially when I got to observe the hardened volcanic rock that erupted over 20 years ago in 2005. The wildlife on the surface was equally matched to what was below with the bountiful life that thrived in the marine ecosystems at Los Túneles. I can officially say I have swum with wild black tip sharks, green sea turtles, sea lions, and several endemic fish species.


The amount of research and knowledge I have gained on this one-week trip could never be compared to the classroom. The passion that radiated from my peers and the communities on the island for protecting and preserving their native species is like nothing seen before. As an aspiring biologist, this trip provided further motivation that this planet is our home and the need to advocate for conservation should be taken more seriously around the world. My experience at the Galapagos Islands will forever have an impact on my life and how I will view our home and advocate for Florida’s conservation of wildlife. Everyone should get the chance to experience the beauty the islands had to offer; I will forever be grateful to SPC for their assistance in financial and educational support for this trip.

– Laurel, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026

SPC Galápagos Islands an experience that I will never forget!

Galápagos Islands, Scholarships, Study Abroad, Travel

When the plane first landed in the Galapagos, it was such a surreal moment. I just remember looking out of the window and thinking, is this real? My classmates and I were all so excited. The environment was unlike anything I had ever seen before. It was truly a living laboratory complete with rich biodiversity from species such as Darwin’s finches, iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, etc. Being from Florida, it was amazing to see elevation (volcanoes) and an environment full of endemic species. As a biology major, I’ve spent semesters learning about evolution, adaptation, and of course, Darwin’s finches. Seeing lessons learned in the classroom firsthand put things into perspective. At a first glance, the Darwin finches may look the same, but they are completely different species that evolved to fill different niches. Upon arrival, just outside the Baltra airport there were already different species of finches spotted.

There was never a dull moment when studying abroad. We saw giant Galapagos tortoises roaming around and went down into the Lava Tunnels, which felt like a journey to the center of the earth on Santa Cruz Island. On lsabela Island, we biked along uphill coastal trails, hiked the second largest volcanic caldera in the world, and snorkeled with green sea turtles and reef sharks! We also made sugarcane syrup at a farm and did a night patrol to monitor sea turtle nests. During my free time I was lucky enough to snorkel with a playful sea lion. Galapagos was such an incredible place, and their conservation efforts really did show. There was no liter laying around, and the locals had respect for the land. It was almost like being in an exotic zoo every day, except the animals were thriving in their natural habitats. The food was also really good! I learned from my time there to put popcorn in soup, which was surprisingly good. It was an experience that I will never forget, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to explore such an amazing place!

– Summer, SPC Galápagos Islands Study Abroad Program, May 2026