Category: Galápagos Islands

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Application Deadline: Dec. 1, 2025

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Course Dates:
May 13 – June 19, 2026
Travel Dates: May 26- June 3, 2026

Study Abroad with SPC in Galápagos Islands!

Experience an exciting program to the Galápagos Islands. Students will visit a biological station and experience the country’s diverse climates. The group will have the opportunity to take part in various activities such as nature walks and hikes, animal and plant identification, visiting reserves, beach free time, and service-learning projects.

SPC students will visit the islands of Santa Cruz and Isabella. We will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we will explore the headquarters for the Foundation, where ongoing scientific research and environmental educational projects are all being conducted to support conservation of the Galápagos Islands.

We will be visiting Los Tuneles which is where we will snorkel and collect data on marine diversity. These are geological formations comprising arches and tunnels created from ancient lava flows and tidal erosion. This unique landscape hosts several species of seabirds including albatross, blue-footed boobies, and penguins as well as offering superb snorkeling in shallow, calm waters.
We will take a bike ride to visit the historic Wall of Tears and spend time observing and collecting data on mangrove ecosystems. Throughout the course, students will be engaged in discussions, and biological data collection and analyses.

Think you can’t afford to study abroad? Scholarships and other ways to fund your study abroad program are available. Explore scholarship options now.

Available courses – Please talk to an advisor to ensure you have met all college enrollment requirements AND course prerequisites. Students must enroll in one of the options below.

Professor: Dr. Stephanie JW Palomino

Professor: Dr. Teresa Restom Gaskill

  • BSC 3931 – Special Topics in Biology
  • BSC 3931L – Special Topics in Biology Lab
    (Courses are co-requisites)

Lead faculty contacts
After you submit the application online, we will review your application and e-mail you with details of scheduling your interview with the Galápagos Islands program lead faculty, Stephanie Palomino (727) 302-6892.

Other SPC Study Abroad programs
Learn more about other Study Abroad countries where SPC students have made their mark.

Student Study Abroad Blog – For a taste of what it’s like to study abroad, read posts from other SPC students below.

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SPC Costa Rica: Such a life changing experience!

Studying biology abroad in Costa Rica was an opportunity which completely changed my educational career, along with my overall view of biology and culture. I am so unbelievably lucky to have been able to participate in such an incredible program and experience. Everyone involved, including teachers, trip organizers, and students, were all incredible to work … Continue reading SPC Costa Rica: Such a life changing experience!

Study Abroad Courses Available at St. Petersburg College

Quicklinks:  Home | Scholarships | How to Apply | Resources | Blog Satisfy your degree requirements by taking Study Abroad courses at St. Petersburg College. Study Abroad courses will earn you the same credit as a traditional course, with the added benefit of traveling abroad with your SPC professor and classmates. Below is a list of … Continue reading Study Abroad Courses Available at St. Petersburg College

International Student Story: Hola from Ecuador

My name is Domenica Flores; I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. Ecuador is a beautiful country located in South America between Colombia and Peru, it’s divided in 4 regions (Coast, Andes, Amazon and Galapagos island), and is one of the most bio-diverse countries around the world. It is famous for our beautiful roses, sweet chocolate, … Continue reading International Student Story: Hola from Ecuador

Study Abroad in Ecuador: A Cross Cultural Comparison in Mental Health

Hi! My name is Sara Brzezinski.  I am a psychology professor on the Tarpon Springs campus.  I will be taking a group of students to Ecuador this summer to delve into a cross cultural comparison if mental health between the U.S. and Latin America.  We will visit a mental health facility, talk with local practitioners, … Continue reading Study Abroad in Ecuador: A Cross Cultural Comparison in Mental Health