Skip to main content
  • About
    • Dean's Welcome
    • Dean's Team
    • Maps & Directions
    • Give
  • College Initiatives
    • STEM Research Conference
    • Dean's Excellence Fellowship
  • Academic Programs
  • Schools and Departments
    • Department of Physics and Astronomy
    • School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
    • School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences
    • School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
    • Department of Human Genetics
  • Research and Centers
  • Resources
    • Faculty Resources
    • Student Resources
DIRECTORY
MAPS
MYUTRGV
UTRGV UTRGV 10th Anniversary
The University of Texas
Rio Grande Valley
DIRECTORY
MAPS
MYUTRGV
News
GIVE
Open Search Menu
Menu
UTRGV 10th Anniversary
College of Sciences
Division of Academic Affairs
  • About
    ▼
    About Square placeholder image 300px

    The faculty and staff of UTRGV's College of Sciences are committed to student success and research excellence, offering unique opportunities for students at the undergraduate, Masters and Doctoral level.

    • About
      • Dean's Welcome
      • Dean's Team
      • Maps & Directions
      • Give
  • College Initiatives
    ▼
    College Initiatives Square placeholder image 300px

    College Initiatives highlight the College of Sciences’ ongoing efforts to enhance academic excellence, student success, research engagement, and community impact. Through a range of strategic programs, collaborations, and projects, the College supports innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful opportunities that advance its mission and strengthen the broader university community.

    • College Initiatives
      • STEM Research Conference
      • Dean's Excellence Fellowship
  • Academic Programs
  • Schools and Departments
    ▼
    Schools and Departments Square placeholder image 300px

    The College of Sciences combines a strong commitment to high-quality undergraduate education with the very best of a top-tier research university. Our focus is undergraduate and graduate education, and we provide you with opportunities to achieve your educational goals, whatever they are, from a bachelor's degree to a Ph.D.

    • Schools and Departments
      • Department of Physics and Astronomy
      • School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
      • School of Integrative Biological and Chemical Sciences
      • School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences
      • Department of Human Genetics
  • Research and Centers
  • Resources
    ▼
    Resources Square placeholder image 300px

    Discover comprehensive faculty and student resources at UTRGV's College of Sciences. Access guidelines, development tools, and recognition programs like the Dean’s List. Empower academic and professional excellence with tailored support for faculty and students. Explore opportunities to succeed at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

    • Resources
      • Faculty Resources
      • Student Resources

Galapagos Islands Study Abroad

  1. Home
  2. Schools and Departments
  3. School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
  4. SEEMS Initiatives
  5. Galapagos Islands Study Abroad
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Menu
Menu

School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Menu

  • SEEMS Staff
  • SEEMS Faculty
  • SEEMS Research
    • Publications
  • SEEMS Initiatives
    • Galapagos Islands Study Abroad

Contact Us

Dr. Roldán A. Valverde
Director
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences
BLHSB 2.816A
roldan.valverde@utrgv.edu
(956) 882-4077

Dr. James Jihoon Kang
Associate Professor
Environmental Science
ESCNE 2.618
jihoon.kang@utrgv.edu
(956) 665-3526

Dr. Tülay Aygan Atesin
Professor
Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences
ESCNE 1.612
tulay.atesin@utrgv.edu
(956) 665-5280

Dr. Diego Figueroa
Associate Professor
Ocean, Coastal and Earth Sciences
BLHSB 1.826
diego.figueroa@utrgv.edu
(956) 882-5982

Dr. David Hicks
Professor, Coordinator
Marine Biology
BLHSB 2.816A
david.hicks@utrgv.edu
(956) 882-5055

Dr. Christopher Gabler
Assistant Professor, SAFS Coordinator
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems
BLHSB 2.810
christopher.gabler@utrgv.edu
956-882-7656

Overview

Experience one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth through this immersive, faculty-led study abroad program in the Galápagos Islands. Offered through UTRGV as part of ENVR 4370 (Human Environmental Interactions in the Galápagos Islands), this two-week summer course places students directly inside a living laboratory of biodiversity, geology, and conservation.

Open to all majors, the program blends academic learning with hands-on exploration, giving students the opportunity to study evolution, sustainability, culture, and human-environment relationships in the very islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work.

Students posing in a group photo around volcanic rock at Galapagps Islands
UTRGV students heading into the entrance of a cave at Galapagos Islands
Underwater shot of turtle with student posing in the background
Students posing in front of volcanic rock and yellow fumes
Galapagos Islands Satellite Map

What You’ll Experience

Students travel across several islands to observe wildlife, volcanic landscapes, conservation sites, and local communities. Daily activities will include guided ecological hikes, field journaling, kayaking, snorkeling excursions, visits to research stations, and discussions on sustainability challenges facing island populations.

Through this program, students gain:

  • A deeper understanding of environmental systems and human impact

  • Firsthand experience with global conservation efforts

  • Insight into evolution by observing the unique adaptations of plants and animals.

  • Exposure to Ecuadorian and island cultures

  • Expanded scientific literacy and intercultural awareness

  • Academic credit that counts toward electives, for students in environmental science, biology, marine biology, and other programs

Why the Galápagos?

The Galápagos Islands are globally renowned for their untouched ecosystems, evolutionary significance, and extraordinary wildlife. For students interested in environmental science, marine biology, sustainability, policy, biology, anthropology, or simply expanding their worldview, this program offers an irreplaceable experience rooted in real-world learning.

Course Information

Course Title: Human Environmental Interactions in the Galápagos Islands

Course Numbers: ENVR 4370 (Undergraduate) 

Session: Summer I

Program Dates: June 2–17, 2026

Eligibility: Open to students from all majors

Questions?

For more information on applications, course details, or travel requirements, contact:

Dr. Juan L. Gonzalez

juan.l.gonzalez@utrgv.edu

College of Sciences - Dean's Office

Brownsville

BLHSB 2.202
(956) 882-6701

Edinburg

ESCNE 4.636
(956) 665-2404 

Find us on Social Media

LIKE. FOLLOW. SUBSCRIBE. ADD.

Give to the College of Sciences 

Make a Gift

UTRGV
  • CARES, CRRSAA and ARP Reporting
  • Site Policies
  • Required Links
  • Accreditation Statement
  • Fraud Reporting
  • Senate Bill 18
  • Clery Act Reports
  • Web Accessibility
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Sexual Misconduct Policy
  • Reporting Sexual Misconduct
  • Contact UTRGV
  • 1-844-ATUTRGV
  • Facebook
  • X Twitter
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Cost and Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • Search Programs
  • First-Year Students
  • Transfer
  • International Students
  • Graduate Students
  • Current Students
  • Faculty Resources
  • Staff Resources
  • UTRGV Careers
  • Visit Campus
  • Directory
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley