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Rhianna Absher’s Semester Abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Study Abroad Program:

Through NC State University in the USFQ Galápagos Semester Program in the Marine Ecology track I traveled to Ecuador where I spent a little over a month in Quito, Ecuador, and then the remainder of my program in San Cristóbal within the Galápagos Islands where I spent the majority of my time.

Major:

Environmental Sciences | Minors: Marine Science, Forest Management, Environmental Education

Rhianna on the front of a boat during an excursion on Isabela Island.

Describe what your average day abroad looked like.

I stayed with host families in both Quito and San Cristóbal. Although I had class everyday, I would first have a traditional breakfast with them. I would then go to class from 9am-12pm, taking one class over a three week period in a block schedule format. After class, lunch was on my own so I would often go to a $5 lunch spot with my classmates where I would eat traditional Ecuadorian food. After class, specifically in the Galápagos, I would spend my time relaxing at the beach, snorkeling with the sea lions, hiking, surfing, or doing homework. I would then go back to my host family’s house where I would have dinner and get a restful night’s sleep! A couple times during each class, we would have excursions where we would go scuba diving or snorkeling around the different islands in the Galápagos.

Representing the NCSU wolfpack at Floreana Island.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

I chose to study abroad because I have not had many opportunities to travel and I knew that my undergraduate degree would be the perfect time to do so while also getting immersed in the culture of my study abroad location. I chose this program specifically because going to the Galápagos Islands is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I also had just recently received my scuba certification and I really wanted to use it during my time studying abroad. This program was perfect because scuba diving was incorporated into my classes! I also have a minor in Marine Sciences and this program helped me finish my classes required for the minor.

Galápagos sea lions resting while camping on the beach.

What were some of your favorite experiences during your trip?

My favorite experience while studying abroad was traveling to Isabela Island during our fall break. There, I got to see flightless cormorants, fur seals, flamingos, orcas, manta rays, sea horses, black-tip sharks, spotted eagle rays, baby blue footed boobies, and more! Another one of my favorite experiences was camping with my classmates on the beach for a night. We had to get a permit to do this but it was so fun to night swim in bioluminescence, sleep under the stars, and bond with my peers!

Flamingos on Floreana Island.

What did you learn about yourself through this trip?

I learned that I love to travel! Traveling and seeing the world is definitely a requirement for me when I am seeking future career paths. I also learned that although I think marine science is awesome, I definitely am more excited and passionate about forestry.

How did your study abroad experience prepare you for your future career?

My study abroad experience taught me to be independent and open to new experiences. I was placed into a culture that I did not know speaking a language I knew very little of. This program showed me how to be flexible and empathetic concerning different lifestyles and values. I think that these experiences will translate over to my future career, allowing me to be more understanding of different backgrounds and cultures. This study abroad program also allowed me to develop my Spanish, something that is very useful in a future career!

Kayaking at a lake near Quito, Ecuador.

Were you surprised by anything during your time abroad?

I was surprised about how kind the locals were on the mainland of Ecuador and in the Galápagos. It was so easy to communicate even with the language barrier because locals overall were patient and kind. I was not expecting as much acceptance in this regard, but people really seemed to be interested in why we were studying here.

Holding a baby chick while volunteering on a farm in the highlands of San Cristóbal.

Is there any advice you have for students interested in studying abroad?

Stay open minded! Especially living with a host family, your living situation and accommodations are likely to be very different. Embrace this experience with open arms as it will help you immerse in the culture and your host country to the fullest.

Rafting in Baños, Ecuador.
Canyoneering in Baños, Ecuador.
Cerro Brujo in San Cristóbal Island.