(Editor’s note: This is a firsthand account written by University Marketing and Communications intern Isabel Crabtree.)
Making new friends, creating lifelong memories, gaining hands-on experience, traveling to another country, exploring a new culture, and trying new things were all reasons I wanted to study abroad. It’s a unique opportunity and one of the perks of being a college student, allowing me to travel before it becomes more difficult later in life with added responsibilities.
This spring break (March 8-16), I had the chance to study abroad in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands through the Honors Program. A group of 18 other honors students and I spent two days on mainland Ecuador in the capital city of Quito and four days in the Galapagos Islands—two on Santa Cruz and two on San Cristobal. The Galapagos Islands consist of several islands, but only four are inhabited, with the rest being protected.
While it’s hard to capture everything we did in one summary, I’ll share some of what I learned and saw during my trip.
Wildlife
The biodiversity was a major draw for many people on the trip. The Galapagos Islands are among the most biodiverse places on earth, with many species being endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else. Coming from the Midwest, I was especially excited to see animals and plants I wouldn’t normally encounter. During our visit, I saw turtles, tortoises, iguanas, lizards, sea lions, and a variety of birds, including finches, pelicans, boobies, and frigatebirds. Fun fact: penguins live in the Galapagos Islands but are primarily found on Isabela and Fernandina Islands.
The people of the Galapagos Islands are strongly dedicated to conservation and education. We learned a lot about how invasive species have impacted the biodiversity, which is why security measures for entering and leaving the islands are so strict.
“Going to the Galapagos was honestly a dream come true. Through the Honors Program, I was able to explore the world that made me fall in love with biology. It renewed my passion for fighting for One Health, coexisting with animals and the environment,” said Caitlyn Barbour, a molecular and cellular biology major.
On one of our free days, I visited a giant tortoise breeding center in San Cristobal, where tortoises breed in a protected sanctuary and their offspring adapt to independent living. We learned that tortoises were once food for sailors but are now protected and respected. We toured several nature preserves focused on tortoise conservation. The tortoises are chipped and tracked, receiving annual medical checkups. Baby tortoises require protection from predators until they are about 10 years old, after which they have no natural predators.
We also saw the famous tortoise Lonesome George, the last of his species from Pinta Island, who died at around 110 years old. He is now preserved at the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, where we learned more about Darwin’s Galapagos research. It took Darwin about 20 years to publish his findings, which shaped our understanding of evolution.
We took plenty of pictures with the animals, but it was important to respect them. If a sleepy sea lion made us give up our seat or a passing tortoise required us to take a different bridge, we always prioritized the animals’ space.
Beach and swim days
My favorite days were those spent on the beach. The Galapagos has some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen, with aqua blue water, smooth sand, and trees and plants surrounding you. It’s a unique mix of highlands, desert, rocks, and beach—terrains you don’t often see together in one place.
I had the chance to snorkel for the first time. We visited La Loberia, where I saw plenty of colorful fish and even a water snake. Some people were lucky enough to spot a sea lion or two.
“My favorite part of the trip was the stunning scenery, especially while snorkeling,” said Katelyn Doyle, a biology major.
We also visited Playa Mansa on Santa Cruz Island, where I had the chance to kayak. A highlight for me was seeing the turtles pop their heads up for air as I paddled right past them. It felt like I was swimming with them, able to see every detail of their shells and flippers.
At Darwin’s Bay on San Cristobal Island, where Darwin first landed, we swam with sea lions. Many of them swam beneath us or relaxed beside us on the rocks. The animals were incredibly friendly, and there was mutual respect between us and them.
There was nothing better than floating in the water after a long day in the humid heat or relaxing on the sand. It was always amusing to watch someone freak out when a piece of algae brushed their foot, thinking it was a fish.
Culture and the mainland
The first thing we did in Ecuador was tour the many churches and the town square of Quito. As a Catholic country, we got the chance to see a few different services since we arrived on a Sunday. The architecture of the churches reflected Spanish and indigenous influences, with Baroque styles being particularly prominent. The churches were intricately carved and designed, featuring high ceilings, stunning stained glass, and beautiful imagery.
We also visited several markets and vendor stalls. On our last day, we explored the Otavalo Market, one of the largest and most influential indigenous markets in the world. There are a wide range of items you can buy, including spices, blankets, scarves, jewelry, and crafts, with small vendors lined up side by side. Bargaining is expected, so I practiced haggling for better prices—it was great practice and a lot of fun, even though I’m not fluent in Spanish. In addition to our day at the market, we watched a traditional handmade weaving demonstration and learned about traditional dress and the meaning behind various jewelry pieces and styles from an indigenous Ecuadorian woman.
“The trip was truly an unforgettable experience. I learned so much about their culture and the preservation, and I would recommend that anyone take the opportunity to try it,” said Jenna Pullega, a computer science major.
We naturally made a stop at the equator, where we had the chance to stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. The group was challenged to walk along the equator line in a straight line, but due to the conflicting gravitational pulls, it turned out to be surprisingly difficult.
I was initially worried about the food on the trip, but I ended up having no complaints. Seafood was common on the islands due to their proximity to the ocean, so I ate a lot of fish. Chicken dishes were also a popular option. Our meals were always served with plain white rice and either potatoes or plantains. The empanadas and plantain chips I tried have become my new obsession. The group also had the chance to try guinea pig, a delicacy in Ecuador. I decided to give it a try since I wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise—it was chewy and tasted somewhat like turkey. I don’t think I’ll have it again, but I appreciated the chance to try something new.
Final thoughts
I think everyone should try and study abroad if they can. I got two different scholarships through the Honors Program, so additional funding is possible.
Instead of learning from a textbook, I experienced history and culture firsthand—something that goes beyond what words on a page can describe. I had the chance to interact with the people and immerse myself in the environment. I tried and saw things I never would have if I hadn’t gone, broadening my understanding of the world. Studying abroad taught me patience for the unexpected hurdles that come with traveling; friendship from the new people I met and bonded with; and perspective, expanding my understanding of a country and culture different from my own.
“Travel teaches students about new cultures and languages, but it also teaches flexibility, troubleshooting, and responding to new situations on the fly,” said Dr. Linda Clemmons, director of the Honors Program and one of the trip advisors.
I really recommend looking into the different study abroad programs that Illinois State University has to offer. The world is too big not to explore it.
