Participate in Our Ecuadorian Field Research Program

Spring 2011 Expeditions: February 24-March 7, March 11-22

"This was the trip of a lifetime.  I went with my son almost a year ago and still think about it nearly everyday.  Paul [Hamilton] is an amazing leader and we found unbelievable reptiles on the trip.  We also had a heavy dose of card playing, volleyball and spent two days on the most beautiful remote beaches I have ever been to.  I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who enjoys a rugged and adventurous trip." - Jim Riley, summer 2009 Research Participant

Our Ecuador research program is open for participation by volunteers, students, interns--anyone with a great enthusiasm for the subject, a solid work ethic, and the ability to work 8-16 hour days in remote, muddy, areas. This spring we will be going to two reserves: Lalo Loor and Jama Coaque on the coast of Ecuador. Our summer expedition will go to Rio Bigal in the Amazon Rainforest (summer dates TBA).

Applications should be completed by one month before any particular trip, but trips may be full before this time. If space is available within 30 days of the trip, consideration may be given to late applicants. But, the sooner you turn in your application, the better your chances for acceptance into the program. Make sure you have read through the expedition information on this site before applying. You should contact us with any questions before completing an application.

For this summer's research trips for rio Bigal, we will be visiting Pappallacta Hot Springs on our last day of the expedition, which is a wecome respite after 9 days of showering in cold streams. For this spring's western Ecuador projects, we will spend the last day and night on the beach town of Canoa, which offers surfing, dancing, and other recreational opportunities.

When you are ready, you can apply here. Also see our Participant Checklist for instructions.

Previous participants: take a few minutes to fill out our post-expedition survey.

Apply > >

Program Fees

• One term: $1,100
• Two terms: $2,100
  

Note: Those attending two terms will be responsible for paying for three nights accommodation between terms. We can arrange accommodations and possible volunteer activities for you.

Full payments is due one month prior to departure. See our payment page for instructions.

Qualifications

We evaluate applicants on a variety of criteria, but the most important qualifications that you can bring to the project are enthusiasm and a good work ethic. Participants 18 years and younger need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Workdays can sometimes last up to 16 hours on the go. At some study sites, you will be required to hike with heavy loads up steep, muddy slopes; some sites are not for everyone! However, most of the actual field work is relatively low-exertion, as finding animals in the forest is very slow-paced. There will also be some challenging living conditions, and participants need to be prepared to be wet and/or muddy for many hours, or even days, in a row. You will have to be prepared to face a diversity of biting insects, and be faced with the possibility of serious illness, although both of these may be minimized by proper precautions. A knowledge of Spanish is helpful, but not at all required.

College Credit

Current students may apply for independent research or internship credit with RAEI and their current college or university. Depending on the requirements of your program, you may be asked to collect a unique data set, write a paper, and/or receive a written evaluation from your expedition leaders. If your program does not have a similar document, participants will fill out a signed agreement with RAEI and an academic advisor specifying the goals and deliverables of the experience. Those interested in continuing as an intern in Ecuador after the end of an expedition might consider our Ecuadorian internship program.

Expenses

What is paid for with your registration fees*:

• Personal escort to and from airport
• All local transportation
• Three nights hotel in Quito
• Housing in cabins on reserves
• Three hot meals per day
• Specialized field equipment and reading material
• Individualized training on field methods
• Guided forest walks with expert naturalists
• Services and supervision of the guides and instructors

What is not paid for:

• Airfare and $44 airport exit tax
• Required Travel Insurance
• Anything on the "What to Bring" List
• More than three nights hotel in Quito
• Two nights accommodation and food for participants staying for two terms.
• Food in Quito
• Alcoholic beverages and snacks
• Optional trips and tours (e.g. a tour of Quito costs about $25 per person)
• Tuition for independent study

Financial Aid

While we offer a 15% discount to residents of Latin America, we do not directly offer any other financial aid. We encourage students to inquire with their program offices to see if aid or grants are available. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program may provide support to Pell Grant recipients.