Stories From the Field
Jenna Callan
Ecuador 2025 Alumni
“The six weeks I spent in Ecuador through the Wildlands Studies Program gave me some of the best memories of my life. We travelled from the high Andes to the lowland Amazon, and finished our program in the Galapágos islands.
On the Ecuadorian mainland, every morning we woke up to the sounds of wildlife. Whether it was squirrel monkeys swinging in the trees, white-throated toucans screaming from the treetops, or the gentle ribbits of frogs, we were constantly reminded of the beauty and interconnectedness of the ecosystems around us.
We spent the last week of our program on the Galapágos islands and the biodiversity of these small, isolated islands was breathtaking. We snorkeled almost every day, and encountered sea lions, Galapágos green turtles, and even juvenile black-tipped reef sharks. You always had to be careful of where your flippers were because you never knew what marine life could be passing by.
Along with amazing wildlife experiences, the teaching team for the Ecuador program was incredible and ensured students gained a deep understanding of Ecuadorian ecosystems and biodiversity. With a combination of wonderful classmates, passionate instructors, and stunning biodiversity, I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience.”
