Biology in the Galápagos: Exploring God’s Creation Up Close

Few places on Earth illustrate the beauty and complexity of creation quite like the Galápagos Islands. For students studying Biology during their semester in Quito, a trip to this world-famous archipelago isn’t just a highlight of the semester, it’s an unforgettable way to see science and faith intersect in real time.

The excursion gives students a chance to study the incredible biodiversity that has inspired research for decades, while also reflecting on what it means to see the unique complexity of God's creation.

A "Living Laboratory"

The Galápagos Islands is located about 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast. These islands are known for their unique ecosystems and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Students get to travel here and observe the species and environments that have fascinated scientists and explorers for centuries.

Each observation deepens their understanding of the information they've been learning in the classroom all semester.

For many students, the Galápagos trip offers a unique opportunity to explore how scientific discovery and faith complement one another. Classroom discussions and daily reflections help students think critically about topics such as biodiversity and environmental care through a biblical worldview.

Connecting Academics to Experience

Maybe you've seen photos of our students smiling while crouched under massive tortoise shells or dressed heard to toe in scuba gear—these are the moments that link time spent in labs and flipping through textbooks to real-life observation. This blend of hands-on learning and spiritual reflection embodies what Living & Learning International strives for: education that engages both mind and heart.

Stewardship of Creation

Students learn about the delicate balance required to protect the islands’ ecosystems and the role humans play in preserving biodiversity.

Through our understanding of the incredible complexity of creation, students also discuss care, responsibility, and respect for the environment.

Students often leave this trip with a bigger view of the world and a deeper desire to take care of it.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Every Living & Learning International course is designed to bring faith and academics together in meaningful ways. For biology students in Quito who travel to the Galápagos, learning becomes worship, and exploration becomes a form of gratitude. It’s a reminder that studying biology isn’t just about discovering how life works, it’s about recognizing the divine artistry in every living thing.

If you'd like to learn beyond the classroom like this, apply for a semester in Quito at www.landli.org/register