Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; September-December 2006

Honestly, I don’t understand why so few university students do a semester abroad. Consider this: Four months in the Galapagos netted me equivalent credit at near-equivalent cost to a semester of studies at Oregon State University.

It’s not for everyone, of course. Tropical beaches, palm trees (admittedly non-native), and mega-wildlife are hard enough, but classes on the reef, doting host families, good friends, and idyllic cruise trips are tough for anyone to endure.

I was a bit surprised to learn that 30,000 Ecuadorians inhabit the islands. The wildlife, as advertised, was in-your-face: marine iguanas and sea lions kept me company on the beach, and albatrosses and tortoises couldn’t be bothered by humans. Best of all was the resident vibe; our group really integrated into the iconic landscape and made connections beyond mere tourism.

I take it back. Kids, don’t study abroad. Leave tropical paradise for those of us who can handle it.