Galápagos Study Abroad Follows the Footsteps of Charles Darwin
PennWest University is offering an immersive study abroad opportunity in the Galápagos Islands, a program designed to blend academic study with hands-on experiences in one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. Led by Sean Madden, a professor of history with over three decades of study abroad experience, the program is tailored for students eager to explore the natural and cultural richness of Ecuador.
Madden, who has traveled to nearly 100 countries throughout his career, said he strives to offer students new and distinctive locations with every trip. “I have been leading study abroad programs for more than 30 years and I always explore the globe to find new opportunities,” Madden said. “This time the needle landed on Galápagos.”
The Galápagos program, scheduled for the spring semester, incorporates both a cultural introduction in Quito, Ecuador, and an in-depth exploration of the Galápagos Islands, famously linked to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Madden said the trip is structured to emphasize “the scholarship of Darwin,” encouraging students to delve into the scientific, historical, and social impacts of Darwin’s work. “Darwin’s theories faced great opposition at the time of publication and still today,” Madden said. “It is a phenomenon that has changed the way humans view societies.”
Students can choose to enroll in a related three-credit course, HIST 3400, which requires pre-travel research on a topic of their choice, such as gender, politics, history, or ecology within the Galápagos context. Madden said this preparatory work enhances students’ engagement, as they arrive with a foundational understanding that allows them to critically assess the information they encounter.
Linda Takash, director of International Education at PennWest, said the university’s International Education Office supports faculty-led programs by coordinating applications, tracking necessary documentation, and registering students in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for safety. Takash said STEP provides security updates and emergency alerts, adding a layer of protection for students and faculty abroad.
Takash said study abroad programs promote both academic and personal growth, helping students gain “real-world learning” that fosters global awareness and opens doors for future collaboration. “Study abroad programs promote not only academic growth, but also personal and professional growth,” she said. “This is done by submersing students in global awareness and perspective, enhancing a student’s knowledge base beyond the classroom.”
Madden said he takes special precautions to ensure the safety of each participant. He has developed a “three-person buddy system,” which requires students to travel in groups of at least three to minimize risks. Madden also keep detailed emergency contacts for each participant and ensures copies are stored securely at both PennWest and with the tour agency. “I have many redundancies built in for safety,” Madden said. “EF Travel, in my opinion, included the best protections and safeguards addressing my primary safety concerns and those of the travelers.”
Throughout the program, students will work alongside local experts to fill in gaps in their knowledge, complementing the foundational education they receive at PennWest. Madden said these interactions are invaluable, allowing students to connect theory with lived experiences. “I can work on preparing the students here at PennWest, but I yield to the local experts to fill in the gaps on the ground,” Madden said.
While PennWest requires all participating students to have travel insurance, Takash said that most faculty-led programs, including this one, include insurance in the cost of the program. For students pursuing independent study abroad programs, Takash said the International Education office can provide insurance recommendations and assist with necessary preparations, such as ensuring course transferability and meeting medical accommodation needs.
Madden emphasized that students should come prepared with an open mind, ready to adapt to different cultural norms and experiences. He said the value of studying abroad often lies in gaining an appreciation for global diversity, which fosters empathy and understanding. “In the decades that I have been leading these trips, the greatest reward is experiencing the growth of the travelers,” Madden said. “It is hard to hate something that you know and understand.”
Takash added that financial aid and scholarships are available for qualifying students, including study abroad scholarships specific to PennWest campuses. The International Education Office also offers payment plans for students to make the program financially accessible.
Madden encouraged students to embrace hands-on learning and actively engage with their surroundings, making real-world connections that can’t be achieved in a traditional classroom setting. “Be open-minded, be tolerant, be patient,” Madden said. “We are not in the U.S., and the world is different out there, and we are guests.”