Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation, Inc.

I studied abroad at Tiputini in 2008 through Boston University and it was an amazing experience! Honestly, it was life changing. It is so important to continue the work of conservation and research. I’m now a pediatric allergist/immunologist and I still remember my study abroad experience fondly.

I have worked with Ceiba as a past volunteer and as a community partner this year. They are doing amazing work in grassroots conservation and educating the broader community about the incredible biodiversity of Ecuador and uplifting what local people are doing to promote conservation, build strong communities, and combat climate change. If you support Ceiba, you can trust that your time or finances will go straight into the communities served - both humans and ecosystems - to make a big impact.

My study abroad experience in Ecuador with the Ceiba Foundation was absolutely transformational for me. The experience changed the way I see the world and my place in it, and what's more, it really shone a light on the role I could play as a global citizen and environmental steward. Even 10 years out from the program, it remains one of the highlights of my entire life. Ceiba is not only doing important conservation work on the ground, they're also empowering future next generations of conservation leaders. Words truly cannot even come close to expressing the profound impact they've had on my life.

I studied with Dr. Woodward and Dr. Meisel in Ecuador for their 2023 Tropical Conservation Semester. To say it was life-changing would be an understatement. Both are excellent leaders and extremely knowledgeable, not to mention fun professors. On top of teaching rigorous and exciting courses with lots of opportunities for fieldwork, they run the Ceiba Foundation's other endeavors, employing many Ecuadorians and helping their livelihoods while conserving the country's threatened ecosystems. During my semester, we had many opportunities to talk with these people and understand their perspectives. I am endlessly grateful for the opportunities afforded to me by the Ceiba Foundation as well as their efforts in helping the people and biosphere of Ecuador.

The Ceiba Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 with the mission of "connect[ing] tropical nature and sustainable livelihoods through habitat conservation and environmental education". The Ceiba Foundation, named after a large, emergent tropical tree often regarded as an indicator of intact forest, achieves this mission through a combination of community involvement, education, and research in Ecuador. Ceiba emphasizes the importance of empowering local landowners to actively participate in sustainable land management. Rather than acting as a foreign force that dictates conservation at the expense of local communities, Ceiba uses conservation easements and works with landowners to assign areas for conservation, agroforestry, and crop cultivation. Perhaps most importantly, Ceiba collaborates with local landowners to identify and develop sources of sustainable income that support conservation, such as tourism programs.

Aside from direct conservation programs, Ceiba supports the environmental education of local Ecuadorians through educational displays at the reserves, integration of environmental sciences into local school curricula, and training for local students. For example, Ceiba is currently pursuing a project to increase local engagement in water stewardship to protect rural stream water. In addition, Ceiba organizes a semester-long study abroad program for UW-Madison students that exposes them to the rich and diverse ecosystems in Ecuador while emphasizing responsible stewardship. I was lucky enough to be one of the students that attended the semester abroad in the Spring of 2022, and this program was one of the most amazing experiences of my lifetime. This program strongly guided my academic and career goals, and after taking part in the semester abroad in Ecuador (led by two intelligent, charismatic, and supportive instructors), I am now on a track to study biodiversity in the tropical rainforests of the Americas.

Ceiba also directs various research projects within and around the reserves with the ultimate goal of measuring both the impacts of people on nature and the effectiveness of various conservation strategies. For example, Ceiba is currently running research programs devoted to wildlife monitoring, howler monkey demographics, wildlife mortality along highways, conservation corridors, and agroforestry. Data for these research programs are collected by researchers, interns, and volunteers, and Ceiba emphasizes the importance of the clear communication of findings to the local community. Overall, the Ceiba Foundation is a powerful force for positive change that will remain an important part of my education and my personal development.

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, so if that's truly the case, I have 5,500,000 things to say about Ceiba's tropical conservation semester.

By turning jungles into "classrooms", Ceiba has been able to provide endless learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds while promoting conservation and sustainability practices.
Not only are they committed to protecting the fragile ecosystems, but they are also connected with the people living there. Their enthusiasm and knowledge has formed trust and good relationships and continually encourages future generations to coexist alongside nature.

During my time abroad, Joe and Cath not only shared their passions, but inspired and fueled my own. I cannot express my gratitude enough to have had such an amazing opportunity to learn and grow. Here's to the memories that will last a lifetime and hopes I will once again be surrounded by the beauty and magic of Ecuador.

I went to Belize for the Ceiba Marine Biology of Coral Reefs study abroad program this (2022) summer. It was my first study abroad program so I was excited but also apprehensive. From start to finish the program exceeded any expectations I had. From the pre-program preparation to the follow-up survey at the end, the Ceiba administrators and the UW faculty and staff were organized and professional.

This program included so much more than studying at the Glover's Research Station off the coast of Belize - we visited a Mayan pyramid, hiked through rain forests, and went inner-tubing in a sea cave. Our time at Glover's Research Station was productive; we learned research techniques, studied coral reef ecology and worked on our research projects. When we were not in the classroom we were able to snorkel every day (and even did a night-snorkel), went on a tidal pool hike, and much more.

Learning about the Belizean culture was interesting and fun and the people we met were warm and friendly.

Finally, can't say enough about our group of students and instructors. Everyone in this program was enthusiastic, interesting, and fun. Our instructors, Professors Woodward and Meisel and our TA Teal, were just amazing. They taught us so much information in such a short period of time and were always willing to help when needed.

I highly recommend the Ceiba Marine Biology of Coral Reefs study abroad program. It has made me eager to continue my college experience and to study abroad again!

This program helped me experience everything Ecuador has to offer. I loved every site we visited and the people we met were so nice. The professors are so knowledgeable in their field and make learning fun. I will forever remember this program and the people.

Getting to intern with Ceiba Foundation was undoubtedly the most valuable summer experience I've had as a student studying wildlife ecology and conservation. Not only was I personally able to gain skills in field work and research, but the organization itself is passionately focused on tropical conservation and improving the well-being of the local community. I got to participate in efforts ranging from Howler monkey surveys to educational outreach, to collaboration with local landowners. Every aspect of my stay at Reserva Bosque Seco Lalo Loor was exceptional, especially the people! The staff and fellow interns made my time incredibly sweet and unforgettable.
With so many educational and cultural opportunities to offer, I highly recommend interning or studying abroad with Ceiba.

As a student interested in Tropical Conservation and Ecology, I could not be more pleased with the quality of education I’ve received through my time with Ceiba. I was both a student of their semester abroad program and an intern at Reserva Bosque Seco Lalo Loor. I highly value the field experience I gained working with Ceiba and believe that I grew immensely as a young scientist and conservationist. I truly believe Ceiba provides an amazing and immersive cultural experience for students traveling abroad. To top it all off, Ceiba has a fantastic local reputation as they really strive to integrate their work with the surrounding community.

I had the opportunity to participate in a research program with Ceiba over the summer of 2021 and was delighted at every aspect of the experience! If you're looking to gain invaluable scientific research knowledge, improve your spanish, immerse yourself in a new culture (while feeling completely at home with the wonderful staff and intern crew) and live in a stunning biodiversity hotspot, then I highly recommend associating yourself with Ceiba.

Ceiba is a very committed conservation organisation working in areas of northwest Ecuador where little conservation actions have historically been undertaken. Their efforts to promote areas of conservation and sustainable use under management by local governments and involvement of local stakeholders might prove crucial for the long-term conservation of a transitional area between two globally important centres of endemism: the Choco rainforest of northwest Ecuador and western Colombia, and the Tumbes-Manabí dry forest of western Ecuador and northwest Peru. Conservation science has repeatedly suggested that ecological transitions are crucial for the conservation of evolutionary processes. However, the ecotone between these two endemic centres is largely overlooked in conservation planning and most of it is already lost due to agricultural development. Beyond the global importance of developing conservation actions in this important biodiversity area, there are several potential social benefits in a region under severe economic limitations, both through new sustainable production practices and education opportunities for local children and youth.

My coworker works for the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation and her stories of the work that they do are great! It sounds like the organization has a powerful impact on all of the students that study abroad through them. I'm glad to see them take an initiative in the local community. The Area of Conservation and Sustainable Use is an impressive initiative that will have an incredible impact and I can't wait to hear more updates from them.

The Ceiba Foundation did an excellent job with their Covid-relief program this year. They made a huge impact in the local community and it was great seeing video updates of the recipients. I am looking forward to seeing what initiatives they bring forward in the future.

Went on study abroad program funded by Ceiba, was fantastic, got to see a beautiful country, got a sense of what they were doing there. 10/10 would recommend.

Ceiba is a exceptional organization that has deep commitment to Ecuador biodiversity and the people of Ecuador. They have made community partners and strive to empower the community leaders.

I participated in a study abroad program with Ceiba which was the experience of a lifetime. The hands-on learning in a completely new place took my education and passion for conservation to the next level. Ceiba is a great organization that I will continue to be a part of for a long time!

I had the opportunity to spend a semester in Ecuador through Ceiba's Tropical Conservation Semester during 2019/2020. This experience was truly once in a lifetime, as not only did I find amazing environmental experiences, but also built lasting connections with many of the Ceiba staff. I must say that they are all wonderful people who are devoted to helping the environment in any way that they can. I highly recommend Ceiba to any potential visitor or corporation and also encourage you all to visit Ecuador through their volunteer opportunities!

I studied abroad with Ceiba for a semester in Ecuador. I cannot express how much this organization positively impacted my life. Everybody is so welcoming and really wants everyone to know about the work that they do. The coolest part, I actually got to see conservation in action in South America!

This nonprofit has not only shown dedication to their work, but also to the education of others. They strive to spread awareness and instill actual change that you can see. They do a wonderful job making a change and showing that you can as well.

In the spring of 2016, my daughter’s professor Catherine Woodward extended an invitation to travel on a Ceiba sponsored trip to the Galápagos Islands with her study abroad class. My daughter jumped at the chance to travel with her mentor and I was thrilled they had an extra space for me. It was such an incredible privilege to experience the amazing inhabitants of this land including Marine iguanas, small penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies and the amazing giant tortoise to name just a few. We also learned all about the flora and fauna unique to these volcanic islands. This enchanted land is truly a gift to our planet and it’s great to know that Ceiba is working hard to spread awareness about our endangered treasures.

I love the work Ceiba does to promote conservation of plants and animals. Not only do they encourage rural land owners to participate in the conservation efforts, but they also educate many populations, near and far, on how they themselves can help with the preservation and rehabilitation of tropical habitats.

Great project to rebuild Ecuador's native forest. They take the right combination of working on the ground re-foresting, alongside influence at government level to create protected areas, as well ad running education projects for local communities and bringing all together to create sustainable approach to the wildlife habitat there.

Carried out a 4 week internship on the wildlife monitoring programme and had the best time! I was mainly involved with conducting population surveys of the howler monkeys in the reserve but also got involved with other aspects of the organisation such as setting up camera traps as part of the wildlife corridor project. The accommodation, food etc is all great and you literally sleep in the heart of the forest (which involves being woken up by noisy howlers!) All the staff are great and really helpful and there’s also cool areas to explore nearby at weekends. Overall would highly recommend if you’re interested in wildlife conservation and learning about rural Ecuador!!

Catherine and Joe are so passionate about sharing their knowledge with those who participate in their programs. My program, Water for Life, was the perfect balance of hands-on learning, interesting lectures, and fun! I always felt safe while traveling with this program and especially enjoyed the respectful and collaborative manner in which we were able to interact with the local communities. I would highly recommend any program through the Ceiba Foundation.

Ceiba is an incredible organization that is doing great work for environmental conservation. Through their passionate and knowledgeable staff, Ceiba thrives at informing the community about conservation both at home and abroad. I had the pleasure of spending two weeks with them learning about the work they do in the tropical rainforest of Ecuador. The passion they have for what they do is exciting and motivational to all those they work with. I'm excited to see the impact their work has on conservation going forward.

My semester abroad with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation has had so many impacts on my life and was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Not only did I learn more about the natural environment in one semester than I would have expected in my entire 4 years, but I learned more about myself and grew into a much better person because of the experience. The Ceiba Foundation facilitated a large portion of my growth throughout college, during the semester and especially indirectly after I came home. They taught me so much and opened my eyes to the world and many different perspectives and the pushed me to excel and do my best in everything. Aside from tremendous personal and academic growth, it was an incredibly enjoyable and fun experience. We got to run around the jungle looking for plants and diving down into the ocean to look for starfish and sharks. I also got to know my professors and classmates in such a deep and close way that I never would have expected out my collage career. We were incredibly blessed in everything, we even got to see a Jaguar! Ceiba not only does education, but they also work closely with some reserves in preserving endangered ecosystems and have been considerably effective in their efforts! I got to work close hand in their forest restoration project at their dry forest reserve for a month and got to see first hand the fruits of their labor in furthering conservation efforts in South America. Although they are small in size they have accomplished great tasks and have left countless marks on their student's lives!

I studied abroad with Ceiba through their tropical ecology semester in Ecuador and it was the best decision I have ever made. No only did I love learning out of the classroom and on the trails, but I developed my confidence in research and conservation work. Ceiba's community conservation programs are incredible and Cath and Joe, as heads of the organization, are the most knowledgable, kind, fun professionals. I miss my time with Ceiba in Ecuador every day and the experience was so tranformative in every way. I cannot say enough good things about my program or this organization!!

I studied abroad with Ceiba in 2015 and it was one of the most life-changing experiences of my life! I learned so much about conservation, Ecuador, and wildlife. Ceiba truly shaped my career goals and helped make me who I am today!

The amount of conservation biology you will learn, animals you will see, and fun you will have can not be described in words!

I studied abroad in Ecuador in the spring of 2017 and had an absolutely amazing experience. Words can not express how incredible Ceiba is. The work that they are doing in Ecuador is so important, and Joe and Cath do a fantastic job with both the organization and students. You can tell how passionate, intelligent, experienced, and skilled they are in everything that they do. Some highlights included Lalo Loor, a research site of Ceiba, and our trip to the Galapagos. I cannot recommend this semester and experience enough. If you can't study abroad with Ceiba, you should definitely look into volunteering at Lalo Loor or any other Ceiba affiliate.

I am an alumnus of Ceiba’s Teoioical Conservation Semester and this semester absolutely changed my life for the better in so many ways. Never had I been so intellectually stimulated and so interested in what I was learning. Cath and Joe are exceptional professors with an unparalleled ability to teach effectively. This program teaches terrestrial and marine ecology from the field in some of the most biodiverse places on the planet. To say I recommend this program or this organization is a massive understatement.

I interned with Ceiba in the summer of 2016, and could not have asked for a better experience. As an intern with the water quality project, I took river samples to test for water quality, and worked on a community education day to promote clean water. Interns were given some freedom in designing their own projects, but staff members were also able and willing to help shape and assist with the projects. I learned so much, and was surrounded by an incredibly supportive community of staff and interns. Ceiba does great work, and I highly recommend working with them!

I studied abroad with Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation in the spring of 2016. Choosing this program was one of the best decisions of my life. The semester was the most busy and enjoyable experiences I have had in my entire college career. I have nothing but positive words to say about Ceiba and fantastic experiences to speak of. From day one Joe and Catherine were always very welcoming and made everyone feel like family. They cared more about us than any other professors could have. Their genuine care extended past the scope of the classroom, they wanted to make sure we had a good life with our host families both on the mainland and on the Galapagos Islands. The intensive Spanish immersion, cultural immersion, opportunity to visit multiple habitat types, and being able to participate in an internship were the reason why I chose to study abroad with Ceiba. Traveling to the many habitat types allowed me to get a better sense of all the things going on around me (from flora to fauna). Spending a lot of time in nature was one of the best parts of the program because it gave everyone the opportunity to reflect on themselves and figure out what things are actually important to them. The internship was a fantastic opportunity. It mainly involved organic agriculture and eco construction. I was able to spend it with three other program members. Since we did not have much access to electronics we became a very close-knit group. After all of the experiences I had in Ecuador I can honestly say that I could always trust and relay on every member and instructor of the program. Please do not hesitate to be part of something great with Ceiba, I know it will something you will not regret.

Asistí para un curso a la Reserva Lalo Loor, quede muy contenta por el trato hasta las maravillas dentro del área es un Bosque Seco Tropical bien cuidado, que puedes observar hermosas aves y por la mañana escuchar a monos aulladores, mucha fauna y flora variada. Realizar el sendero por las mañanas reconforta y te libera de lo cotidiano del diario vivir. Es admirable como la organización trabaja, gestiona para conservar, preservar esta área. Recomiendo que visiten este lugar y también den su apoyo con comentarios, fotos, vídeos para que compartan con sus amistades para que puedan acudir a este paraíso.

I was fortunate enough to study abroad with the Ceiba Foundation on two separate occasions. The first was my freshman year of college when we navigated our way to the remote Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon Rainforest. The second I arrived home, I knew I would be joining the semester study abroad with Ceiba. My Spring semester of junior year I was then able to return back to the country I fell in love with in order to greatly expand my experiences and knowledge. Both of these programs offered more than I would ever even think to ask for. The excitement, energy and knowledge that Catherine and Joe have regarding every ecosystem of Ecuador as well as broader conservation and environmental concepts is mind boggling. I gained and retained more knowledge during my semester abroad then I ever would in a typical semester or even year. The experience is extremely hands-on, allowing every student to really understand the concepts and receive the highest benefit from the experience. Catherine and Joe sincerely care about their students, in addition to the communities and families they work with. When meeting various individuals with which Ceiba has a relationship, the appreciation and love that they have for one another is extremely evident. The Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation is committed to their mission and goals. Both Catherine and Joe inspired me with their passion and drive to pursue college degrees in Botany and Conservation, and then to continue onto grad school to earn my Environmental Conservation Masters Degree. I would not have wanted to study abroad or explore Ecuador with anyone but Ceiba!

My freshman year I was lucky enough to be able to travel into the depths of the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador as part of a research project and conservation effort with the Ceiba Foundation. It was here, after climbing 400 steps of a spiral staircase surrounding an 800 year old tree to watch the beautiful sunset over the lush green rainforest that I came to the realization that I i wanted to dedicate myself to service and pursuit of becoming a doctor so that I can help heal those in need so they can follow their aspirations just like Ceiba inspired in me.

I interned with Ceiba Foundation this year at their Bosque Seco Lalo Loor Reserve in Jama, Ecuador. The experience was exceptional! Every member of the staff I interacted with was welcoming, knowledgeable and deeply committed to conservation and environmental education.

Ceiba has a huge local impact and is well respected by locals. The field staff provided me all the necessary equipment and support to conduct my project. They also gave me ample freedom figure things on my own until I hit roadblocks.

The lodging deep in the jungle was memorable. Waking up to howler monkeys and toucans calling is something I want to do again. The food prepared at the reserve is delicious, local and always fresh.

If you are looking for a great field experience or to donate to a worthy non-profit, I highly recommend Ceiba.

I studied in Ecuador in the spring of 2015 as part of Ceiba's Tropical Conservation program, and I was not disappointed. There was so much that we did there that there was almost no time for relaxation, and that was okay because Ecuador has so much to offer. We studied at the university in Quito, trekked the Andes mountains in vastly different climates, hiked through the Amazon rainforest, explored the wonders of the beautiful Galapagos Islands. I very much enjoyed the Amazon and Galapagos Islands and the flora/fauna they housed. One of my favorite parts of the program was the internship at the end of the semester. I interned on an organic coffee farm with 3 other guys, and it was probably the best experience I have ever had. We planted crops, were introduced to the whole process of coffee making, milked cows, learned about the flora, and best of all had no electronics...total bliss! I would highly recommend this program because it isn't all about the learning, but also about the experience and people of Ecuador. Lastly, Joe and Cath were/are my favorite professors coming out of this trip. They are so knowledgeable about everything from flora/fauna to culture to where to go in Ecuador, and they helped each and every student with any question they had. Do not hesitate to go on this awesome program!

My experience with Ceiba comes from when I attended the Tropical Conservation Semester Program in 2016. The entire semester of travels throughout Ecuador was undoubtedly the most impactful part of my college experience. It was a great time spent both in the classroom, and outside exploring Ecuador's various ecosystems. Even better, ere the many times the classroom was outside. Walking alongside our professors Catherine and Joe, learning first hand from Biologists about the areas, and species they've spent years studying. Whether in El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, learning about the easement they brought into fruition, or at Bosque Seco Lalo Loor on the Pacific coast, the Ceiba impact is a part of the country of Ecuador now.
Even more impressive in my impression of our foundation, was when a massive earthquake struck Ecuador in April 2016, Ceiba became a huge part of the rebuilding process on the coast, and drew resources from their network pool to create a strategy with the community they have fostered a relationship with. That speaks volumes to how the Ceiba foundation is viewed within Ecuador, and for those who have been apart of their experiences.

Ceiba is a great organization that does the groundwork to be extremely productive in the goals that they are trying to reach. I did an education program through Ceiba where I learned about what they do. Not only is Ceiba a great non-profit, but Catherine and Joe are two of the most knowledgeable people in the field and ones that you most certainly can trust.

I was a student in Ceiba's Tropical Conservation Semester, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The places we traveled to, the research we performed, and the conversations we had absolutely changed my life. I cannot emphasize enough how amazing this program was for me and how grateful I am to have had this experience. It's difficult to imagine a more profound or comprehensive study abroad experience in Ecuador. Catherine Woodward and Joe Meisel were phenomenal instructors that helped me to grow both as a scientist and as a person. Thank you!

I was a student who studied abroad with the Ceiba Foundation Spring of 2016, and it was the most life-changing opportunity in my life! The work that this organization does makes an enormous difference in the lives of so many people from around the world by providing sustainable alternatives of income and tourism, while also offering educational opportunities. If I could relive my time spent with the Ceiba Foundation, I would choose to do so without any hesitation. I highly recommend working with Ceiba to anyone!

The Ceiba staff is incredibly knowledgeable group that does great work providing educational tools and opportunities for local communities

This organization provided me with a life-changing semester of learning, personal growth, and friends. Ceiba understands the social, scientific, and economic dimensions of conservation and is great group to donate to! Though I would strongly encourage participating in one of their programs also.

I was a student on Ceiba's tropical conservation semester program. It was an incredible experience overall. I learned a lot of course work as far as conservation biology, and tropical ecology. The best part for me about this course work is that I actually got to experience it, and not just read about it in textbooks. I hiked around the amazon identifying plants and birds, and then even carried out my own mini research project with a group. The experiences did not stop there as I was also able to snorkel in the Galapagos identifying fish, other marine organisms, and I completed another research project in the Galapagos. Ceiba also did a great job of including many cultural experiences throughout the semester. For example, we talked with the family that runs of the reserves Ceiba helped start, El Pahuma, and had to hear their side of the story. Ceiba has many connections in Ecuador, and they clearly have a good relationship with the local people that they work with. I met many great people working for Ceiba in Ecuador. Ceiba also is a very organized non-profit, and I never felt like they did not know what they were doing. In summary, Ceiba is a great non-profit and I would recommend working with them.

Ceiba continues to do extremely important work in Ecuador. Their several environmental projects are comprehensive and expansive. They include many educational components and impressive outreach programs to the neighboring communities. Five friends and I also had the privilege of joining their semester abroad course to the Galapagos which we all agreed was one of the most exciting, informative and well-run endeavors we have ever enjoyed. Anyone who could be part of their projects or courses would be extremely fortunate. Ceiba in an excellent educator of the need and "how to's" to protect the environment

The two weeks I spent in Ecuador with the Ceiba Foundation study group and instructors Catherine Woodward and Joe Meisel were exceptional. As a long-time educator, I looked for and experienced things that I consider integral to a high-level learning environment.

First, the entire trip was meticulously planned and organized to offer a robust overview of the culture, the ecology, the wildlife, and the aspects of the land and sea that we must protect and preserve. In addition, the balance of listening, observing, questioning, and interacting was excellent and provided situations where deep and lasting learning was achieved. The instructors were well-prepared, cordial, caring, professional, and astute leaders. They love their work and their mission, and it is so apparent. They were able to personalize the study to the participants whose ages spanned more than fifty years. Certainly that is no small feat.

This was one of the finest learning experiences I have had. The work is important and should be supported to enable it to continue for years to come.

Excellent attentive staff. Well-managed organization. Phenomenal and productive non-profit doing critical work!

I studied with Ceiba this summer as an intern on the Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve. I had an amazing experience exploring the plant diversity and plant uses in such a unique region of the world. The staff at Ceiba, both in Ecuador and in the U.S. are incredibly caring, helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work. The Lalo Loor Dry Forest Reserve is a big part of nearby coastal communities in Ecuador, and it employes several local community members. This not only provided an enriching cultural exchange during my stay, but it demonstrates Ceiba's approach as a non-profit to work closely with communities and inspire residents to take ownership of projects impacting their environment. I would highly recommend interning or participating in one of their study abroad courses!

I studied abroad through Ceiba in Spring 2014, and I can say it was the best experience of my life. The passion with which Ceiba cared for the communities and environment where they worked was incredible and inspiring. I truly learned more in the one semester abroad about conservation than all the classes I had taken during the previous 3 years. An amazing experience that anyone who is interested in conservation should take a part in!

I participated in the semester long study abroad with Ceiba, and loved every moment and new experience I encountered. Joe and Catherine really facilitate a wonderful experience for their students, and they also contribute greatly to the people living in the communities where they work. Ceiba is the epitome of effective conservation work, they are small-scale but they have made more connections and implemented more programs to benefit the environment and the people than any large NGO could ever do. So proud and lucky to have been able to learn from them and their organization.

I spent a semester abroad with The Ceiba Foundation in Ecuador and it was easily the best five months of my life. I learned so much and got to participate in so many wonderful experiences. I would recommend everyone to do something with this fantastic foundation.

I did a two week study abroad course with Ceiba this past summer (2015) and I can say with great confidence that you will not find better and more passionate people to work with. Catherine was our professor and was by far the best teacher I have ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable about the people, the culture, and the nature that we experienced. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I learned a great deal in the short amount of time that we were there and I can definitely see why Ceiba works so hard to conserve this absolutely stunning part of the world. They are doing amazing work in Ecuador and I'm glad that I got to be a part of it.

I volunteered with Ceiba in Quito Ecuador during a two-week service-learning course. It was through this process I gained a deep appreciation for both water conservation as well as the unique culture of Ecuador. Through Ceiba's direct links to the local communities, I felt as though we supported a much larger cause in a way was well-received by the communities we served.

Going to the Tiputini Biodiversity Research Station in the Amazon truly changed my life and my perspective. While I consider it to have been one of the most challenging experiences of my life, both mentally and physically, it was an experience that I would not trade for anything. I am truly grateful to the Ceiba Foundation and to Catherine Woodward as well as all of the other instructors and guides at the station that allowed me the gift of being able to experience and learn in the most diverse and unique place.

My husband and I were community members for the Ceiba Galapagos trip, Spring 2015. It was one of the best trips we've ever had. From the expert teaching of the U of W professors, to the fantastic students, to the staff on board our boat...all was terrific. We loved the wild life, the hikes, the snorkels, and the interaction with the students. To lie out on the upper deck of the ship, full moon rising, the Southern Cross above us, and a frigate bird drafting us: complete heaven!!

The most amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity, that will teach you more than you thought you could ever learn in 5 months! The instructors are the best people I think I have ever met. So grateful to have had this experience, and I would not trade it for anything.

Best experience of my entire life!
Spent a semester hiking around in the rainforest, swimming with sea turtles, and learning about conservation!

My daughter spent a semester in Ecuador studying with Ceiba and I was fortunate to be a part of the program for 10 days during the Galapagos portion of the program. It was quite simply not only a spectacular experience, but a reinforcement of the crucial need for biodiversity. There is no better way to learn then hands-on instruction by experts. Any one involved in this program will be spurred to conserve tropical treasures by seeing and experiencing the incredible beauty of the natural world. The program was extremely well run and packed with activity and challenge combined with tons of fun. I am encouraged by the work of the Foundation to believe we can preserve fragile environments for future generations to enjoy.

I can't say it better than the raving reviews already posted for Ceiba. They do amazing, innovative work to conserve some very important tropical ecosystems. I spent one month in Ecuador learning from their professors and experiencing first hand the wonders of the places they are fighting to conserve. I can't thank them enough for the work they do. It had a profound impact on me.

I have interacted with Ceiba in numerous capacities over the last five years; first as a student, then as a volunteer, and finally through a grad school internship. I am blown away by the combination of efficiency, effectiveness, and empathy the Ceiba staff have shown as they promote conservation, improve people's lives, and educate the next generation of conservationists.

Today marks the last day of the Tropical Conservation Semester 2014 and I can honestly say these past 5 months have been the happiest and most fulfilling I have ever known. The professors make a huge effort to keep the program interesting and fun. We have gone to the most beautiful ecosystems known to man. Tiputini Biodiversity Station is the most amazing place on earth. The Galapagos was also mind blowing. Honestly the other trips were also mind blowing. The actual coursework is manageable and the tests are fair. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

I participated in a summer tropical ecology study abroad program in Ecuador with Ceiba. It was the most amazing month of my life. They taught us about a broad range of ecosystems: plants, animals, insects, climate. As well as teaching us about the social and economic issues involved with protecting ecosystems in developing countries. The professors are intimately involved in protecting these amazingly biodiverse places with close involvement with the native people whose homes and livelihoods depend on these places. Further, they were spectacular teachers. Any and every question was welcomed and answered and every moment, activity, sighting, was turned into a teaching moment. It was truly a living classroom. My experience with Ceiba changed my life. When I returned to the U.S. I changed majors to Environmental Studies and today am in grad school in environmental studies as well. Ceiba is REMARKABLE..both in their education and environmental protection work.

Studying abroad in Ecuador with the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation was the best decision I ever made with regards to my education. The program plunged me into many different areas of science and I saw hands-on conservation strategies going on right now around the world. With the help of my professors and others involved with Ceiba I was able to conform any of my assignments into something I was interested in. Whether you are interested in animals, plants, the community, the environment or anything you want to pursue, its possible through Ceiba.
My favorite memory was one of my first weekends in Ecuador. Our group went to Ceiba's El Pahuma orchid reserve. I was walking up a steep climb for over an hour, exhausted from carrying my pack. With every step up the mountain the clouds became thicker and the vegetation lusher. When we got to the top I remember seeing a giant bromeliad and a tree fern engulfed in fog. The scenery was magnificent, like a step back in time. I don't know if I ever would have had an experience quite like it if I hadn't decided to study abroad with Ceiba.

Studying with the Ceiba Foundation in Ecuador was my most rewarding educational experience. I was thoroughly impressed with how well the Foundation was organized and able to honor its goals of tropical conservation by educating communities in Ecuador as well as American university students.

I had an excellent experience as a student on the Ceiba Foundation's Tropical Conservation Semester program. The course offers a unique combination of cultural immersion and practical instruction in field ecology. Students are paired with host-families in Quito, where they get an intimate experience of Ecuadorean culture and an intense sink-or-swim Spanish language immersion. Classroom lectures give students a nuanced perspective on biodiversity and evolution. Group discussions explored many of the complex social and ecological challenges of conservation programs in developing nations, with a sensitive look at the interests and agency of the indigenous population.

The program's time in the field constitutes a second kind of cultural immersion. Students explore an incredible diversity of landscapes. They learn to identify the organisms, observe patterns, become comfortable in the field, and design and execute experiments.

The program culminates in a month-long internship with the conservation-related organization of the student's choice. It is a phenomenal opportunity for hands-on, direct action, and it endows students with a sense that they have the capacity to affect positive change. It also provides them with unique insights into the human experience of poverty in an environment rich in endangered natural resources.

Above all, they grow their own visceral sense of biophilia; the experience as a whole nurtures a deep appreciation for the intrinsic value of biodiversity. Students will carry this appreciation with them to any future career, and it will color their opinions about conservation and their decisions as workers, donors, citizens, and voters. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the Ceiba Foundation for my experience as a student, and I cannot recommend the program highly enough.

I studied abroad with Ceiba the spring semester of 2010 and long story short it was a life changing semester. I met really great people who I'm still in contact with including students from the trip and both of my host families. Traveling to the cloud forest, paramo, dry forest, rainforest and the galapagos. At the end of the classwork we all had internships of our interest. I worked in the cloud forest with 2 Ecuadorian students collecting caterpillars and studying there parasitoids. My months in Ecuador were life changing and I learned so much. Before my trip I never understood how important conservation and all the facets that are needed to make a successfull program.

Cieba is a fantastic organization that far exceeded my expectations. Not only do the two founders do an amazing job at helping students learn as much as possible but they also are huge contributors to the local community and offer an amazing foundation of support.

I was able to travel with Ceiba to Ecuador for a semester long tropical conservation program. It was an experience of a lifetime. Not only was I taught to appreciate the wildlife but I was also introduced to a culture extremely different than my own. I see the world differently now and am truly a better person because of it.

The trip was just like entering into the discovery channel. We went all the way to the Amazon, saw parrots, sloths, snakes, armadillos, river dolphins, frogs, peccaries, Ceiba trees, and so much more while learning about the ecosystem of the rainforest. With hands on mini experiments, we learned more than we could ever by reading a text book because while we were there, in addition to the science course, we saw the impacts of humans, how locals viewed the forest, and how the government and corporations are changing the landscape.
But this is maybe like 20% of the trip. It gets better, much better.
The Galapagos, after the cold nights in Quito, was like a vacation inside a 'vacation'. And I say vacation, because even though we learned A LOT, it was much much more fun than the amount we learned. The instructors have experience, they know how things are done, they know what they're talking about, and they know how to enliven their students. The internship at the end was a very nice way to tie up all that we had learned and to use it practically in a way that each of us wanted to, because we could choose from a variety of programs dealing with a variety of things. There was a lot of freedom for such a structured program, which I personally loved.

I was a student studying abroad with Ceiba and it was undoubtedly the most influential and amazing semester of my college career. The things I learned and the people I met changed my life. My favorite parts were getting to see and experience the conservation projects that Ceiba has undertaken in the country and the huge impact that each project has had on the communities in which they have been located. Ceiba is an amazing organization.

My experience with Ceiba was life changing. I've always wanted to join the Peace Corps, but was always undecided about where to go and want I would do. But, after my time with Ceiba, I would really love to go back to South America and work on forest conservation and education. The program teaches students about the ecology and biodiversity of Eucador, while also explaining the challenges that face conservation. I think the work that Ceiba does is so important. They work directly with local people to give them more sustainable and economical options for their land. For example, they provide training and support for people in eco-tourism and reserve management. I also loved my experience at the Tiputini research station in the Amazon rain forest. We saw an anaconda and so many wonderful birds and monkeys. I really miss seeing monkeys everyday. That was great. If anyone wants to donate time or money to a nonprofit organization, I would recommend Ceiba. Your efforts would definitely get to the areas and people who need it most.

CFTC gave me a life-changing opportunity to see the Amazonian Rain Forest first-hand. The experience was wonderfully educational; I learned techniques for studying the environment; assessing water quality; identifying flora and fauna (including different types of monkeys); how to catch bats; how to catch a panther on camera, and much, much more. The food we ate was wonderful and memorable, especially the homemade yogurt; I learned what to be afraid of (urticating vines) and what not to be afraid of (venomous snakes - we didn't see any)...The trip up to the paramo was beautiful (if a little chilly. The orchid preserve was exotic and beautiful. The river dolphins were particularly special. I whole-heartedly recommend the CFTC to anyone who would like to learn the facts surrounding envionmental issues in the rainforest. Catherine and Joe know their stuff, and they make great hosts.

I was impressed with the Ceiba philosophy of giving local landowners an economic interest in preserving their land. It is a sustainable

My experience so far with Ceiba has truley been life changing. The work we have been doing, both learning about the natural environment and engaging in conservation efforts has profoundly affected my view of the world and my desire to spread the word of change to everyone I meet. The foundation has allowed me to do research projects in Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, places I never previously dreamed of visiting. They have also allowed me to participate in a rural internship, working in a location of my choice for a month, using the tools I have aquired after a 3 months of study. The members of the board are all wonderfully friendly and concerned people, interested in making a difference on the local and global scales. The foundation could work on incorporating the students of its study abroad programs more into the local culture and the projects it is doing with the community. It waits until the end of the program for their interships to allow this and I think more immersion throughout the semester would be more helpful.

We have known the two founders of Ceiba Foundation for many years, and as the Quito Orchid Society, we helped develop the orchid project in Pahuma. We admire their hard work and enthusiasm to achieve tropical conservation about which they (and we) feel very strongly and care deeply. We are currantly working with them on a new conservation project and are impressed with their professionalism. Today, more than ever, it has become a necessity to preserve whatever land is left in its pristine state. There are people in the world, like the founders of Ceiba Foundation, that believe in this need and are working to protect the rapidly reducing environments. Ecuador, the country with more species of orchids than any other country in the world, is still a paradise of pure nature. Before it goes, their (and our) commitment is to help save it.

Thanks to a Scholarship granted by Ceiba Foundation I had the opportunity to travel around one of the most beautiful countries in the world(Ecuador) learning and living the most incredible and exiting experiences, Ceiba Foundation is dedicated to promote the conservation and protection of wildlife while improving social well-being in remote but wonderful places, now that I have the chance here in Thailand, I am putting into practice all the knowledge I learned during my course during the summer in 2008, I wish you continue helping the environment as well as involving many people in your amazing projects.

I had the opportunity to study abroad with the Ceiba Foundation in the Summer of 2006. Our group studied conservation biology, zoology, ichthyology, entomology, ornithology, forestry, land management, as well as many other important techniques dealing with the human wildlife bond as well as human kind's impact and association with the environment. This program enabled me to open my eyes to the world around me, the impact mankind has on our environment, and the critical thinking involved in attempting to problem solve. I only wish that everyone had the opportunity to participate in this program.

I participated in Ceiba's summer abroad program in Ecuador. This course exceeded my expectations in every way possible. The founders of Ceiba are two of the most incredible people I have ever met, and have truly been an inspiration to me. What I find so unique and interesting about this organization is their ability to incorporate the locals in their conservation efforts. This has largely contributed to their huge amount of success with a number of projects, including El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and Lalo Loor dry forest. My experience with Ceiba was truly unforgettable. I cannot give enough praise to this organization.

I participated in Ceiba's semester abroad program in Ecuador. No review can do justice for the incredible experiences and life-long friendships that I made while abroad. Ceiba does a superb job in practicing what they preach - they are dedicated (and very good) at working with local stakeholders and residents in order to achieve conservation while improving social well-being. The people running Ceiba care deeply about tropical conservation and the local people that such actions may affect, and do a great job integrating both objectives to work towards sustainable conservation solutions that really work.

I was a student studying in Ecuador through the Spring semester program. I loved every moment of my time spent with this organization and all of the places they support and have helped to build. I hope that this organization will be able to continue supporting the environment and creating an inviting environment for education for not only English speakers but Spanish speakers also.

CEIBA is a great organization because the people running it are innovative in their dedication to conservation--they have worked tirelessly for to create unique vanguard conservation easements in South America (Ecuador) especially where these ideas are new. Both Americans and Local people work for CEIBA which bolsters their ability to foster conservation work in a logical way for the community.

I participated in the tropical conservation semester in Ecuador. It is the most unique opportunity that I have ever been able to take advantage of and was needless to say, incredible. This is one of the few conservation organizations that I have ever encountered (or heard of) that is effective in successfully conserving through local people's efforts and management. Ceiba is able to make little capital go a long way through hard work, passion and efficiency.

I attended the Ceiba Foundation's "Andes to Amazon" course in the summer of 2008. The expertise, collaborative spirit and motivation to conserve precious ecosystems makes the Ceiba Foundation effective as teachers and conservationists.

I participated in the semester abroad program with Ceiba. The professors are very knowledgeable about the ecology of the many ecosystems found in the tropics. I learned a lot about the ups and downs of conservation work: small victories, cultural divides, economics considerations, ecology considerations. I value the time I spent with CFTC and appreciate the passion Joe and Catherine have for this work.

CEIBA has been instrumental in helping build conservation capacity in Ecuador. Through their work with local reserves, they have boosted ecotourism and ensured conservation "paid for itself." The Principals are great tropical ecologists with a passion for conservation. I am now a donor and believe it is the most efficient way to support tropical forest conservation efforts.

Incredible! I have learned an obscene amount in the realm of conservation biology and how to work with people from different cultures to help protect and discuss the environment. I am really impressed that the goal of the foundation is not imperialistic. Quite the opposite, CEIBA makes it a top priority to create community empowerment and local economic sustainability and dependence rather than simply swooping in and taking over.