Program Duration

Fall semester: Mid-August - Mid-December
Spring semester: February - Mid-May
Summer: Mid-June - Mid-August

Program Description

Costa Rica is an excellent location in which to pursue tropical biological studies. The country has been the center of much of the research and teaching on tropical biology in the Western Hemisphere. Costa Rica is also a model for the rest of the developing world in conservation and in preserving its natural resources by creating extensive national parks and biological reserves.

Offered through the Council on International Education Exchange (CIEE), the program in Costa Rica is co-sponsored by UW-Madison. The program takes place in Monteverde, a small, bi-lingual community surrounded by a cloud forest reserve. A short walk leads to a wide range of undisturbed natural habitats including the ever-wet cloud forest of the mountain crest; dry, deciduous scrubland on rock outcrops and cliffs; and montane deciduous forest.

This program is designed for students with biology-related majors. Highlights include visits to many of Costa Rica's reserves, the opportunity to gain extensive research experience conducting an independent project, participation in field trips, and the opportunity to get to know rural Costa Rica through a homestay with a local Costa Rican family.

Academics

Students study at a biological station situated adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The courses combine classroom-based academics with field study. U.S. and Costa Rican biology professors teach and evaluate students in both the classroom and on field trips. Students should expect an academically intensive experience and be willing to learn in a variety of settings. Semester program participants are required to take all courses offered: Tropical Diversity, Tropical Community Ecology, Independent Study in Biology, Spanish, and Humans in the Tropics. During the summer term, students are required to take Tropical Biology, Independent Study, and Spanish Conversation and Agroecology. All biology courses are taught in English.

Housing

Housing and all meals are included in the program fee. Students live in a biological station located next to the forest where all classes are taught. Students stay in four-person rooms with private bathrooms and hot showers. Meals are taken at the biological station and served family style. Vegetarians/vegans can be accommodated. A teaching assistant lives with the students during the program to answer questions on health, living conditions, and the courses, as well as to help plan social activities and keep the group aware of cultural and community events. Students spend several extended periods of time traveling with their professors throughout Costa Rica to explore the country's various ecosystems. There is also a one-month (semester) or one-week (summer) homestay during which participants live and take their meals with local Costa Rican families.

Excursions and Activities

As part of the program, students take field trips to explore Costa Rica’s Atlantic and Pacific slopes and several trips to Monteverde’s many diverse forests. In all, approximately half the program is spent off-site exploring and studying the diverse ecosystems within Costa Rica. Camping, hiking, snorkeling, swimming, traveling by bus and boat, and research are all part of the trips. In addition, a variety of cultural events and activities are open to students in the town of Monteverde.

A two-day, mandatory orientation session, conducted in San José at the beginning of the program, introduces students to the country, culture, academic program, and provides practical information about living in Costa Rica and the Monteverde community. It includes both structured activities and independent sightseeing. Students attend lectures, tour museums, and purchase last-minute supplies in the capital city. For the semester program, orientation continues with a Pacific Coast field trip to highlight the diversity of tropical ecosystems. Upon arrival in Monteverde, a special orientation to the program site is held.