Organization for Tropical Studies: Costa Rica

» General Information

Location:

San Jose, Costa Rica and various field research stations (Population: 4.3 million)

Description:

This is a unique and rigorous field based program where the tropical forests of Costa Rica serve as a classroom. OTS provides students with an in-depth understanding of scientific ecology, complemented by a strong foundation in social, political, economic, and scientific aspects of resource management. The program presents a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of field ecology under the direct guidance of experienced ecologists. Students have ample opportunity to enjoy a hands-on, participatory learning process, as well as to expand their academic and personal horizons in the context of a supportive learning environment.

Terms:

Fall Semester (Fall Quarter)

Sponsor:

Duke University and the Organization for Tropical Studies

Website:

Costa Rica Semester - Tropical Biology


» Related Links

Language Requirements

Required: 1 year of college level Spanish, or equivalent

Northwestern Requirements

If you think you might declare a major or minor in Spanish or Portuguese, either before studying abroad or once you return, meet with a study abroad adviser in the Department before you leave. To arrange an appointment, please call 847-491-8249.

Program Requirements

In addition to the Spanish language requirement, there is an additional prerequisite of two semesters of college biology.

Academic Specialties

Field studies in Tropical Biology, Environmental Science and Policy, lectures from prominent researchers, two independent study projects, and access to major research libraries in tropical biology. An intensive Spanish Language and Latin American Culture course takes place during the first three weeks of the program.

Course Type

OTS program courses

Additional Information

During the program students will visit three OTS Field Stations:
  • La Selva Biological Station, located in lowland tropical forest on the Atlantic slope, is an internationally renowned research center and home to thousands of species of flora and fauna.
  • Las Cruces Biological Station, located in cool mid-elevation forest on the Pacific slope, houses Costa Rica's premier botanical garden with the richest plant collection of Central America.
  • Palo Verde Biological Station, located in seasonally dry forest of northwest Costa Rica, provides direct access to extensive wetlands with a host of magnificent waterfowl.

Housing

Home stays, dormitories, and rural field stations

Program Costs

Fall 2009: $23,205

  • This includes estimated tuition, room, board, books, transportation, personal expenses and SAAF. The sample costs provided are for the fall term; for other terms and for the most current cost, contact the sponsoring organization.

Approximate Program Size

15 students

Application Requirements

Prior to receiving an application, all Northwestern students must complete the following steps:
  1. Complete the mandatory Study Abroad 101 Quiz on Blackboard.  Call 847-467-6400 or e-mail studyabroad@northwestern.edu (include your name and netID) to register for this quiz.
  2. After receiving a score of 90% or above, students can pick up the Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad at the Study Abroad Office. This application it is not available online.
Northwestern students must complete two applications for this program:
  1. Duke-OTS program application, available on the Duke-OTS web site.
  2. Northwestern University Application for Permission to Study Abroad.

Contact Returnees

Northwestern students may enter this section of the site for a list of students who participated in this program.