Toggle Menu

ENV 365F: Costa Rica - Environment & Development in Central America

Costa Rica has been successful in achieving economic growth and human development, even as the country has been able to preserve and restore much of its environment. By contrast, much of Central America has experienced widespread deforestation, rapid population growth and considerable instability. In combination with several environmental factors, this has led to depressed living standards throughout the region. We will devote considerable attention to understanding these very different outcomes and consider appropriate models of sustainable development for the region. The field study emphasizes the role of conservation of Costa Rica’s considerable biological resources as a key component of sustainability. Itinerary Highlights:Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Tirimbina Biological Reserve, Maquenque Mixed Use National Wildlife Refuge, Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Heliconias Ecolodge, Tenorio Volcano National Park, cooperative coffee farm, cacao plantation, banana plantation, and monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and 900 species of birds.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2024


Program Details

  • Program Leader: Barry Allen
  • Program Location: Costa Rica
  • Tentative Travel Dates: December 16 – 23, 2024
  • Credit: 2 – Credit/No Credit
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Course Requirements: 15-page field report
  • Anticipated Number of Students: 12
  • Estimated Program Fee: $2550
  • Program Fee Includes: Roundtrip airfare from Orlando International Airport (MCO), tuition, housing, all meals, on-site activities, on-site transportation, program administration, and emergency insurance.
  • Estimated Additional Costs: Passport $165, personal expenses $125, gratuities $25, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
  • Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens
  • Special Notifications: Consumption of alcohol is not permitted on this field study. This program includes travel to some locations with more limited medical services. Students should be prepared for substantial walking on uneven ground, and some more strenuous hiking. There will also be on-site travel that could induce motion sickness and areas with high altitude and heights. There will also be limited food options for students with restricted diets and allergies and limited food options in general. Some areas will not have air conditioning. Please contact IP for more information.
  • Please Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
  • Please Note: Estimated costs for all programs are based on anticipated numbers of students, current exchange rates, and commercial airfares. Costs are subject to change. Final prices will always be communicated to accepted students before they commit to the program.
A Rollins college student on a study abroad trip in New Zealand.

Connect with an Advisor, Apply or Learn More

Ready to see the world? Click below to learn more, apply or schedule a virtual or in-person advising session with one of our expert study abroad advisors.

Connect with UsConnect with Us