OTS/Duke Semester in Costa Rica (Fall, Spring) - Tropical Biology

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• North Western Region: 
Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui,  La Selva
• Central Pacific Coast: 
San Pedro
• Eastern Lowlands: 
Bribri,  Talamanca
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Fall, Spring 

Description: Fall and Spring semester programs sponsored by Duke University and the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) provide 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 semester program, designed for biology majors but open to students from all disciplines, represents a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of field ecology under the direct guidance of experienced ecologists. Our programs are academically rigorous and field-based. 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.

Students in the program are enrolled in the following courses and receive the equivalent of four semester hours for each course.

Fundamentals of Tropical Biology (BIO 134) This course integrates field and classroom instruction to introduce students to the fundamental principles of tropical ecology. Costa Rica, with its diverse array of tropical ecosystems, provides a perfect context in which to study first hand the biological complexity of the tropics. Field trips and exercises are conducted in lowland and montane forests, seasonal dry forests, and high elevation paramo. Topics covered include taxonomy and natural history of tropical biota, patterns of species diversity, and species interactions in natural ecosystems.

Environmental Science and Policy of the Tropics (ENV 129) Incorporating a variety of case studies from the challenges and achievements of conservation efforts in Costa Rica, this course blends global with local perspectives in order to identify and understand environmental issues in in developing tropical countries. Field and classroom activities cover diverse topics, including habitat degradation and fragmentation, reserve design and management, national parks and conservation areas, agroecosystems, biological prospecting, ethnobiology, and restoration ecology.

Field Research in Tropical Biology (BIO 135L) gives students the opportunity to learn science by doing science. Lectures and faculty-led projects introduce the principles of hypothesis formation, experimental design, sampling, and the application of basic statistics to the interpretation of data. As part of the course, students work closely with resident professors in the design, implementation, interpretation, and presentation of their own research project in field ecology. Students have the opportunity to engage in group learning activities as well as complete individual work.

Spanish Language and Latin American Culture (SP 62 or SP102) runs intensively during the initial three weeks of the program. The chief goals are to expand vocabulary and conversational skills, strengthen grammar, and introduce key social, cultural, and environmental issues in Costa Rica. The curriculum consists of dynamic classroom discussions, supplemented by listening, writing and reading exercises. During this period, students attended formal classes up to five hours a day and live with a Costa Rican family.

Highlights: Every semester, we visit all 3 OTS 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. The program also visits additional sites that vary between semesters.

Top Reasons to Study Abroad with OTS (Costa Rica)

1. You earn Duke University credit.

2. Experiential learning is at the heart of what we do! You will delve into science and produce your own independent research project. Student projects include forest refragmentation, comparison of habitats, population studies, soil and water acidity, seed dispersal, and migration and behavior habits.

3. OTS students come from universities and colleges all over the United States and study alongside Costa Rican students. Through these student interactions, our program provides you with the opportunity to embrace cultures from all over the world.   

4. OTS owns three biological stations; you will visit these and other biological sites offering you the opportunity to compare five distinct eco systems.

5. You will spend considerable time at the OTS La Selva Biological Station; an intellectual hub for researchers. Every 66 hours, a scientific research paper is published with data gathered here.

6. OTS has over 45 years of collected data that can be used to inform independent research projects. You will have enormous potential to have your work published.

7. You will benefit from renowned facilities and technologically smart infrastructure. OTS is installing wireless sensor towers; we are the first program of our kind to have this amazing capacity to pull a variety of information instantaneously and simultaneously!

8. You will have an amazing opportunity to explore Costa Ricas beauty and learn about the culture. You will stay with a host family and interact with indigenous communities.

9. You will have the opportunity to make incredible connections for graduate school and your career. OTS provides a rich network through its consortium which is comprised of 63 universities and research institutions and visiting faculty and scholars from all over the globe.

10. You can partake in white water rafting, zip lining, and enjoy the beach during break periods. You will learn salsa and other Latin dances, Costa Rican cuisine, and about other elements of the culture.

11. OTS has been the premier leader in education, research, and responsible use of resources in the tropics since 1963.

12. OTS offers semester and summer programs.

13. OTS has generous funding available for under-represented students in the sciences.

Our Enrollment Management Team is well positioned to handle your questions and we are passionately interested in assisting you from first inquiry, your arrival and stay, return, and future involvement with OTS. Each of us has a variety of intercultural and higher education experiences which allow us understand and respond to your concerns. We look forward to embarking on this adventure with you!

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD18,800

Non-Duke students should add USD40 for a one-time only, lifetime transcript fee.

Experience Required: yes

OTS requires that students have two semesters of college-level biology prior to their participation in this program.

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Scholarships are Available. funding is available through the Andrew F. Mellon Foundation for qualified, under-represented students in the biological sciences. Other scholarships are available on the basis of financial need. All applicants are asked to fill out a financial aid form, which is used to determine a student's financial contribution to the program.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Organization for Tropical Studies / Duke University's Mission Statement: OTS was founded to provide leadership in education, research and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics. The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is a non-profit consortium that has grown to include 65 universities and research institutions from the United States, Latin America and Australia. In the early 1960's, scientists from U.S. universities forged working relationships with colleagues at the Universidad de Costa Rica in the interest of strengthening education and research in tropical biology. Intense interest both in the U.S. and Costa Rica led to the founding of OTS in 1963. To address this mission, OTS conducts graduate and undergraduate education, facilitates research, participates in tropical forest conservation, maintains three biological stations in Costa Rica and conducts environmental education programs.

Year Founded: 1963