Earth Ed Intl: Field Study

Types of Field Study
Because the focus of Earth Education International is hands-on learning, field study is an essential component of all offerings. These include day-long visits, multiple-day educational tours, and guest speaker presentations in the field. With semester programs, such visits are also accompanied by an in-depth analysis of the field site (see photo gallery case study examples), as well as volunteer service-learning work opportunities (see photo gallery volunteer work examples). In addition to learning about topics first-hand, this arrangement offers participants an opportunity to visit a variety of locations in the country/region, as well as interact on a personal level with local experts who are eager to share their knowledge and experience.

Field Study Locations
Field sites vary somewhat, depending upon the specific course (e.g., Summer or Winter) or semester program (e.g., Spring). They also may vary from year to year (see a sample of past locations visited in the photo gallery). Many of the sites are located in and around the central valley of Costa Rica. Possible additional locations include (but are not limited to) the following:

Hiking in Arenal (volcano)
National Park

Northern Costa Rica & Nicaragua
The northern zone includes high elevation rain forest, as well as active volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls. In Guanacaste province to the west, dry tropical forests predominate. This region is also where many of the most popular pacific beaches are located. Just over the border to the north is Nicaragua. What the country lacks in economic wealth, it makes up for in culture. With internal strife no longer a concern, this country abounds with unique opportunities to learn more about the history of Central America and the challenges of development. See 'Nicaragua links' to learn more about the country.

The Central Pacific and Southern Zone
The Central Pacific is a transition zone between dry forest to the north and lowland rainforest to the south. African palm plantations dominate much of the landscape in this coastal region. Also located in this area is Manuel Antonio National Park, the most visited in the country, as well as many other popular pacific beaches. Further to the south is the Osa Peninsula. The area is one of the most remote and pristine lowland rainforest areas remaining in the country.

The Caribbean Coast and Northeast Panama
This region includes lowland tropical rain forest, extensive banana plantations, coral reefs, and indigenous communities of the southern Caribbean coast. Over the border into Panama is Bocas del Toro island archipelago and Isla Colón, the most important island. Although the island was formerly a major banana producer, its main sources of income are now fishing and tourism. See the Panama section of the 'Links' page to learn more about the country.

A guided tour in Cahuita National Park

Field Study Sites
Specific field sites include sustainable businesses; local communities; research programs; and government, non-governmental, and private projects. Many of the sites visited demonstrate specific sustainable living practices. Others sites are included as a point of comparison and contrast, as well as to illustrate important aspects of the country or region. Because short courses (e.g., Summer and Winter) are limited in duration, field study sites are more directly related to the specific course topic. Sites that reflect regional studies (e.g., history, culture, language) are included on longer programs (e.g., the Spring semester program), as are volunteer service-learning work opportunities. Such volunteer work can also be arranged individually if so desired. Although the specific sites visited varies depending on the course, program, and year (see a sample of past sites visited in the photo gallery), possible options include the following:

Agriculture & Land Use Programs
- African palm plantations & oil production plants
- Organic/shade-grown/closed-loop coffee farms
- Organic/hydroponic fruit & vegetable farms
- Rice farms & production facilities
- Reforestation projects (e.g., teak)
- Agroecotourism locations
- Sugar cane plantations
- Native plant nurseries
- Banana plantations
- Herb gardens

Touring a banana plantation

Manufacturing recycled/ banana-fiber paper

Environmentally-Conscious Businesses Practices
- Organic/environmentally-friendly product production
- Recycled/alternative fiber paper production facilities
- Organic/low-impact product manufacturing
- Waste processing/management plants
- Waste recycling/composting sites
- Fair-trade coffee farms
- Sugar mills

Environmental Conservation Areas
- Non-governmental conservation projects
- Watershed/mangrove conservation sites
- Wildlife rehabilitation & research centers
- National parks & other protected areas
- Marine conservation/research pro-
grams (e.g., sea turtles, dolphins)
- Indigenous protected areas

Identifying plant diversity
in a cloud forest

Learning about solar cooking while preparing lunch in Managua

Sustainable Energy Projects
- Solar electric (panel) production/installation programs
- Micro-, medium- & large-scale hydroelectric sites
- Small-scale bio-digester sites
- Geothermal energy facilities
- Solar coffee drying facilities
- Wind energy farms
- Solar cooking sites

Community Development & Ecotourism Facilities
- Buffer zone communities (surrounding national parks)
- Rural sustainable development projects
- Women's & community cooperatives
- Ecotourism associations & facilities
- Fish farming projects (e.g., tilapia)
- Organic herb production facilities
- Handicraft production facilities
- Butterfly farms

Walking a community
orchid garden trail

Visiting a colonial church in Granada

Regional Studies & Social Services Sites
- Cultural & historical sites
- Rehabilitation centers
- Museums & churches
- Rural communities
- Local schools
- Orphanages
- City tours

.General Info

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