ON THIS PAGE Description Itinerary Preparations More Info

Description
Students will have the opportunity to study and experience the diverse environments of Costa Rica, including a cloud forest (with a volcanic region), dry tropical forest, both low and high elevation rainforests, and a coastal ecosystem. The course will include the study of the basic structure and interdependence of complex ecosystems, along with concepts from zoology and global ecology. We will emphasize the effects of conservation efforts on endangered ecosystems and local populations. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of endangered species through a three-day service learning experience at Las Baulas National Park where we will work with sea turtles on the north Pacific Coast.

Itinerary
This course will include time spent in and around the capital city of San José, the agricultural region of San Ramón including the nearby Tilaran mountain range, the Northern plains surrounding the Arenal Volcano, and the dry tropical regions of Guanacaste province on the northwest coast. We will also spend three days volunteering with the sea turtle research and conservation project at Las Baulas National Park. Academics will include lectures from local experts, group discussions, and extensive field study. Likely site visits include a water conservation and reforestation project, biological reserve, community ecotourism project, biological field stations, two distinct volcanoes, and various national parks representing the diverse tropical ecosystems of Costa Rica. Please note that participants much be prepared for hiking in tropical environments, and have required field study items with them at all times. Housing conditions will vary from multiple-occupancy rustic biological field station rooms to middle-range hotels. Participants will also have a limited amount of personal time, both in the city (e.g., shopping, museums) and at the beach. The tour will be facilitated by the Earth Education International staff, in collaboration with George Mason University faculty. The tentative course itinerary is available to assist in preparation, as well as selected photos from previous years in the photo gallery.



Participant Preparations
This section is provided to assist in preparing you for this study tour. Properly preparing yourself will allow you to get the most out of the experience, and allow us to facilitate a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all. Thus, please review the following information and appropriate links to other sections of this web site:

1. General Information
A wealth of information is available on this web site in order to assist you in preparing. The table of contents for this information is on the Participants page. In particular, the In-Country Information page includes information on what things cost in Costa Rica, local foods, banking, shopping, relevant Spanish vocabulary, and the like. Links to additional information about the country are also provided for your convenience. We strongly suggest that you peruse that information as appropriate to acquaint yourself with conditions on the program, and in Costa Rica, well before departure. This will allow you to get the most out of your time here.

2. What to Bring
Detailed general information on what to bring on your trip can be found in the Packing section of the 'Preparation' page. There you will find lists of appropriate items to bring, as well as recommendations for packing & traveling. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SECTION B: REQUIRED FIELD STUDY ITEMS. For both logistical and safety reasons each participant will be expected to have those required items with them upon arrival. When packing clothes, please note that it is NOT necessary to bring enough for your entire stay. Participants will be able to wash clothes every few days during the course (extra cost involved). In addition to general items, there are a number of site-specific conditions you must be prepared for during this course. At the biological reserve bedding is provided, but be advised that conditions are rustic (e.g., cold showers). You will need hiking or rubber boots for wet and muddy conditions while there. At the beach where we will spend three nights working with sea turtles, conditions are more along the lines of camping. Women will have access to bunk beds in a converted semi-trailer, but must bring bedding (e.g., a light sleeping bag or bed sheets). Men (and any others who prefer) MUST BRING APPROPRIATE CAMPING GEAR (in addition to bedding) and be prepared to sleep on the ground near the beach. There is a single shared toilet and rustic shower available at that site.

3. Program Policies
Please review the program Policies section in detail. You will be held accountable to those policies during your visit, and required to sign a form agreeing to them upon your arrival.

4. Arrival in Costa Rica
We will meet each of you at San José international airport upon arrival, and provide transportation to our hotel. Because you will be arriving on different flights, it is very important that we all meet at a designated time and location at the airport so we can all depart together on-time. This information is as follows:
MEETING DATE/TIME: Friday January 2, 2010, no later than 3:00 pm
MEETING LOCATION: When you exit from the terminal (ground level), make your way through the crowd and turn to your RIGHT. Walk a few meters along the sidewalk and you will pass a few benches where there are two pay phones. Stop and wait just beyond the pay phones, away from the crowd. To assist you with identification, see Dr. Karian's pictures here. In case of any problems, difficulties or delays, please call Miguel Karian at 8812-7766 (preceded by 011-506 from the U.S.A.). If necessary, this can be dialed from a courtesy phone at one of the rental car agencies inside the airport PRIOR to exiting. You cannot re-enter the airport once you have exited.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE AT THE DESIGNATED MEETING LOCATION ON TIME, OR RISK BEING LEFT BEHIND. If this should happen, it will be your responsibility to locate us (call above cell phone numbers or appropriate field site listed at the end of the itinerary) and find/pay for your own transportation to meet up and participate in the course.

More Information
Additional information on logistics of this course (academic credit, costs, etc.) are available through our partner institutions' web site. Click here for more information. NOTE: Application must be made to the Center for Global Education at George Mason University by the application deadline. If you are a current participant and would like additional information related to in-country aspects of this course, you may contact us directly.

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