Costa Rica

 The Tropical Ecology Field Study is an engaging science research course for high school students held in the vibrant cloud forest and tropical rainforests of Costa Rica. The dynamic tropical ecosystems and cultural history of Costa Rica make it a fascinating location to study Tropical Ecology.  The field study will begin in the cloud forest of the University of Georgia Costa Rica campus with an introduction to tropical ecology and environmentalism in Costa Rica.  We will discuss general concepts such as biodiversity and later narrow to the more specific fields of herpetology and ornithology. Hands-on projects and activities will follow class sessions to immediately bring to life what was learned in the classroom. Among other topics, students will learn and practice the field techniques used by professional ecologists during these activity sessions. Later, the course will move to the tropical rainforest of the world-reknowned La Selva Biological Station. Here students will work in teams to design and conduct their own research project, building on the concepts and techniques that they learned in the first portion of the field study

Work side-by-side with scientists and fellow students on a research project that you design in one of the most biologically diverse environments on the planet.

Observe the abundant Costa Rican wildlife in the unique cloud forest, tropical rainforest, and volcano ecosystems.

Study alongside current researchers at La Selva Biological Station, a world-famous research station in the heart of the rainforest.

Build your field investigation skills  as you design, conduct, and evaluate group and individual experiments.

Spend a day in the famous Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve as you investigate the impact of ecotourism on our planet.

Gain first hand experience with the content you learned in textbooks as you explore: camouflage, mimicry, and adaptation;  biodiversity; rainforest conservation; sustainable development, and more.

Zip from tree-to-tree on a canopy tour of the rainforest.

Taste and learn your way through the ancient currency of chocolate and its impact on history during a chocolate tour at Tirimbina Biological Reserve.

Learn about geochemistry from a professional volcanologist as you hike Poás Volcano National Park.

Earn college credit while exploring the rainforest! Students taking this course are eligible for 3 college credits at St. Francis University for the course Biology 103: Environmental Studies. Students can also accumulate 1 college credit at Seton Hill University for the advanced course SBL405: Special Topics in Biology: Tropical Ecology. Not attending these universities? Ask us about how you can apply for transfer credit at your college.

This field study is open to all U.S. high school students currently enrolled in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade at the time of application. Students with a love of the outdoors and a strong interest in science are encouraged to enroll. This field study is an excellent opportunity for students considering careers in biological or environmental sciences.

 The course cost TBD. For reference, the 2014 course cost was $2950. $350 reserves your place! The course cost includes:

• Round-trip flight from Pittsburgh International Airport
• All hotel and field station accommodations
• Three meals each day (excluding at airports)
• Private motorcoach transportation
• TravelGuard MedEvac Insurance
• Course books and reading materials
• Admission and private guided tour of Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve
• Chocolate tour
• Climate change workshops
• Admission to Poás Volcano National Park

Only 24 spots are available for this course. Enrollments are accepted on a rolling basis. Further applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Enrollments are confirmed upon receipt of a $350 deposit. Cick HERE to enroll in the Tropical Ecology Field Study in Costa Rica.

Contact Natalie Rice, Scholastica Field Studies Director, at nrice@scholasticatravel.com or 1-800-245-3511 ext. 108 to learn how YOU can join us in the rainforest and kindle your sense of wonder; invigorate your passion for scientific research; and define what is possible for you today and in the future.