Close-up image of a tropical tree frog

Costa Rica

BIOL 197/BIOL/ENVR297

Discovering the Animals of Costa Rica

February 21 to March 2, 2024

Course held during full spring semester 2024.

This is a lab course that will give students a chance to learn about life on Earth with the unique opportunity to study in Costa Rica. Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03 percent of the earth's surface yet contains nearly 6 percent of the world's biodiversity. Travel to Costa Rica is a required component of this course and will allow us to witness living animals in their natural habitats first-hand. We will discuss the basics of the scientific process, the importance of science in modern society, and other contemporary issues in biology. Labs will provide students hands-on learning about designing experiments, using lab and field techniques to learn about animal biology, and provide a chance for students to engage in the scientific process. All students in the course will be expected to come to class prepared to actively and respectfully engage in the class discussions, and to fully immerse themselves in the exploration of the natural areas we visit.

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Itinerary

Faculty Facilitator

Dr. Sara McClelland

Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences

mcclellands@moravian.edu

Cost

  • Program Fee:  $1,775
  • Airfare & Transportation: $825
  • Self-Pay Total Cost:  $2,600
  • Elevate Total Cost:  $0
  • For all travelers:
    • Insurance Fee:  $75 charged directly to your Student Account
    • Recommended for Personal Funds: $300
    • Tuition: None, if taken in course load.

Quick Facts

  • Application Deadline:  October 15, 2023
  • Program Length:  12 Days
  • Units:  1
  • Eligibility:  Moravian student, 2.0+ GPA, Sophomore standing or higher
  • Language:  English
  • LinC: Fulfills F4 Requirement

All the landmarks mentioned in this itinerary will be visited. Some changes may be made in the order they will be visited depending upon the weather.

Day 1: Travel from San Jose Airport to Casa Gratitude (Lodging and meals at Rio Sueños) and visit the Tres Rios Waterfall.
Day 2: Visit to Boruca indigenous community.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sirena Ranger Station, Corcovado National Park and natural history hikes.
Day 4: Explore Marino Ballena National Park.
Day 5: Transfer from CCI to Hotel Villa Lapas, lodging and meals at Villa Lapas: Stop at Tarcoles River to see the Crocodiles and explore the forest via the Villa Lapas hanging bridges.
Day 6: Transfer to Camaquiri Conservation Initiative (CCI, a Caribbean lowland rainforest).
Day 7 - 8: Rainforest explorations and field work & visit the Finca La Luisa sustainable farm.
Day 9: Transfer from CCI to Hotel Aeropuerto
Day 10: Transfer from Hotel Aeropuerto to Juan Santa Maria Airport.

COVID-19 Disclaimer

Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination or a program because of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures.  In addition, should travel occur outside of the United States or between States, we cannot guarantee re-entry with or without vaccine requirement and/or quarantine as determined by the intended destination and return location. Moravian University encourages travelers to comply with the COVID vaccine entry/exit requirements as detailed by their intended destination and/or program.  Please see the complete COVID-19 disclaimer here.