Costa Rica (Proud)
BIOL 195.2
Tropical Biodiversity and Conservation
May 8 to May 17, 2023
Why is biodiversity important to humans? In this course, we will explore the ways in which humans place value on biodiversity: economic, ecological, scientific, recreational, and cultural. For example, we will examine the ecological services provided by healthy ecosystems, the impacts of the ecotourism industry, and the strong connection between indigenous communities and nature. We will learn about conservation efforts in Costa Rica while hiking in tropical rainforests, visiting National Parks, and engaging with members of an indigenous community. Class meetings will take place during the Spring II semester and travel will occur in May.
Faculty Facilitator
Dr. Daniel Proud
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Dr. Natasha Woods
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Cost
- Program Fee: $1,700 (Meals Included)
- Airfare & Transportation: $724 (Estimated)
- Insurance Fee: $75 (Required)
- Total Cost: $2,499
- Elevate: Fully funded for current sophomores
- Recommended for Personal Funds: $100
Quick Facts
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2022
- Program Length: 10 Days
- Credits: 1/2 Unit (Built into Spring 2023 Tuition)
- Eligibility: Moravian student, 2.0 GPA or higher
- Language: English (An understanding of Spanish will help, but is not required)
TENTATIVE Itinerary
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: Fly to San José, Costa Rica, lunch as Cocina de Doña Lela, travel by bus to Camaquiri
Days 2 to 5: Explore the biodiversity of Camaquiri Conservation Initiative (CCI) field station, a lowland tropical rainforest in northeastern Costa Rica; birding, night-hikes, camera traps for large mammals, conducting group research projects
Day 6: Travel to Arenal Observatory Lodge
Day 7: Visit the Maleku community, an indigenous community of Costa Rica, and learn about their culture, including an art workshop and a Maleku authentic lunch; return to lodge at Arenal
Day 8: Morning hike at Arenal; travel to Monteverde; lodging at Monte Verde cloud forest reserve
Day 9: Explore the trails of Monteverde cloud forest reserve and learn about the flora and fauna found in this amazing habitat.
Day 10: Tour of a coffee, cacao, and sugar cane plantation; lunch in Santa Elena; travel from Monteverde to San José
Day 11: Fly back to the US
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 Pandemic we cannot guarantee travel or entrance into a destination as a result of COVID-19 related delays and /or closures. Moravian University requires that all students who plan to participate in a Moravian travel course provide evidence of COVID vaccination.