International Programs 

Costa Rica Winterim - Tropical Ecology

costarica

Students learn about a tropical dry forest in Palo Verde.

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Program Highlights Include:

  • Experience the complexity and beauty of some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Explore rain forests, cloud forests, active volcanoes, estuaries, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, beaches, and dry tropical forests.

  • Observe the fauna, flora and magnificent scenery of this small, diverse country. See several hundred species of birds, including quetzals and macaws; also leatherback turtles, howler monkeys, crocodiles, coatis, sloths and possibly a jaguarundi!

  • Study the Costa Rican model for managing natural resources in a tropical country.

  • Investigate ecological issues including sustainable development and ecotourism strategies and challenges.

  • Experience and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Costa Rica--it's traditions of democracy, peace and hospitality.

Credits: 

Participants enroll for three credits of Natural Resources 479/679: International Environmental Studies Seminar, with a credit or audit option (same charge). No prerequisites. Graduate credits can be arranged at an additional cost.

Cost: 

$4,050 - 4,550 (tentative cost with 25 students) This includes airfare (Chicago - San Jose - Chicago), lectures, accommodations, most meals, in-country transportation, UW-System health/travel insurance and 3 credits Wisconsin undergraduate tuition; Only $250 surcharge for non-resident students, approx. $70 surcharge for Minnesota residents (with approved reciprocity)

Lodging and Travel Information:

Although most overnight lodging will be in hotels and ecotourist resorts, the group will camp in participant's tents for 3 nights, and spend one night with a host family in a small town or village. Participants should be prepared to travel and live closely with a group of 25 other students, adjust to a busy pace, be flexible, and enjoy lots of wonderful experiences!

Participants will travel in Costa Rica by boat and bus. Most of the national parks and biological reserves are best viewed by foot on hiking trails. These trails may vary in length from less than a kilometer to 12 kilometers. Some trails are hilly, muddy and/or rocky. Participants may also have to wade in water to board boats. It is recommended that participants make an effort to be in reasonably good physical condition prior to departure for Costa Rica.

Winterim trip leaders consist of faculty in the College of Natural Resources.

Program Contact:
            Leader: Dr. Mike Demchik, Associate Professor of Forestry, UWSP
                         Room 246 TNR, Tel#: (715) 295-8910
                         Email: mdemchik@uwsp.edu
          Alternate
           Contact: Bobbi Kubish, College of Natural Resources International Programs Coordinator
                         Room 192 TNR, Tel #: (715)346-3831
                         Email: bkubish@uwsp.edu

Sponsored by:

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point,
College of Natural Resources,
800 Reserve St.
Stevens Point, WI  54481

International Programs Office
Room 108 Collins Classroom Center
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Tel #: (715) 346-2717    Fax #: (715) 346-3591
Email: intlprog@uwsp.edu, Web: www.uwsp.edu/studyabroad