Biodiversity & Tropical Field Biology SPRING BREAK 2010: March 20 - March 28
Experience the wonder, beauty, and complexity of some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Explore rain forests, estuaries, rivers, and beaches of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Visit the luxuriant and mysterious Cloud Forest in Costa Rica’s mountains.
Observe the fauna, flora, and spectacular scenery of this diverse country. Readily see dozens of species of tropical wildlife, including macaws and other parrots, bats, howler monkeys, sloths, butterflies, various amphibians, caimans and other reptiles.
Investigate the ecology and conservation of one of the most threatened environments on Earth.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2009. Request an application form from UWSP International Programs or from the group leader:
Chris Yahnke, Associate Professor of Biology, TNR 167, Tel: (715) 346-2455,
Return the form to UWSP International Programs with a $250 (non-refundable) deposit.
Enrollment is limited: late applications can be considered only if there is room. The group is limited to 17 total participants, 15 students and two leaders. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
$3050 - 3550 (tentative) The price is based on 15 participants.
Cost Includes:
There is no additional out-of-state surcharge for non-Wisconsin residents for this program, unless you exceed an 18-credit course enrollment for the Spring 2009 semester.
Click here for latest price estimates
Participants enroll for two credits of Biology 498/698: Biodiversity and Tropical Field Biology in Costa Rica, with an audit option (at the same charge). No prerequisites. Graduate credit can also be arranged at an additional cost.
Coursework will begin before the spring break period and continue after the study tour. Continuing UWSP students should sign-up for no more than 16 on-campus credits for the spring 2009 term – more will result in an overload and an extra fee per each credit over 18. International Programs will register you separately for the 2-credit BIOL 498 course. The class grade will appear on your Spring 2009 transcript.
Overnight lodging will include cabins, tent cottages, and one overnight hotel stay in the country’s capital, San Jose. Participants should be prepared to travel and live closely with a group of 15 other students (of all ages), adjust to a busy pace, be flexible, and enjoy scores of wonderful experiences.
Participants will travel in Costa Rica by small plane, 4-wheel drive truck, and on foot. The trails on this trip vary in length from less than a kilometer to 10 kilometers. Some of the trails are hilly, muddy and/or rocky, and at times we may be wading through flat to steep forest streams. It is recommended that participants make an effort to be in reasonably good physical condition prior to departure for Costa Rica.
From there’ll be driven by 4-wheel truck to Rio Nuevo Lodge Tent Camp. This beautiful and secluded site is nestled between the confluences of two small rivers and offers easy access into deep jungle habitat. We’ll spend two nights at Rio Nuevo, which should give us ample opportunity to explore the local plant and animal life.
For those seeking a thrilling experience, we can do a night hike along the rivers to see and listen to nocturnal creatures –- it’s an excellent chance to see caimans and other things that go bump in the tropical night.
La Leona is the quintessential beach setting with powerful surf and gorgeous shoreline lined with Palm and Almond Trees where countless Scarlet Macaws reside. At night you can sleep in hammocks or recline in your tent cabino while listening to the Pacific waters break on the coast’s shore less that a stone’s throw away.
La Leona lodge offers spectacular sunsets, swimming and body surfing, and affords us explorations of lagoons, deep primary forest, and ocean/beach habitats of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
Any of this may change due to weather, air schedule changes, and to some extent, your desires.
Up to ten weeks before the start of the program, all fees except the initial $250 deposit will be refunded. After the time, tuition, airline, tour costs and housing charges are assessed. If the program would be cancelled, all fees will be refunded. Because exchange rates and airline prices fluctuate, International Programs reserves the right to cancel, surcharge, or to alter the program.
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