Description

The Costa Rica Ecology Program is an interdisciplinary tropical field course involving study of tropical environments, their natural history and their people. The approach is hands-on, with an emphasis on developing skills of observation, analysis and critical thinking, and learning to apply those skills in carrying out original research in the field.

While many participants will be from Ecology, students from other disciplines are strongly encouraged to apply. In previous years, participants have represented Biology, Genetics, Geography, Spanish, Latin American studies, Education, Landscape Architecture, Anthropology, Journalism, Horticulture, Art, and International Agriculture, among other fields.

Highlights

The program will take place in Costa Rica. Located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, Costa Rica is a small country known for its pioneering role in tropical conservation, its peaceful, democratic traditions, and its commitment to education, health, and diplomacy. Costa Rica is the only country in the Western Hemisphere without an army. Only 1/3 the size of the state of Georgia, Costa Rica is home to some half a million species--about 4% of the species on the planet.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Ecology
• Marine Science

Cost in US$:

2,800

Program Fees Include:

Airfare and UGA in-state tuition are additional.

Included in this estimate are: All lodging, meals, ground transportation, guest lectures, excursions and group activities, entrance fees, cultural events and fiestas, most optional activities, laundry, welcome dinner and farewell banquet, medical insurance, and airport departure tax. Not included are: airfare, personal supplies, telephone, and incidentals.

***Note: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition. The HOPE scholarship applies.

Experience Required

yes

Prerequisite GPA: Good standing; BIOL 1107/1108 completed; No previous background in Spanish is required.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Max 24

Scholarships are Available

Friends of UGA Costa Rica Scholarship Fund Qualifying students must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade point average and be enrolled in UGA as a full-time student. Friends of UGA Costa Rica Scholarships will be distributed primarily on the basis of financial need. STARS (Students Abroad with Regents Support) Stipends, in the amount of USD 500, are available for 2009 UGA Costa Rica program applicants. Stipends are awarded to students upon the completion of 50 hours of work in the UGA Costa Rica Office and are intended to cover a portion of the study abroad program costs. To be eligible for the stipend, students must be enrolled full-time at UGA and must be accepted by a UGA Costa Rica Study Abroad Program (early acceptance required). Prior to the program start date, students must be able to complete 50 hours of work to earn the total stipend. UGA Foundation Incentive Scholarship The UGA Foundation has established a USD 500,000 endowment to support study abroad scholarships for UGA students. A portion of this scholarship is dedicated each year to students going on UGA Costa Rica study abroad programs. The UGA Foundation Incentive Scholarships range from USD 250 - USD 700 each. Scholarships will be awarded competitively on the basis of academic excellence and financial need, with priority being given to freshmen students who have not previously studied abroad. Scholarships are available to full-time UGA undergraduate students only. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview Required
• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

30-60 days

University of Georgia - Costa Rica's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide excellence in academic programs and research opportunities while serving as the best equipped social, cultural, environmental and international facility of the University of Georgia. Our Vision is to work under the principles of environmental, cultural, social and economic stability, as well as to serve as an example of sustainability to the academic and non-academic communities of Costa Rica, Latin America and the World.

Year Founded

1785