Earth Ed Intl: SUNY Fredonia Study Tour

This study tour is offered in conjunction with our partner:
Department of Biology, State University of New York: SUNY-Fredonia (U.S.A.)
as one pre-requisite for the course 'Tropical Biology'

The crater at Poas Volcano: 2,800 meters elevation surrounded by could forest

Description
This field study experience will be associated with the SUNY-Fredonia on-campus course BIO 410 (Tropical Biology). During this trip, students will have the opportunity to study and experience the diverse environments of Costa Rica including cloud forest, volcanoes, and low and high elevation rainforest ecosystems while analyzing ecological, social, and cultural issues associated with conservation in Costa Rica. Students will also have the opportunity to do three to four days of volunteer service-learning work at an appropriate location in the San Ramon area. Options include working at a biological field station, an organic coffee farm, or a watershed conservation project and biological corridor.

Alberto Brenes Biological Reserve:
Where we will stay at a biological
field station & one of the
volunteer work sites

Itinerary
This course will include time spent in and around the capital city of San José, the agricultural region of San Ramón including the nearby Tilaran mountain range, and the Northern plains surrounding the Arenal Volcano. You will also spend time volunteering with various sites. Academics will include lectures from local experts, group discussions, and extensive field study. Likely site visits include a water conservation and reforestation project, biological reserve, community ecotourism project, biological field station, two distinct volcanoes, and various national parks representing the diverse tropical ecosystems of Costa Rica. Please note that participants much be prepared for hiking in tropical environments, and have required field study items with them at all times. Housing conditions will vary from multiple-occupancy rustic biological field station rooms to middle-range hotels. Participants will also have a limited amount of personal time, both in the city (e.g., shopping, museums) and in nature. The tour will be facilitated by Earth Education International staff, in collaboration with SUNY-Fredonia faculty. Selected photos from previous courses are available in the photo gallery here, and videos are available in the video gallery. A tentative itinerary is also available (final version available upon arrival).

Participant Preparations
This section is provided to assist in preparing you for this study tour. Properly preparing yourself will allow you to get the most out of the experience, and allow us to facilitate a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all. Thus, please review the following information and appropriate links to other sections of this web site:

1. General Information
A wealth of information is available on this web site in order to assist you in preparing. The table of contents for this information is on the Participants page. In particular, the In-Country Information page includes information on what things cost in Costa Rica, local foods, banking, shopping, relevant Spanish vocabulary, and the like. Links to additional information about the country are also provided for your convenience. We strongly suggest that you peruse that information as appropriate to acquaint yourself with conditions on the program, and in Costa Rica, well before departure. This will allow you to get the most out of your time here.

2. What to Bring
Detailed general information on what to bring on your trip can be found in the Packing section of the 'Preparation' page. There you will find lists of appropriate items to bring, as well as recommendations for packing & traveling. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SECTION B: REQUIRED FIELD STUDY ITEMS. For both logistical and safety reasons each participant will be expected to have those required items with them upon arrival. When packing clothes, please note that it is NOT necessary to bring enough for your entire stay. Participants will be able to wash clothes every few days during the course (extra cost involved). In addition to general items, we recommend that you bring hiking or rubber boots for muddy conditions in the biological reserve.

IMPORTANT PACKING NOTE: It is highly recommended that you bring a small backpack which you can have on-hand during the day while traveling in the bus. A second bag (which may be in a roof rack or otherwise inaccessible during the day) should be packed with items you will NOT need until that evening after checking into the hotel.

3. Program Policies
Please review the program Policies section in detail. You will be held accountable to those policies during your visit, and required to sign a form agreeing to them upon your arrival.

4. Arrival in Costa Rica
Because the exit from the airport can be very hectic, it can be difficult to find each other upon arrival. Thus, when you exit from the terminal, make your way through the crowd, turn to your RIGHT, and walk down the sidewalk past the pay phones and benches. Wait by the large glass windows and doors (right side). We will meet you there. To assist with you identifying me, see my picture here. In case of any problems, difficulties or delays, I can be reached on my cell phone at 8812-7766 (preceded by 011-506 from the U.S.A.). If necessary, this can be dialed from a courtesy phone at one of the rental car agencies inside the airport PRIOR to exiting. NOTE: You cannot re-enter the airport once you have exited for any reason.

More Information
Additional information on logistics of this course (academic credit, costs, etc.) are available by contacting the primary professor in charge of the course at SUNY-Fredonia. Click here for contact information. NOTE: Application must be made to that campus by the application deadline. If you are a current participant and would like additional information related to in-country aspects of this course, you may contact us directly.

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