Costa Rica

1000-level Ecology: Biodiversity Studies in Costa Rica

In this J-Term course we will visit a number of beautiful ecosystems in Costa Rica. Acting as field ecologists, we will observe and document a vast array of flora and fauna, and we will do some field research in measuring biodiversity and ecological dynamics. We will interact with local communities and guides to learn more about these ecosystems and the efforts to conserve Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity, and we will consider the implications for global efforts to preserve the ecological health of our planet at large.

Housing and Meals On Campus

For the first days on campus, students will be able to stay in their own rooms in the LC residence halls and will eat in the dining hall.

Housing and Meals during first week, and final night in Costa Rica

The group will stay in 3-star hotels catering to tourists. Participants will share a room with one or two other students. About half of all meals will be provided at local restaurants or hotels. 

Housing and Meals at La Selva Research Station

The group will stay in bunk accommodations, with multiple students per room with separate bathroom facilities. All meals will be provided at the facility's dining hall, and are included in the program fee.

General Note on Food and Drink

Students with dietary restrictions or allergies are encouraged to visit the study abroad office to discuss their restrictions and work together to understand what their diet may include while on this program. All efforts will be made to accommodate student allergies and restrictions.

In some areas of Costa Rica, tap water may not be safe to drink. Our local guides will keep students informed about how to access drinking water in all locations.

Transportation in Costa Rica

Transportation will be provided in private vans or buses.

Program Activities

All activities that are part of the program curriculum are included in the program fee. There may be rare occasions when optional activities are available at students' own expense, but these will not be part of the course and will not be part of the student's grade.

A group flight will be arranged on Wednesday, Jan. 6, leaving either Bradley Airport in Hartford or Logan Airport in Boston and arriving in Liberia, Costa Rica to start the program. Students should expect to leave campus in the early-morning hours of Jan. 6 for their departure to Costa Rica.

On the return, the group will fly from San Jose, Costa Rica to either Hartford or Boston. Group flight itineraries will be sent to students upon acceptance to the program. 

Group flight costs are included in the program fee.

Considerations

Consider the following to determine if this course is right for your learning style.

Free time/Independence: LOW

The program itinerary is fairly busy with educational activities and excursions. Students will have some down time outside of program activities most days. However student opportunities for independent travel and exploration are limited.

Physical Demands: HIGH

This is an active, nature-based program, and will include various activities intended to experience Costa Rica's rich biodiversity first-hand. This may include nature walks/hikes, boat rides, or water-based activities. While alternatives may be available for students with mobility challenges, students should expect to physically engage with the course content and natural landscape daily.

Transitions: HIGH

The group will stay in five separate locations in Costa Rica. Travel between these locations may be via bus on bumpy, curvy mountain roads.

Stimuli: HIGH

The group will spend time in hot and humid environments. Insects and unfamiliar plants may be present. The group will spend a lot of time together and this amount of close, consistent social content may be overstimulating at times.

Language and Communication: MODERATE

Spanish is spoken in Costa Rica. There is no language requirement on this program and the group will have bilingual guides and contacts for educational activities. However, the language barrier may be a challenging experience for some students.

This is a three-credit, 1000-level course. 

The prerequisites are:

• Good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or above)*

*Students in their first semester must demonstrate a 2.0 GPA at the application deadline (Sunday, Oct. 4)

In addition to these academic prerequisites, students on this program are expected to balance demanding coursework with the required course excursions and activities. Ability to work well with others in a group, spending significant amounts of time together, is very important. Ability to manage stress and frustration, and to be flexible when plans change, are also key elements of success.

Academic Director: Eric Rhomberg

Program Director: TBD

Cost for the trip will be finalized in mid-September, but is expected to be between $10,000 and $10,500.

The program fee includes:

• Tuition for the 3-credit course
• Group flights to and from Costa Rica, as well as group transportation from campus to the airport and back
• In-country transportation
• Field trips, entrance fees, and housing
• Health insurance for the duration of the program
• Most meals

Student spending can vary depending on the individual student. Additional costs may be between $100 and $250, and include:

• A few meals
• Cell phone costs: students are expected to have a data connection for the duration of the trip, whether through an international roaming plan, eSim, or local SIM card.
• Laundry
• Free time activities
• Souvenirs, gifts, etc.

The need-based Global Engagement Scholarship is available for students planning to study abroad. This covers up to 50% of the program fee, and 1-2 scholarships are available per program. The Global Engagement Scholarship application is included within the study abroad program application.

The scholarship application is due on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 (the same due date as the program application). While the program application may be extended if the program is not filled, the scholarship application deadline will not be extended.

Application Process and Pre-departure Group Meetings

Click the link at the top of this page to apply. The application deadline is Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

Applicants who have not already completed an LC study abroad or study away program will schedule an interview with the Director of Study Away, Jessica Lindoerfer. The link to sign up for an appointment time is embedded within the program application. This interview must be completed by Friday, Oct. 9.

Please note the following important dates:

• Application deadline: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 at midnight.
• Admissions notification date: Friday, Oct. 16
• Enrollment deposit and confirmation materials due date: Friday, Oct. 30
• Group pre-departure meeting: TBD