Ecosystems, Conservation, & Community

TENTATIVE DATES:
January 2 - 17, 2011

COST: $3940; This cost will cover all in-country housing and 3 credits tuition. Airfare is NOT included.

UNDERGRADUATE CREDITS: Environmental Policy 490, New Century Learning 495, or Biology 497.

HOUSING: Field Stations; some camping; hotels.

CONTACT: Denise at (703) 993-2155

EXCURSIONS: Poas (Volcano) National Park; Montane Cloud Forest; Madre Verde (Green Mother) Reserve Biological Corridor; Playa Langosta (Lobster Beach)

Despite its small size, Costa Rica boasts some of the most fascinating biodiversity in the world and with its extensive collection of national parks is considered by many to be the definition of a conservation savvy nation. During this course you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on field biology and hopefully gain a better understanding of how tropical conservation efforts and policies are carried out on the ground. In addition to the exceptional flora and fauna of Costa Rica, we will also experience immersion in a distinctive culture as we travel around the oldest democracy in Central America.

--from Jason O’Bryhim, the Faculty Director for this year's
program

During this exciting two week study abroad program students earn 3 credits as they travel through a variety of ecological zones to observe the basic structure and interdependence of complex ecosystems! This program is open to all George Mason graduates and undergraduates, including incoming freshmen.

For a nice idea of what this program is like, we suggest you click here for a video of last year's faculty director Ryan Peters explaining wildlife to a student as they check out a waterfall at Hanging Bridges Reserve during an optional rigorous hike.

Besides having opportunities to visit volcanoes and other diverse tropical environments, this program's participants will learn to value field work. Two examples include unique access to the conservation and reforestation efforts at La Catarata Ecolodge and at Madre Verde Reserve in San Ramon, Costa Rica. Another example is when program participants do night patrols in shifts with local Las Baulas staff in their struggle to save an endangered species (Sea Turtle Research and Conservation Project) at Las Baulas National Park.

Lectures by local professionals, community organizers, and faculty from the University of Costa Rica complement these great learning experiences as they help students examine the effects of conservation efforts on endangered ecosystems and local populations. Mason students may take this program for 3 credits in Environmental Policy, Biology, or New Century Learning. The program is also open to non-Mason students and the general public.

Visit Earth Education International's course page, our partners on the ground in Costa Rica, to learn what to expect and to read their policies. Here is another link to help you prepare to go.

*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.