Costa Rica: Tropical Ecology

Throughout this nine-day program, participants will immerse themselves in the diverse ecosystem of Costa Rica. This program includes a visit to a biological station, where the class will participate in various activities such as bat netting, nature walks, and tropical plant identification. Participants will also visit the country’s famous national parks, active volcanoes, dense tropical forests, beaches, and more.

Travel Dates

May 15-24, 2026

Program Eligibility

  • All participants must be 18 or over.
  • Central Piedmont students must have a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Associated Courses

Pick one:

  1. BIO 111: General Biology 1 (no prerequisites required)
  2. BIO 112: General Biology 2 (must have taken BIO 111 to take BIO 112)

Please note: If you receive financial aid assistance with tuition costs, if the course you select is not within your degree plan, it may not be covered under financial aid. It is your responsibility to meet with your academic advisor AND your financial aid advisor.

Program Leaders

Program Highlights

  • San Jose walking tour
  • Visit to the University of Costa Rica
  • Snorkeling in Cahuita
  • Visit to Manzanillo National Park and Cahuita National Park
  • Visit the Bribri indigenous community
  • Waterfall swimming 
  • Forest observation
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Night Bat mist netting
  • Visit the Tirimbina Biological Reserve
  • Visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges
  • Visit to the Proyecto Asis Rescue Center
  • Arenal Volcano

Predeparture Engagement Requirements

  • Required: in-person predeparture meeting. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive information about the date and time of this meeting.

Money Matters

Estimated cost: $4,100 + $100 application fee

This estimated cost includes:

  • airfare and transportation
  • lodging
  • some meals
  • program costs
  • travel insurance

Payment deadlines will be posted soon.

Additional Expenses

The following expenses are not included in the program fee:

  • passport and visa fees (if applicable)
  • personal expenses, such as meals not included, souvenirs, and activities outside of the itinerary
  • course registration fees at Central Piedmont that are associated with the program

Application Instructions

  1. Apply for the program through Campus Community. You will need to create a new account to log in. Make sure that you use your Central Piedmont email and save your password in a secure location.
  2. Create an account or log in to Campus Community with your Central Piedmont email.
  3. Complete the Study Abroad application thoughtfully and in its entirety including the video submission and essay questions. Studying Abroad is an educational opportunity; your application should demonstrate your commitment to and interest in this program.
  4. Pay the $100 nonrefundable application fee and follow the instructions to submit proof of this payment in Campus Community. This step is required and your application will not be considered until this application fee is paid.

Apply Now

Note: If any of these steps are not completed, your application will not be considered. Please email any questions to The Center for Global Engagement.

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