Biological science students experience unique hands-on learning opportunities in Costa Rica that are found nowhere else in the world. The rich biodiversity of the region—attributed to the dramatic shifts in terrain including wetlands, mountains, rivers, and arid plains—allows students to research and observe diverse wildlife within their natural habitats. This part of the Mesoamerican Corridor connects important biological hotspots in Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
While trekking through the untouched primary rainforest and nearby managed lands in knee-high rubber boots, our students observe and conduct research on turtles, caiman, and other fauna native to the San Carlos River. They are also able to observe parrots, toucans, poison dart frogs, coatimundis, and monkeys—and maybe even the rare tapir or the endangered great green macaw!
Both the biology and photography groups visit one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, Volcán Poás, if the crater observation area is open to the public. Both groups also participate in a four-hour canoe trip on the San Carlos and San Juan Rivers along the border with Nicaragua.