The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) in Costa Rica
- The Organization for Tropical Studies, in partnership with Duke University, offers an intellectually and physically demanding field studies program utilizing three biological field stations in ecologically distinct regions of Costa Rica. The field stations include La Selva, with state-of-the-art laboratories, one of the world's most important sites for tropical rain forest research; La Cruces, a part of the Amistad Biosphere Reserve, the largest protected area in Central America; and Palo Verde, containing some of the oldest remaining patches of dry rain forest and important wetland areas.
- The program is characterized by educational experiences at ecologically contrasting sites, contact with national and international scientists, and intensive full-immersion schedules that include field work, data analysis, lectures, and student presentations. The daily schedule begins at 6:00 a.m. and often includes lectures and laboratories at night aft er a full day of field and class work.
- In addition to the study of tropical biology, classes are offered in the environmental policy of the tropics, Spanish language, and Latin American culture.
- The first three weeks, devoted to intensive language training, are spent in a homestay with a Costa Rican family in San Jose. At the field stations, students are housed in group living arrangements.
- Eligibility: GPA above 3.0. Minimum of one year of biology and one year of Spanish. Ability to cope with physically and intellectually demanding program.
Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) | Duke University | 919-684-5774 | Fax: 919-684-5661 | Steve Hutcheson: steve.hutcheson@duke.edu
