Home • Costa Rica • Sea Turtle Ecology Program for Local College Students

You and your school will collaborate with sea turtle biologists and local Costa Rican communities to monitor a population of critically endangered leatherback sea turtles on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This course is an amazing opportunity to assist with authentic research and be active in international conservation efforts.

The 3-day course includes instruction and activities on sea turtle ecology, journal writing, rainforest ecology, scientific method, English, and art.

The EPI instructors leading this course have graduate degrees in science.

How to Apply

Applications can be downloaded by clicking on the Application icon to the right.

Three-day course: 

· Day 1: Sea Turtles and Tropical Ecology. Pacuare Nature Reserve, with four miles of beach and a 2,000-acre forest, will be our home for nearly a week. At the Reserve, students design a research project and head onto the beach each night to patrol for sea turtles.

· Day 2: Rainforest Ecology. After morning data review, you'll head into the forest in search of leaf cutter ants, toucans, tree frogs and monkeys. Tonight we'll be on sea turtle patrol.

· Day 3: Presentations and Closing. Today you'll present your research projects to each other and staff at the Reserve. We'll reflect on what we've learned while at the Reserve and discuss ways to stay involved. 

Four-day course:

· Day 1: Sea Turtles and Tropical Ecology. Pacuare Nature Reserve, with four miles of beach and a 2,000-acre forest, will be our home for nearly a week. At the Reserve, students design a research project and head onto the beach each night to patrol for sea turtles.

· Day 2: Rainforest Ecology. After morning data review, you'll head into the forest in search of for leaf cutter ants, toucans, tree frogs and monkeys. Tonight we'll be on sea turtle patrol.

· Day 3: Habitat Restoration. You'll continue to review the data you've helped collect. We'll also spend a few daytime hours on beach to restore nesting habitat. Tonight we'll be on sea turtle patrol.

· Day 4: Presentations and Closing. Today you'll present your research projects to each other and staff at the Reserve. We'll reflect on what we've learned while at the Reserve and discuss ways to stay involved.

Course dates

February - June; contact us for the specific course date that best fits your schedule.

Age

This program is specifically designed for university students who are seeking a learning experience outside of the classroom that is scientifically authentic and academically rigorous, with an international theme.

Group Size

Our minimum group size is 10, maximum 20. Please contact us to discuss options if you have a smaller or larger group.

Accommodations

The private reserve you will be visiting was chosen for its quiet simplicity and sustainable design. EPI participants and reserve staff are often the only visitors during your stay. You will sleep in dormitory style cabins and share a room with 2-3 other students. The reserve supplies sheets, pillows, and other bedding. There is running water but no electricity; you'll enjoy candlelit dinners and spectacular starry nights.

Tuition

Contact us for pricing.