Costa Rica: Tropical EcologyTravel-Study in May, 2015

Outline

Why Costa Rica?

What will we do?

What is the course?

What will this cost?

Who is the course for?

Who teaches the course?

Who is going?

What do I need to do to prepare?

Is it safe?

How can I learn more?

Costa Rica is in Mesoamerica

Very diverse!

Broad itinerary: Caribbean, Mountains, Pacific

Caribbean snorkeling!

Jungle hiking

Rainforest exploration

Wildlife

Ants!

Riverine wildlife

River paddling (& safety notes)

Bicycling!

Indigenous culture

Meals

Mountains!

Pacific beaches

Pacific sunsets!

Is it safe?

NSU, Dr. Terdal and Mr. Alyea will make reasonable precautions in trip planning

However, Costa Rica is a developing country, and safety standards are lower than in the U.S.

Costa Rica is a tropical country and disease risks are higher than in the U.S.

Ultimately, you and your physician must decide what is safe for you.

Who is going?

Dr. Terdal, faculty

Mr. Alyea, owner of Oklahoma Study Abroad

About a dozen biology students at NSU

Instructors

BIOL 4504/5504

Tropical Ecology

Offered since 1999 as a Travel-Study course

>100 NSU students have gone with Dr. Terdal to Central America

Elective for biology majors and minors

Science Education majors

Prerequisite: permission of instructor; generally limited to juniors and above

Textbook

What does this cost?

Trip fee is estimated at US$1,900

Includes airfare; if airfare goes up before we buy tickets, this will go up.

Includes most breakfasts & dinners with lodging

Does NOT include:

Other meals, snacks, drinks

Souvenirs

Tuition, textbook (yes, this is a class!)

Passport

$28 departure tax

NSU-required insurance of about $20

How do I prepare?

First, let Dr. Terdal and Mr. Alyea know you are interested!

Pay deposits

Check to make sure you have a passport and that it is current

Check with U.S. State Department website on travel advisories

See your physician about any health issues you may have, make sure you are current on immunizations, etc.

Check with CDC.gov on health advisories about Costa Rica

Get/stay in shape:

hike a few miles regularly on rough ground

Ride a pedal bike

swim when you can to increase endurance

Stay in touch with Dr. Terdal and Mr. Alyea regularly

How can I learn more?

Ask Dr. Terdal and Mr. Alyea and questions! We are on email daily: terdal@nsuok.edu

We can meet with you in person, talk by Skype or telephone, chat on Facebook.