The winter program, Biodiversity in Costa Rica, runs for 15 days in January. Two – three days are spent in classes on campus at Salisbury University and eleven in country. The program is designed to give students the opportunity to experience and study the vast biodiversity of Costa Rica. The program has two course options- students enroll in the program and choose one course (IDIS 399 or BIOL 399). Starting on The Caribbean Coast in Tortuguero the class explores many different tropical habitats. Visits to Tirimbina Biological Reserve and La Selva Biological Station acquaint students with tropical research. In Monteverde, students experience the rain forest canopy via zip lines and hikes in the Monteverde Biological Reserve. In the Guanacaste Region, students will visit Palo Verde National Park, snorkel a coral reef, and visit Las Baulas National Marine Park. Exact dates will be set when the itinerary is finalized but will be between January 2 and 23, 2025. The total number of students that can be accepted into the program – regardless of the class chosen – is 20. For more information contact the instructor you wish to speak to via the emails listed below.

To apply to the program click on the QR code above or go to: Study Abroad Link:  https://studyabroad.salisbury.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgramAngular&id=10600

IDIS 399 Global Seminar: Biodiversity, Ecotourism and Culture, 4 credits

Mary R. Gunther: mrgunther@salisbury.edu

Course Description: This course is open to ALL majors. It is designed to develop an understanding of Ecotourism and its relationship to Biodiversity.  This course includes exploration of science, language, culture, art, history, and a general appreciation for Costa Rica. Prerequisites: none

* elective course. It is anticipated that it will be accepted as a GEN ED Experiential Learning Course

BIOL 399; 3 credits

Dr. Eric Liebgold: ebliebgold@salisbury.edu

Course description: This course will teach students how to investigate and understand biodiversity and compare the ecology of tropical rainforests, dry forests, and other ecosystems in the diverse habitats of Costa Rica. Prerequisites: Students must have taken one 200+ level BIOL course.

GEN ED Experiential learning Course and fulfills major/minor electives.