From the big city of San Jose to the jungles of Corcovado National Park, students in TC3’s Study Abroad in Costa Rica will look at the intersection of culture and environment in one of the world’s most conservation-minded countries. During this trip, you will travel across this small Central American country to see first-hand how Costa Rica has made itself into an eco-tourism destination which benefits both the Costa Rican people and the natural environment. Along the way, you will see sloths lazily munching on leaves and you’ll hear howler monkeys loudly calling in the jungle. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a tapir as it meanders through the forest. Throughout the trip, you’ll learn why Costa Ricans are some of the happiest people on Earth. ¡Pura Vida!
Dates
- Registration: November 2025 - December 2025
- Coursework: 15-weeks in Spring 2025
- BIOL 116 (4 credits): Tropical Field Natural History (SUNY GE Natural Science)
- ANTH 270 (3 credits): Fieldwork in Cultural Anthropology (SUNY GE Social Sciences, World History and Global Awareness, DEISJ)
- Trip: The last 2 weeks of May 2026
Requirements
- Open to all students in all disciplines.
- Language Requirements: None.
- Prerequisites: None
- GPA Requirements: 2.0
- Travel Fee: TBD
- Fee includes airfare, in-country transportation, lodging, most meals (students will be responsible for some lunches), entrance fees.
- Fee does not include passport fees, any vaccinations needed, personal spending money, tuition (included in fall course load), and any applicable baggage handling fees imposed by the airline or entry/exit fees.
What to expect in Costa Rica
- Students will often be outside in inclement weather. Students will be expected to be able to hike 1-2 miles per day in tropical environments, which can be hot and humid. During the trip, we stay in eco-lodges, tent camps, and small hotels. Depending on the location, students may stay in double or triple rooms. Locations include San Jose and some remote locations.
- This class would be very difficult for someone with significant mobility issues.
- How LGBTQ+ friendly is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica stands out as one of the most welcoming countries for gay travelers in Central America. With an increasingly progressive attitude, Costa Ricans have established robust LGBTQ+ rights and laws. This, coupled with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, ensures that various sexual orientations and gender identities coexist harmoniously. (Source: https://www.vacationscostarica.com/)
Faculty Trip Leaders
Kelly Wessell, Professor of Biology
Email Kelly: kjw@tc3.edu
Jorge Orejuela, Adjunct Professor