Round River Conservation Studies: Costa Rica – The Osa Peninsula
- Location(s): Field Programs in Costa Rica, Costa Rica: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Research
Round River Conservation Studies
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Named by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is a true jewel of land, water, and life. Covering an area of just 700 square miles on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the p... read more
All Reviews
I think I learned a lot more about myself than anything else participating in this program. The living situation and the rigor/quantity of work definitely made it a challenging experience A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This program gave me valuable experience in fieldwork as well as a deeper understanding of how conservation can be put into practice by combining research, community involvement, and government leadership. Katherine G - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
Totally worthwhile, gained invaluable experience and memories I will cherish forever Brenna Lindsey - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Personal enlightenment, field research. Yes, I aim to pursue conservation biology. Ross F Kamimoto - Western Washington University View Entire Review
I gained life experience, knowledge, patience, and a better appreciation for the natural world. I was into conservation before I left, but now I am obsessed. I truly feel like I came back a different person and I still can't believe I was able to be a part of this amazing opportunity. It was 100% worthwhile, I would do it all ov... A student - Weber State University View Entire Review
My son still talks about what he learned, which is great. The experience and how it was handled is unfortunate at best. A student - Parent Reviews of Study Abroad View Entire Review
So much field experience, between plants, mammals and birds. All skills that my future employers are looking for Esther Daranciang - Westminster College, UT View Entire Review
We learned different field skills (everything from measuring river slope to identifying birds), outdoor skills (jungle navigation and camp cooking), and academic skills (reading and writing scientific papers). Plus, we experienced the culture and natural history of the Osa Peninsula and made some great friendships. A very wor... Carolina May - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
Three new courses worth of knowledge, language skills, field work experience, and literature review knowledge. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned about surveying, conservation efforts, life in CR A student - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
About
Named by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on earth,” the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica is a true jewel of land, water, and life. Covering an area of just 700 square miles on the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the peninsula harbors 2.5 percent of the biodiversity of the entire planet. Here Round River is partnered with the organization Osa Conservation, and our students assist with conservation efforts while learning valuable field skills and earning college credits.
Since 2003 Osa Conservation has worked with the mission of conserving the globally significant biological diversity of the Osa Peninsula. Round River students will assist Osa in their efforts to protect and restore habitat in the region through such projects as the creation of private protected areas, replanting deforested areas with native tree species, establishing biological corridors, species conservation, wildlife monitoring, community outreach and education.
Round River students will be based out of a field camp near Osa Conservation's headquarters, and will assist Osa Conservation with their long-term ecological monitoring.
Projects:
- Camera trap monitoring of wild cats, monkeys, and other mammals
- Sea turtle monitoring
- Ecological restoration
- River otter surveys along streams
- Amphibian surveys
- Other potential wildlife studies
Courses taught:
- Natural History of Costa Rica (summer and semester)
- Introduction to Field Methods (summer and semester)
- Applied Conservation Biology (summer and semester)
- Restoration Ecology (semester only)
- Humans & the Environment (semester only)
2017 Program Dates (subject to change):
- January 27 - April 21
- June 22 - August 4
Read more here! Keep an eye on our website for the most up to date information.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Wildlife Science, Wildlife Management
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Natural Sciences
- Outdoor Education
Minimum GPA:
2.8Year Founded:
2016Website
Take me there!Statistics
Round River Conservation Studies Scholarships
Round River offers scholarships to students through our Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund. Edward Abbey was a friend to many and an inspiration to all associated with Round River. Ed’s family has graciously agreed that we may use his name in this manner. We are committed to involving dedicated and qualified students in our conservation projects and we will work with you to facilitate your application and financial needs. Financial assistance to qualified students from Round River is available from the Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund.
$500-$5,000
