Education Abroad Portal

GGC in Costa Rica: Tropical Biology and Conservation
San José, the Caribbean and Pacific Coasts, and the Central Highlands 

About the Program

This study abroad course explores the people, history, culture and geography of Costa Rica.  Students will have an opportunity to explore the national parks and the rainforest, dive into the Pacific Ocean, fly through the air on zip-lines, and have a chance to see the monkeys, birds, reptiles, volcanoes, and huge rainforest plants.

Additional information about Costa Rica, as well as the educational tour company, EFtours, can be found at Dr. Schlueter’s EF website. Tour Website: www.efcollegestudytours.com/2643481NT

Watch videos from previous trips here and here.

Location

This program will take place in San José, Tortuguero, Sarapiquí, La Fortuna, Los Chiles and Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Itinerary may include visits to:
 

Interacting with monkeys, birds, amphibians and reptiles Visits to numerous different ecosystems (Cloud Forest, Savannah, rainforest, Volcano, Ocean) Night hikes through the tropical rainforest Bird watching and participation in a class bird survey Banana Plantation

Tortuguero National Park Los Pumas Rescue Center Zip-Line and canopy tour Arenal volcano and Waterfall Palo Verde National Park Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge Monteverde Cloud Forest White-water rafting (optional)

Course Information
This is a month long GGC faculty-led study abroad program that allows the participating students to earn the following GGC Credits. Students may take a maximum of 2 courses in this program.

BIOL 3350K - Botany - 3 CREDITS
BIOL 3600K - Zoology - 3 CREDITS
(for all GGC students - any major) BIOL 3050 - TROPICAL BIOLOGY - 3 CREDITS

Dates & Duration

This program goes for approximately one month during the summer.
 

Start date: May 20, 2024

End Date: June 18, 2024

Itinerary

*The itinerary is tentative and subject to change!
 

Pre-Departure (May 20-31): Face-to-face lecture and laboratory experiences at GGC. Day 1 (June 3): Fly to Costa Rica. Tour the capital, visit national sites, and walk the Central Market.   Day 2 & 3 (June 4-5): Visit the Sea Turtle Rescue center and learn about sea turtle conservation in Tortuguero (Caribbean Coast). Conduct avian research and hike in the tropical lowland rainforest.   Day 4 (June 6): Travel to the Costa Rica Highlands and hike through a highland forest nature trail to explore animal and plant diversity. Day 5 & 6 (June 7-8): Travel down the Sarapiqui river by boat and observe wildlife. Visit the Arenal volcano and learn about the geology of Costa Rica. Go on an optional white water rafting trip.

Day 7 (June 9): Travel to Los Chiles Wetland area and perform avian research by boats in small streams and investigate the wildlife of the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. Day 8 (June 10): Plant trees in the Santa Elena Ecological Reserve and hike in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Zipline through the magnificent canopy of a cloud forest. Days 9-10 (June 11-12): Travel to the western coast and visit the Los Pumas rescue center to learn about the impact of the pet trade. Snorkel in the Pacific Ocean to learn about marine fish and sea turtles. Day 11 (June 13): Return to Atlanta. Post-Departure (June 14-18): Review for botany and zoology final exams.

Cost & Payment

Program cost: $3,879 to EF Tours, $30 Application Fee*
 

What's included? Airfare Room and board Ground transportation Excursions and activities International Health Insurance Taxes Airport fees

What's NOT included? GGC tuition and fees Passport Personal expenses (shopping, personal trips, etc.) Unexpected incidents

 

Deadline

The deadline to apply for this program is March 31, 2024.

 

Contact

For more information, please contact the program director, Dr. Schlueter, or the Office of Internationalization.
 

• Program Director: Dr. Mark Schlueter - mschluet@ggc.edu or visit Dr. Schlueter's office at A-1521
• Program Specialist: Moriah King - (678) 407-5597 - mking36@ggc.edu