Oklahoma Study Abroad Environmental Conservation & Sustainability in Costa Rica Oklahoma Study Abroad's Environmental Conservation and Sustainability (ECS) program in Costa Rica is a statewide initiative to bring Oklahoma institutions, students, and faculty closer to the environment. In conjunction with Northeastern State University, The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City Community College, an in­depth and affordable program has been created that provides more students the opportunity to participate in study abroad. Our goal is for every college and university in Oklahoma to be able to utilize this program. The ECS program can be completely customized to achieve the professor/chaperone's goals and address their particular educational focus. Previous groups have studied Biology, Tropical Ecology, Environmental Conservation and Sustainability, Sustainable Business & Tourism, Spanish, Wildlife Photography, and English Composition. Students visiting the University of Costa Rica ​
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Flora and Fauna identification in Cahuita National Park Students visiting Cahuita National Park​
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Field Study in Manuel Antonio National Park Costa Rica is leading the world as one of the most eco­friendly and well preserved countries. With 25% of the country in protected areas, they are setting the example for national park systems worldwide. Costa Rica contains 6% of the world’s biodiversity and is similar in size to West Virginia. Recently, Costa Rica achieved a new milestone by sustaining the entire country for seventy days solely on renewable sources of energy. Costa Rica is a perfect example for teaching Oklahoma students and faculty the importance of protecting and sustaining the environment. Additionally, Costa Rica is extremely safe and tourist friendly. Map of Costa Rica's National Parks, Wildlife Refuges, Biological Reserves, Wetlands and Private Nature Reserves White Faced Capuchin Tucan Three Toed Sloth Dr. Terdal & Students ­ Monteverde Cloud Forest Field Study ­ Leafcutter Ants During the 2017 program, students and faculty will visit the South Caribbean, the highlands and cloud forests of Central Costa Rica, and the South and Central Pacific regions. Participants will visit Cahuita National Park, Bribri Indigenous Reserve, Gandoca­Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Arenal Volcano National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park & Carara National Park. Participants will conduct field studies, work with local biologist on wildlife tours, volunteer on conservation projects in multiple national parks (such as a sea turtle conservation project), and community projects. We will also visit the Bribri Indigenous Reserve to learn about medicinal plants & organic living. Additionally, students will attend presentations by Costa Rican leaders of environmental conservation. There will also be opportunities to experience and learn about sustainable tourism through white water rafting, canopy zip­lining, coral reef snorkeling and surfing. Students visiting Bribri Indigenous Reserve ​
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Students studying Coral Reef Ecology ­ Cahuita National Park Oklahoma Study Abroad's Environmental Conservation & Sustainability in Costa Rica program is priced at $1,800 and includes airfare, accommodation, transportation, local guides, Spanish lessons, entrance fees, daily breakfast, 5 traditional dinners, and all activities listed in the itinerary. Professors/chaperones are provided a complimentary program for every ten students who participate. Additionally, administrators and faculty have a discounted travel rate of $1,600 in order to encourage more faculty to travel and research. Lead professors are provided an additional week long program for their own research. All participating universities and colleges will become members of the Oklahoma & Texas Tropical Field Station, which is to be completed by 2020. Participating institutions will have free access to this research facility in future years. Programs can be organized during winter break, spring break and throughout the summer. Participating Institutions Northeastern State University University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Southwestern Oklahoma State University Oklahoma City Community College Seminole State College Dallas County Community College District ­ Brookhaven College Eastfield College Richland College Mountain View College El Centro College For More Information, Please Contact: Christian Alyea ­ Program Director Oklahoma Study Abroad [email protected] 405­549­3329, or 972­464­9609 www.oklahomastudyabroad.com Dr. Erik Terdal ­ Northeastern State University [email protected] Phone: (918) 449­6413 Costa Rica Study Abroad Environmental Conservation & Sustainability May 20th ­ May 31st Saturday, May 20th Depart Oklahoma for Costa Rica Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica Airport Pickup, Check In, Welcome Dinner & Program Orientation Sunday, May 21st Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Transfer to Caribbean coast ­ Cahuita ­ Check In, Town Orientation Walk, Discussions of projects, communities, etc. Caribbean Cooking Lessons, Nocturnal Wildlife Hike Monday, May 22nd Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Cahuita National Park Wildlife Tour Lunch Research & Data Collection Cahuita National Park Free Time & Cultural Immersion Tuesday, May 23rd Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Surfing Lessons ­ Discussions on Sustainable Tourism, Lunch Educational Day Bribri Tribe (Medicinal Plants, Chocolate Making, Sustaining Culture & Traditions, Bribri Waterfalls) Free Time & Cultural Immersion Wednesday, May 24th Morning Bird Watching Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Caribbean Bike Cruise Puerto Viejo ­ Manzanillo & Gandoca Wildlife Sanctuary Manzanillo Hiking & Wildlife Observation Return to Puerto Viejo/Cahuita Free Time & Cultural Immersion Thursday, May 25th Breakfast ­ Day Briefing White Water Rafting Rio Pacuare ­ Discussions Sustainable Tourism, Transfer to La Fortuna, Group Dinner Friday, May 26th Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Arenal National Park Observatory Lodge Flora & Fauna Observation Free Time & Cultural Immersion Optional Visit Baldi Hot Springs Saturday, May 27th Breakfast ­ Day Briefing Rainforest Canopy Tour ­ Canopy Ziplining Transfer to Manuel Antonio Welcome Dinner Sunday, May 28th Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour Explore National Park (Hiking Trails & Beaches) Free Time & Cultural Immersion Monday, May 29th Free Day Manuel Antonio Assistance Booking Activities & Rentals Tuesday, May 30th Depart Manuel Antonio for Carara National Park Carara National Park Wildlife Tour Transfer to San Jose San Jose Souvenir Shopping Farewell Dinner & Program Closing Wednesday, May 31st Breakfast Depart San Jose for Oklahoma Program Includes 10 Nights of Accommodation All Ground Transportation Cahuita National Park Wildlife Tour Caribbean Cooking Lessons Nocturnal Wildlife Hike Sea Turtle Conservation Project Surfing Lessons Educational Day Bribri Indigenous Tribe Manzanillo & Gandoca Wildlife Sanctuary Bird Watching Excursions Caribbean Bike Cruise White Water Rafting Rio Pacuare Arenal Volcano National Park ­ Observatory Lodge Canopy Ziplining Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour Carara National Park Wildlife Tour 5 Traditional Dinners 1 Lunch Daily Continental Breakfast Full Time Guide Roundtrip Airfare Traveler’s Insurance Program Price: $1,800* *Program Price Stands as an Estimate Until Tickets Are Finalized. Program Payments: $300 due Friday, December 9th $500 due Friday, February 10th $500 due Friday, March 10th $500 due Friday, April 14th First three program payments must be made on ​
www.oklahomastudyabroad.com through DWOLLA, or Paypal Final payment must be made with DWOLLA, or in the form of a check IF YOU HAVE MISSED A SCHEDULED PAYMENT, PLEASE EMAIL [email protected] FOR PAYMENT OPTIONS