Approved by: Biology and Environmental Studies departments

15-week undergraduate semester abroad program emphasizes the scientific, intercultural, and social aspects of global health, tropical medicine, public health, ethnobiology, and research topics in these subjects. Instruction focuses on the internationally-recognized OTS method of field-based, hands-on learning. Lectures, readings from primary literature, and discussions are also integral components of the program and provide the conceptual framework for discussion, analysis, and interpreting field observations and research. This semester-long program will take place for the most part at two of the Biological Stations of the OTS, Las Cruces and La Selva, located in different life zones of Costa Rica; as well as in clinical settings and primary care facilities (EBAIS) within Costa Rica’s social security system, in both the urban and rural areas (including Indian Reservations). In addition, students will visit different research facilities, museums, national parks, marketplaces, agricultural farms, and other facilities.