Sea Turtles and Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Faculty Leaders
Jonathan Shurin
jshurin@ucsd.edu
Jonathan Shurin is Professor in the Section of Ecology, Behavior and Evolution. Taking him to the tops of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the kelp forests of the wild Pacific Coast, and the rainforest of Colombia, his research aims to uncover the working of ecosystems- Why are some green and leafy while others barren? Why do some contain thousands of species and others only a few? He also measures the societal value of natural systems like clean water and productive fisheries. He believes in the transformative educational value of first-hand experience in ecosystems and learning by systematically observing and quantifying patterns in nature.
David Holway
dholway@ucsd.edu
David Holway received a B.A. in zoology from UC Berkeley and a Ph.D in biology from the University of Utah. He joined the UC San Diego faculty in 2001 and has served as campus director of the UC Natural Reserve System and chair of the section of Ecology, Behavior & Evolution.
Courses
- BIEB 136GS: Tropical Field Ecology (draft PDF)
- BIEB 137GS: Sea Turtle Ecology and Conservation (draft PDF)
Why you should go
The New World tropics are a monument to biodiversity. A small patch of forest in Costa Rica may contain more kinds of trees, birds and insects than all of North America. Our destination, Ostional, is the scene of a regular wildlife spectacle - the mass nesting when hundreds of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs. You will experience wildlife and ecosystems that only a lucky few get to see. In addition, you will live in homes of Costa Rican families and experience their culture and hospitality.
Who should go
While we consider students from all academic backgrounds, this program is for students who are interested and ready to dive into fieldwork for biology, ecology, and the conservation of nature! Students are invited to a fascinating and well-protected area of the world, and will engage fully in the two biology courses, participate in all fieldwork activities, be respectful of the local communities, and follow all host provider safety guidelines. Things to consider:
- This program is physically demanding. Throughout the program, students will be introduced to new methods and environments for learning. Instruction will take you outdoors in a tropical environment where heavy rainfall, high humidity, dramatic temperature changes, and encounters with critters are common. The near-daily field activities are a mandatory, core part of the curriculum that can involve long-distance hikes over rough terrain.
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Safety is our top priority. We will be in nature in the forest and by the sea every day and will follow established guidelines. Those who wish to surf and dive can do so before or after the Global Seminar, but due to conservation and safety guidelines, surfing and diving are typically not permitted during the program.
Explore weekly life on this program! View Summer 2024 photos and blog posts here.
Information Sessions
- Monday, Oct 28 at 3:00-4:30 pm
- Tuesday, Feb 4 at 3:00 - 4:30 pm
- Register here for the upcoming session's Zoom link, and/or to get the prior session's recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 28, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 29, 2025 |
| Program-Start: | Mon., June 30, 2025 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., August 1, 2025 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., August 2, 2025 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
$6,707.99 | $6,707.99 | $6,707.99 |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: | $2,514.43 | $2,564.43 | $3,574.43 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
$9,222.42 | $9,272.42 | $10,282.42 |
Budget Sheet
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Liberia City
Liberia City is the largest city in the Guanacaste Province. We will spend one day in town visiting the local park, market and iconic buildings before heading to the San Juanillo the following day.
San Juanillo Bay and Ostional
San Juanillo Bay is a small fishing community with a direct link to the marine protected area of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. Here, we will have field forest training/study and participate in immersive local experiences like visiting fishers and farms, and joining community games, events, and initiatives. In Ostional, we will actively experience and study sea turtle nesting ecology.
Local family traditional activities/cooking
Ostional is located within one of 5 Blue Zones in the World (Nicoya) where the healthiest people on the planet live. We will learn about corn, its connection to local indigenous groups and current traditions, and make tortillas and cheese with a local female community leader.
Playa Nosara, Guiones
Located in the southern limit of the refuge, this is a world-renowned tourist destination that will allow us to learn and discuss the impact of tourism in Costa Rica. Read more about Playa Nosara.
Playa Samara, Samara
Located in the Samara region, students will spend one day here for a beach day after participating in fieldwork.
Parque Nacional Santa Rosa
Visit one of the first Costa Rica National Parks and its particular tropical dry forest, one of the remaining jaguar sanctuaries of the country. Read more about Parque Nacional Santa Rosa.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Spend several days in this national park named after the Rincón de La Vieja Volcano. It holds Costa Rica’s biggest geothermal plant and an important water reservoir. Explore boiling mud pots, steam vents and mini-geysers. Read more about Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Throughout this program, students will be introduced to new methods and environments for learning. Instruction will take you outdoors in a tropical environment, where heavy rainfall, high humidity, and dramatic temperature changes are common. The near-daily field activities are a mandatory, core part of the curriculum that can involve long-distance hikes over rough terrain. Consider the physically demanding nature of the program when deciding if this is the right fit for you.
While there are free days, students will not independently travel for the duration of the program. Additionally, swimming will not be a major component of the program. Those who wish to surf, dive, or independently travel can do so before the Global Seminar begins or after its conclusion.
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing (Homestays)
- Double or triple room with local host families in San Juanillo & Ostional
- Shared bathrooms with host family
- Wifi available
- Access to family kitchen, although meals are included
Included Meals
- Welcome & Farewell group dinners
- Almost all meals are provided by your host family including weekends. Students will only be responsible for about 4 meals during excursions.
Classroom and Computer Access
- Classes will be held in various locations including the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment, Ostional National Wildlife Refuge Library (all are a 10 minute walk from participant housing)
- Wireless internet in classroom
- No computers available for student use; Students must bring their own laptop
Transportation
- Group transportation provided to/from Liberia Airport
- Transportation for all included program activities
Phones
- More information about how to obtain a SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students are responsible to purchase and have their own working cell phone.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- An in-depth orientation will be given after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff are available and nearby 24/7.
- All students must register for UC travel insurance. This is free coverage, but registration is required prior to departure.
