Students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) can learn more about Costa Rica during a short-term, study away opportunity scheduled for summer 2021.

Ana I. Estrella, assistant professor of biology and biomedical sciences, will lead a group of students on a trip to the Central American country May 29 through June 5.

They will study tropical ecology in a three-credit-hour course titled “The Expedition: Leatherback Sea Turtle and Tropical Ecology” (BIO 197).

Estrella said the experience also is open to community members.

What you’ll learn

While in Costa Rica, students will gain first-hand experience learning about Costa Rican culture, tropical ecosystems, sustainability, environmental protection, climate change, coral reef ecology, and leatherback sea turtle ecology and management, she said.

The group also will engage in 20 hours of service learning while participating in ongoing research projects. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with locals and experience their rituals and culture, she added.

This course provides a platform to develop new networks, international travel skills, increased self-confidence, and positive encouragement while participating in non-traditional classroom settings, Estrella said.

Program costs

The program fee is $3,495, which includes tickets for airfare, taxes, all meals in Costa Rica, all lodging, all transportation, park fees, airport exit taxes from Costa Rica, tips, international program fees and travel insurance.

The fee does not include in-state tuition costs for students taking the class. Students eligible for A+ Program benefits can use their scholarship to cover the tuition costs, Estrella said.

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. The application can be accessed online through the Missouri State University Study Away website.

For more information about the program, the course or how to apply, please contact Estrella at 417-255-7710 or AnaEstrellaRiollano@MissouriState.edu.