Students at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) can learn more about Costa Rica during a short-term, study abroad opportunity scheduled for summer 2023.

Ana I. Estrella, assistant professor of natural sciences, will lead a group of students on a program to the Central American country May 24 through June 1.

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

Estrella said the experience also is open to community members.

What you will learn

While abroad, participants will learn about the dynamics of tropical systems and gain ecological awareness based on marine and terrestrial problem, Estrella said. They will gain first-hand experience learning about sustainability, environmental protection, climate change, coral reef ecology, and leatherback sea turtle ecology and management.

The group also will engage in more than 20 hours of service learning while participating in ongoing research projects. Students will experience the food, music and language of Costa Rica, and will engage with locals as they exchange ideas about life, science and our shared world, 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.

What it will cost

The program fee is $3,800, which includes tickets for airfare, taxes, all meals in Costa Rica, all lodging, all transportation in country, park fees, airport exit taxes from Costa Rica, tips, international program fees and travel insurance.

The fee does not include personal expenses and in-state tuition costs for students taking the class. Students eligible for A+ Program benefits may be able use their scholarship to cover the tuition costs, university officials said. Students should contact the MSU-WP financial aid office for more information.

Application deadline

The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. The application can be accessed online through the Missouri State University Education Abroad website, International.MissouriState.edu/EducationAbroad. Click on the “Search and Apply for an Education Abroad Opportunity” link, then follow the directions to find the program.

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