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Costa Rica Tulane maintains membership in the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), a consortium of North American and Latin American universities and research institutions dedicated primarily to tropical education and research. OTS membership benefits Tulane by facilitating contact with other tropical ecologists, supporting graduate-level tropical biology courses for Tulane students (more than one student attends an OTS course annually), and supporting Tulane undergraduate study abroad programs in Costa Rica and South Africa. The Costa Rica Semester Programs utilize all three OTS field stations as well as other Costa Rican sites, allowing direct study of a wide range of tropical ecosystems and habitats. Approved Programs in Costa Rica
San JosÉ: Organization for Tropical Biology (OTS) Semester in Tropical Biology The Republic of Costa Rica, a country committed to preserving natural parks and biological reserves, is an excellent location in which to pursue tropical biology studies. The Organization for Tropical Studies, (OTS) was founded in 1963 with a mission to provide lead The OTS semester program is designed to train outstanding field biologists whose in-depth understanding of scientific ecology is complemented by a strong foundation in the social, political, economic, and scientific aspects of resource management. In addition, non-biology students receive a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of field ecology under the direct guidance of experienced ecologists. The program is academically rigorous and field-based. Students have ample opportunity to enjoy a hands-on, participatory learning process, as well as to expand their academics and personal horizons in the context of a positive professional, cultural and social environment. Program Dates: Fall or Spring Semester. Fields of Study: Tropical Biology Eligibility & Application: 3.0 GPA; Completion of two semesters of biology coursework & two semesters of college-level Spanish. Tulane students should complete the Tulane application to study abroad, as well as the online OTS application. Students should submit all OTS application materials directly to OTS. Academic Program Visits to the following research stations are integrated into the program: La Selva Biological Station, located in lowland tropical forest on the Atlantic slope, is an internationally renowned research center and home to thousands of species of flora and fauna; Las Cruces Biological Station, located in cool mid-elevation forest on the Pacific slope, houses Costa Rica’s premier botanical garden with the richest plant collection of Central America.; Palo Verde Biological Station, located in seasonally dry forest of northwest Costa Rica, provides direct access to extensive wetlands with a host of magnificent waterfowl. Tulane generally awards four credits at the 500-level per course; students earn 16 credits per semester for this schedule. Room & Board: Arrangements are made by OTS. Tulane will bill participants directly for OTS room & board expenses. Students do not pay Duke University Program Costs: Tulane tuition, academic service fee, International SOS, plus OTS room and board ($3000), all invoiced by Tulane directly the student account. Faculty Liason: Prof. Tom Sherry, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Web links San JosÉ: Organization for Tropical Biology (OTS) Semester in Global Health The Organization for Tropical Studies, (OTS) was founded in 1963 with a mission to provide leadership in education, research, and the wise use of natural resources in the tropics. This 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. The program will visit all three of OTS’ biological field stations in Costa Rica utilizing their sophisticated facilities and building on decades of research. Program Dates: Fall or Spring Semester. Fields of Study: Tropical Medicine, Public Health, Ethnobiology Eligibility & Application: 3.0 GPA; Completion of public health coursework at Tulane; one semester of biology or the equivalent; & two semesters of college-level Spanish at Tulane in the semester prior to study abroad. Tulane students should complete the Tulane application to study abroad, as well as the online OTS application. Students should submit all OTS application materials directly to OTS. Academic Program: Students enroll in four courses (4 credits each): Tropical Medicine and Public Health; Research Practicum; Ethnobiology; and Culture and Language in Costa Rica (either intermediat Tulane’s new semester program on global health program with OTS/Duke begins with an introduction to the tropical environment and Costa Rican culture and the medical system. The program examines the relationship between ecology and tropical disease, epidemiology, and public health. Students will study topics including vector ecology, infectious diseases, water quality and health, socialized medicine, and traditional and alternative medicine. Students are given exposure to current techniques and concerns in tropical medicine and public health through visits to numerous field sites including clinics and hospitals. They will also analyze the impact of climate change on human health, and explore the social and economic determinants that contribute to the expanding impact of infectious diseases. This is a rigorous program with high expectations. This course is an outstanding opportunity for students considering careers in public health, medicine, and other health-related areas. Students should have a strong interest in public health and biology and an avid curiosity for new cultures. Visits to the following research stations are integrated into the program: La Selva Biological Station, located in lowland tropical forest on the Atlantic slope, is an internationally renowned research center and home to thousands of species of flora and fauna; Las Cruces Biological Station, located in cool mid-elevation forest on the Pacific slope, houses Costa Rica’s premier botanical garden with the richest plant collection of Central America.; Palo Verde Biological Station, located in seasonally dry forest of northwest Costa Rica, provides direct access to extensive wetlands with a host of magnificent waterfowl. Tulane awards four credits at the 500-level per course; students earn 16 credits per semester for this schedule. Room & Board: Arrangements are made by OTS. Tulane will bill participants directly for OTS room & board expenses. Students do not pay Duke University Program Costs: Tulane tuition, academic service fee, International SOS, plus OTS room and board ($3000), all invoiced by Tulane directly the student account. Web links
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ership in education, research, and the wise use of natural resources in the tropics.