First Year Field Study: Costa Rica
ENV 105: National Parks - Costa Rica
Rollins College is excited to offer this special field study opportunity led by one of Rollins' most experienced faculty, Dr. Barry Allen, a veteran of over 50 field courses in Costa Rica. As many incoming freshmen are already looking forward to studying abroad, this program is designed specifically to provide these students with the opportunity to connect with an experienced Rollins faculty member and to develop connections with their classmates--fellow first-year study abroad students.
Students will experience the incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes of Costa Rica and see what it means to be a world leader in both environmental protection and sustainable development. We hope this field study sparks a lifelong interest in travel and intercultural learning.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2025 (Applications open in the Spring)
Program Details
- Program Leader: Dr. Barry Allen
- Program Location: Costa Rica
- Tentative Travel Dates: August 8 - 19, 2025
- Credit: 2 – Credit or No Credit
- Course Requirements: 2 mandatory pre-trip meetings (August 8 as listed in the program itinerary), assigned readings, full participation in field study activities, journal responses, final project, post-travel activities on campus.
- Anticipated Number of Students: 12
- Estimated Undergraduate Program Fee: $2,850
- Program Fee Includes: Round-trip airfare from Orlando International Airport (MCO), tuition, housing and meals at Rollins, housing and meals in Costa Rica, all activities and excursions, in-country transportation, airport transfers to/from the Orlando airport, program administration and emergency insurance.
- Estimated Additional Costs: Personal expenses $125, gratuities $50, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
- Partial need-based scholarships are available for this program. Students apply for funding as part of the program application.
- Please Note: All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
- Please Note: Estimated costs for all programs are based on anticipated numbers of students, current exchange rates, and commercial airfares. Costs are subject to change. Final prices will always be communicated to accepted students before they commit to the program.
Program Highlights
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Bosque Eterno de los Niños
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Carara National Park
- Santa Elena Reserve
- La Selva Biological Station
- Tenorio Volcano National Park
- Over 900 species of birds
- 1,200 species of orchids, monkeys, sloths
- The best ecotourism infrastructure in the world
Dive into the First Year Field Study
Environmental studies professor Barry Allen has been leading field studies to Costa Rica for more than two decades, each year preparing his students to become the next leaders in conservation. Explore this unique summer experience from the eyes of a previous first-year field study participant.
Program Itinerary
Please note: program dates may change to accommodate changes to the Rollins academic calendar.
- Friday, August 8: Move into on-campus housing.
- Saturday, August 9, 2025: Pre-departure orientation, followed by an afternoon class with Dr. Allen. Then, there will be a Welcome Reception for students, parents, and Dr. Allen.
- Sunday, August 10 - Tuesday, August 19, 2025: Travel in Costa Rica.
- Wednesday, August 20: Join the Rollins Orientation with all first-year students.
- International students should be aware that participation conflicts with mandatory International Student Orientation. Special accommodations may be arranged for those interested in this opportunity. Students will be required to work closely with the Office of International Student Support prior to the program to arrange immigration advising and a makeup orientation. Please email Jenifer Ruby for more information.
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