Maryville College goes to Costa Rica! January 2015

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This trip features several days of outdoor adventure fitness activities paired with field-based science research experiences.  The activities include hiking, biking, running, yoga, and surfing.  The science experiences include exploration of a variety of ecological habitats (volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforests, and coastal and marine environs), direct observation of an amazing diversity of flora and fauna, and field experiences with Costa Rican and international researchers on both plant and animal projects.

Course Goals 
  • Experience, understand, and appreciate the cultural heritage of Costa Rica
  • Actively participate in numerous outdoor physical activities in unique settings, including hiking, biking, running, yoga, snorkeling, and surfing
  • Explore a variety of natural environments in Costa Rica, comparing and contrasting flora and fauna with East TN/Southern Appalachia
  • Assist researchers in Costa Rica in scientific investigations, including both botanical, or agriforestry-centered and animal-focused projects
  • Compare and contrast environmental and economic development policies in Costa Rica and the U.S.A.  

Estimated Itinerary
(dates & activities subject to change)


Highlights & Course Information
  • 3 credits
  • Fulfills experiential requirement
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Includes pre-departure orientation and ongoing lessons
  • Field research experience
  • Interaction with the locals
  • Outdoor fitness experience
  • Volcanoes, rainforests, cloudforests, oceans, rivers, waterfalls, and more...
Estimated Program Fee: $3,520 

Program Fee Includes:
  • Round-trip airfare
  • Local transportation
  • Housing & meals
  • International travel insurance
  • Tips 
Does Not Include: 
  • Passport
  • Immunizations
  • Personal expenses 
Leaders 








Bruce Guillaume
Director of Mountain Challenge
35+ years facilitating outdoor adventures   







Dr. Jerilyn Swann  
Associate Professor of Biology
MC Science Research Liaison for Costa Rica
Outdoor Adventure Enthusiast

Apply by March 1, 2014

Selection decisions are made by faculty members and are based upon the entire application packet: application, essay, references, GPA, student conduct, matching student and course goals, etc. 

Apply by March 1 with $100 deposit. Only students who are not selected for any listed sites will receive a refund of this application fee. Selected students will need to make a $200 deposit by April 15. 

Scholarships available
http://www.maryvillecollege.edu/international/studyabroad/scholarships/