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La Selva, Costa Rica

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Alisa Misevich - Costa Rica Study Abroad 2012
By Alisa Misevich - Costa Rica Study Abroad 2012 - click to see larger image.

 

Program Brochure

Contact the Program Director

Dr. Dennis Wilson

Life Science Department
P:  480-654-7731
Office: RDM S - 264
dwilson@mesacc.edu

 

A valid passport book or card is required to enter or re-enter the United States - Passport Info Here

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Toucan

Program Location

La Selva, situated at the confluence of two major rivers in the Caribbean lowlands of northern Costa Rica, comprises 3,900 acres of tropical wet forests and disturbed lands. It averages over 13 feet of rainfall that is spread rather evenly throughout the year. The Station is bordered on the south by Braulio Carrillo National Park extending down to La Selva through a descending forest corridor from 2,906 meters at Volcán Barva to 35 meters above sea level at La Selva.

Not Offered in 2013

Together, we will look beyond our immediate arena and the often cloistered boundaries of the USA to understand how our nation's actions impact other nations and the globe. Resident at the field station, Maricopa students mix with other students providing a unique opportunity to meet role models, network and become exposed to a wide variety of educational and cultural possibilities.

Estimated Program Costs

  • Program Fees:  $1,561
  • Tuition: 7 credits
  • Registration Fee: $15
  • Course Fees: ART142 ($35) and BIO105 ($10)
  • Airfare is NOT included (TBA).
  • Local transporation is NOT included (TBA).
  • Some meals are NOT included (TBA).

Costa Rica Program Excursions

Costa Rica Program Details

The reserve consists of both La Selva's protected environs and the Park which has four major tropical life zones and includes more than 5,000 species of vascular plants, of which more than 700 species are trees.

The fauna is similarly diverse with large predators including jaguars, pumas, and bushmasters. Thousands of arthropod species are being currently recorded at La Selva, and more than 400 species of resident and migratory birds have been sighted in the reserve, representing almost half of Costa Rica's bird species. See a map.

Courses Offered (6 credits)

  • ART142: 17901 Digital Photography (3 cr); requires $35 lab fee
  • BIO105: 17899 Lec Lab Environmental Biology, (4 cr) ; Fulfills SQ; requires $10 lab fee
  • Class meets several times at MCC Red Mountain between 6/18-7/13, 2012.

Dates to Remember

Title Date(s) More Information

Information Sessions

Tuesdays - 6:00pm - 6:45pm:
Sept. 13 & Sept. 27, 2011
Oct. 11 & Oct. 25, 2011
November 8, 2011
Jan. 31 & Feb. 14, 2012


Wednesdays - 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Sept. 14 & Sept. 28, 2011
Oct. 12 & Oct. 26, 2011
November 9, 2011
Feb. 1 & Feb. 15, 2012

Financial Aid Specialist Available!

Kirk Center - Maricopa Room

Scholarship Deadline

March 1, 2012

Get information on scholarships, grants, and financial aid for study abroad here.

Program Application Deadline

Friday, March 23, 2012

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early to reserve your place!  Late applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Complete the 2012 Application - this pdf file can be completed on your computer and then saved and printed.


Submit directly to the Program Director or to the Study Abroad Coordinator.

Payment Deadline

March 23, 2012

Download the helpful guide: How to Pay for Study Abroad

Mandatory Orientation

April 14, 2012 from 9 am - 1pm

Room LB145 in the Elsner Library at the Southern & Dobson campus.


You must attend the mandatory general study abroad orientation. There may be additional required meetings for your specific program. Contact the Program Director for details.