Winter Field Study: Costa Rica - Environment and Development in Central America
Costa Rica: Environment and Development in Central America
Spend your winter break discovering why Costa Rica is a world leader in sustainable development. This faculty-led field study takes HL黑料门不打烊 students across Costa Rica for an immersive short-term study abroad experience in cloud forests, volcanic national parks, and working farms. While much of Central America has faced deforestation and instability, Costa Rica has grown its economy while protecting and restoring its natural environment. You'll see firsthand how conservation and development work together鈥攁nd leave with a sharper sense of what sustainability looks like in practice.
Program Highlights
- Location: Costa Rica (multiple regions)
- Term: Winter Break (December)
- Program Length: Approximately 1.5 weeks
- Course: ENV 365F, paired with the fall course ENV 365
- Related Majors & Minors: Environmental Studies, Sustainability Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies
- Financial Aid & Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available to help offset the costs associated with field studies.
Itinerary Highlights
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Explore Arenal and Tenorio Volcanoes
Hike through two of Costa Rica's most dramatic volcanic national parks. At Arenal Volcano National Park, see how forests recover in the shadow of an active landscape. At Tenorio Volcano National Park, follow trails to the bright blue waters of the R铆o Celeste and explore how protected areas balance conservation with tourism.
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Walk Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Step into one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. In the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and other private preserves and biological corridors, you'll learn how protecting habitat has become a cornerstone of Costa Rica's development model鈥攁nd why the country's approach is studied around the world.
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See Sustainability on the Farm
Visit a coffee farm and cacao and banana plantations to see how agriculture shapes livelihoods and landscapes. Between site visits, unwind at spots like the La Paz Waterfall and stay in small hotels and ecolodges that put sustainable tourism into practice.
Meet Your Faculty Leader: Dr. Barry Allen
鈥�Costa Rica is perhaps the best place in the world to experience the full expression of sustainability and sustainable development. Added bonuses: The people and the food are both great!鈥� 鈥� Dr. Barry Allen
Dr. Barry Allen is an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at HL黑料门不打烊, where he has taught sustainable development for many years. He has led field studies around the world and brings deep experience throughout Central and South America鈥攚ith Costa Rica at the center of his work.
On this field study, he challenges students to think critically about the context of sustainable development and to assess real progress toward it鈥攊n the parks, preserves, and communities they visit.
Education: BA, University of Miami; PhD, University of Pennsylvania
Why Study Abroad in Costa Rica?
See Sustainable Development in Action
Costa Rica is a global model for balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Instead of reading about it, you'll see how national parks, private preserves, and biological corridors support the country's development.
Sharpen Your Critical Thinking
Weigh ecological, economic, and social trade-offs in real places. You'll practice assessing what sustainable development requires and how to measure progress鈥攕kills that matter in graduate school and in careers in policy, conservation, and business.
Make the Most of Winter Break
Field studies are designed to maximize learning during short-term breaks鈥攏o semester commitment required. Earn credit while gaining international field experience that stands out on your resume and in future interviews.
Financial Support Is Available
Partial need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 are available to help offset costs. Apply directly through your program application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HL黑料门不打烊 field study?
Field studies are short-term, faculty-led study abroad programs typically held during spring break, winter break, or summer. They combine academic coursework with immersive, in-country experiences and are open to eligible HL黑料门不打烊 students.
How much does the Costa Rica: Environment and Development in Central America field study cost?
Field study costs vary by destination, length, and number of credits. Total out-of-pocket costs for HL黑料门不打烊 field studies typically range from $3,500 to $6,000, including the program fee and any additional expenses. Partial need-based scholarships of $500鈥�$2,500 are available to help offset costs. For exact pricing for this program, visit the Costa Rica: Environment and Development in Central America Field Study program details on .
What does the program fee include?
The Costa Rica: Environment and Development in Central America field study fee covers tuition, airfare, local transportation, housing in small hotels and lodges, meals, excursions, administrative fees, international medical insurance, pre-departure advising, and on-site staff support. See the full list of what's covered for this program in our official study abroad platform, .
What students should consider this field study?
This field study is an ideal fit for students studying Environmental Studies, Sustainability, or Latin American and Caribbean Studies鈥攐r for anyone curious about how a country can grow its economy while protecting its natural resources. The field study pairs with the on-campus course ENV 365: Environment and Development in Central America, taken in the fall, and both are limited to 12 students for a close-knit experience. Students should be ready for active days with plenty of walking and hiking. You can learn more and apply in our official study abroad platform, .
When does this field study take place?
The Costa Rica field study takes place during winter break, in December, and lasts approximately a week and a half. Please visit for exact travel dates and application deadlines.
Ready to Apply?
Study the intersection of environment and development in Costa Rica's extraordinary ecosystems. Apply on Via TRM to join this field study.