Interested in Study Abroad? Want to hear more about the Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica program offered in Winter 2026? Come hear from and ask questions of program faculty John Withey and Richard Bigley, and International Programs Associate Director Brynn Smith. The course is offered by the Master of Environmental Studies program as a 6-credit elective, and upper-division undergraduate science students are also encouraged to apply. You can also consult the program brochure online: https://evergreen.via-trm.com/program_brochure/22670/
This program explores Costa Rican tropical ecology, research, and culture through preparatory classes and readings (during Winter 2026), and a two-week trip to Costa Rica (during Winter eval week and Spring Break). Students will be introduced to organisms and ecological processes of lowland, pre-montane and cloud forest tropical forests through a series of forest walks (some at night), lectures, and independent field studies. Each student will develop, implement, and report on an independent field study exploring concepts from class, lectures, and reading. The class will travel by private transport and stay at two research stations. Resources and staff at each station will help students maximize their time in country.