Tropical Life Sciences, Spanish and Culture Studies
The Program
The San Ramón program offers you the opportunity to study among three diverse academic areas: Tropical Life Sciences, Spanish and Culture Studies. However, these are not exclusive of one another; you may choose courses from any area.
The focus of this program allows you to further enhance your academic knowledge in the tropical life sciences. You may choose from courses in tropical ecology, tropical marine biology, conservation biology, environmental policy and other life science topics within Costa Rica. You will also be able to augment your regular coursework by enrolling in several related field study courses such as Tropical Conservation Biology and Tropical Ecology Field Study, Tropical Marine Biology Field Study, Biological Diversity Field Study, and Ecology and Population Biology Field Study.
To take a field study course, you must also register for the accompanying science course. Most field study courses are daylong trips; however, some may require overnight stays. USAC will provide all transportation for field study courses and arrange lodging for overnight trips. However, students are responsible for lodging fees and all meals while on the field study.
A minimum of one year of general biology is required for the above mentioned subjects; therefore, non-science majors interested in taking tropical life science courses should consider USAC programs in Puntarenas or Heredia. The San Ramón program is also complemented by courses in Spanish language (you may take up to one year of Spanish per semester) and culture or area studies.
These academic dimensions are enhanced by the opportunity to experience the society and diverse cultures of Latin America through personal interaction with the host culture. This includes field trips around San José and to other parts of Costa Rica, tours to the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the rain forest and nature reserves, and visits to cultural events and village festivals.
Previous USAC students have reported that a yearlong program was especially helpful in terms of language study and in becoming integrated into Costa Rican society. However, you may choose to attend fall or spring semester only. (Please request a summer catalog if you are also interested in the USAC Costa Rica summer programs.)
The San Ramón program has a Resident Director who is responsible for the USAC office abroad and the overall operations of the program: securing appropriate student housing, hiring outstanding faculty, organizing exciting field trips and optional tours, and overseeing the students’ well-being.
Dr. Carlos Salas, a Costa Rica native, is the Resident Director for the San Ramón program. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas and is fluent in Spanish and English. Carlos will meet you at the airport, take you to your housing and provide an on-site orientation. The office staff also provides additional support and resources while you are on the program.