Costa Rica
Travel Dates: June 1-16, 2027
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR & ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
APPLY AUGUST 19!
Join us in Costa Rica for a unique combination of service learning and adventure. Students will volunteer at Refugio Animal de Costa Rica, gaining hands-on experience while helping care for rescued wildlife and supporting conservation efforts.
Beyond the refuge, participants will explore some of Costa Rica’s most incredible natural and cultural attractions. Excursions include a multi-day stay in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a river boat tour, a visit to a local chocolate and coffee farm, and the chance to see one of Costa Rica’s famous volcanoes up close. This program offers an unforgettable opportunity to make a difference, experience a new culture, and explore the beauty of Costa Rica.
*Most AU faculty-led programs are open to students from any major. Before applying, be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss how the program's courses will fit into your degree plan.
Prerequisites: See below.
International Travel & Health Information
Important Dates
Study Abroad Fair
- 9/9/2026, 10AM-1PM
- JSAC Breezeway
$200 Initial Program Fee & Application Deadline
- 12/3/2026
2nd Payment Deadline
- 1/5/2027
Flight & Airport Navigation Workshop
- 1/15/2027
Flight Purchase Window
- 1/15/2026 - 2/4/2027
Passport to Connection
- 2/3/2027, 5PM-6PM
- UH 227
Final Payment Deadline
- 2/4/2027
Sweet Send Off
- 3/6/2027, 5PM-6PM
SAO Orientation
- 4/30/2027, 10AM-12PM
Contact Us
Study Abroad Office
Summerville Campus
Suite 251
Program Cost
Program Fee
- Transportation in country
- Lodging & All Meals
- Mandatory Excursions
- Health Insurance
Airfare
- Purchased Individually
- Students must attend a mandatory workshop before purchasing flights
Tuition & Fees
- Tuition and fees are billed at the same rate per credit hour as on-campus classes
Not included: CFAR insurance, some meals, optional excursions, and spending money.
Course Offered
Choose 1
BIOL 1102/1102L: Environmental Biology (4 credits) | PSYC 3950: Animal Behavior (3 credits) Pre-req: PSYC 1101
Program Leaders: Dr. Faith Wiley, Dr. Katherine Williams
This is a summer semester program. Classes meet pre- and post-travel.
Itinerary subject to change
01
JuneDay One
Travel Day (USA to San Jose, CR) & visit University of Costa Rica campus02
JuneDay Two
Service learning at Refugio Animal de Costa Rica03
JuneDay Three
Service learning04
JuneDay Four
Service learning05
JuneDay Five
Service learning06
JuneDay Six
Service learning07
JuneDay Seven
Poas Volcano & coffee tour; return to Refugio Animal de Costa Rica
08
JuneDay Eight
Travel (Refugio to Tirimbina Biological Reserve); night walk at Tirimbina reserve09
JuneDay Nine
Lecture, animal watching & bat tour at Tirimbina reserve10
JuneDay Ten
Nature history boat tour & forest walk at Tirimbina11
JuneDay Eleven
Lecture, animal watching & bat tour at Tirimbina reserve
12
JuneDay Twelve
Travel (Tirimbina reserve to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve); stop at Zarcero park on the way
13
JuneDay Thirteen
Monteverde Cloud Forest walk & tour; visit to the natural products factory
14
JuneDay Fourteen
Free morning (optional ziplining) - Visit to Santa Elena town in the afternoon.
15
JuneDay Fifteen
Travel (Monteverde to San Jose, CR); 1 short activity along travel (museum or gardens)
16
JuneDay Sixteen
Travel home