OTS Graduate Field Course: Tropical Biology in Costa Rica

This program offers an intensive dive into the tropical biology scene. The schedule is full, with regular excursions, lectures, and projects. The academic side of things can be challenging, but I found that mixed in with more relaxed activities and fun experiences, it was a great balance. You will definitely be busy, but that makes the free time all the more enjoyable. Exploring the field stations in my free time (usually in pairs or as a small group) was one of the most rewarding things, especially since this allowed me to see more of the birds and wildlife! One thing that was really important was to be intentional about getting good sleep. You will thank yourself later for having enough energy for the big days ahead!

One of the best parts about the program was the amazing staff, who were welcoming and friendly, but also super knowledgeable in their field! And of course, getting to know others in the group was incredibly rewarding. It's going to be a pretty intimate experience, since you will be with this same group of a dozen or so students for the whole time. This makes building these relationships really important, and super fun. And the food at each station was super yummy. I was always looking forward to meals and conversation in the comedor after a long day of hiking or classroom work!

Practice Spanish if you can! Bring a camera or binoculars if you are into birds and photography (you will be blown away by what you see!) and also be prepared for rain! The rain was tough especially in La Selva, but you adjust once you realize that it's supposed to rain, and that's what makes La Selva so alive! Mosquitoes were tough at Palo Verde, but with the right mindset and gear, they don't make too much of a difference.
Be ready for long bus rides, which were a great opportunity to see the countryside, connect more with others, and if your able, get a little rest.

I also recommend staying a bit after the program. I traveled for a week or so with people I had met during the first month, and it was a great experience, and really nice to be able to pick our own destinations and relax a bit after the business of the program!
All in all, this was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about biology and what practicing good science looks like, and also a lot about myself in the process. and it was amazing to see the new connections form with people that I am still in touch with to this day!

This inexperienced Detroit girl found the loves of her life during her OTS graduate summer course in Costa Rica. I was going to be a cell biologist, spouted 10 reasons why a woman should never marry, and was NOT going somewhere with spiders. And bugs! Hmmm. I became a tropical field ecologist, married a Costa Rican naturalist, and got a PHD in Entomology. Well, well. I guess you can say that an OTS/OET course can change your life. Yes! 40 years of great adventures. Recently retired (Professor Emerita), I bought a small piece of land near Corcovado National Park where I conducted my individual research project for my course in 1978. Life is good.