Office of International Programs
First Year Field Study: Costa Rica
Apply by May 31st, 2023 to take part in the 15th annual First Year Field Study to Costa Rica.
Ford a rainforest river...
while you form new friendships.
Did YOU Know?....
Many first year participants go on to take a semester abroad. Your Rollins tuition and most scholarships follow you on approved semester programs! Talk to us!
ENV 105: National Parks: Costa Rica
Join the 15th annual First Year Field Study to Costa Rica! Experience the incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes of “the Switzerland of the Americas.” See what it means to be a world leader in both environmental protection and sustainable development. Find out why Costa Rica was recently named “the Happiest place on Earth" by the New Economics Foundation. This program is led by one of Rollins' most experienced faculty, Dr. Barry Allen, a veteran of over 50 field courses in Costa Rica.
Rollins College is excited to offer this special field study opportunity for first-year students. As many incoming freshmen are already looking forward to studying abroad, this program is designed specifically to provide these students with the opportunity to connect with an experienced Rollins faculty member and to develop connections with their classmates--fellow first-year study abroad students. We hope this field study sparks a lifelong interest in travel and intercultural learning.
Need based financial aid is available for qualifying students and is awarded by the Environmental Studies Department. Financial aid awarded for this program will not effect other aid from the college or other sources. Applications are found in the Rollins International Programs Application (RIPA).
Highlights of the program include the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Bosque Eterno de los Niños, Arenal Volcano National Park, Carara National Park, Santa Elena Reserve, La Selva Biological Station, Tenorio Volcano National Park, over 900 species of birds, 1,200 species of orchids, monkeys, sloths and the best ecotourism infrastructure in the world.
Watch a video made by a previous program participant, or read this great article about the experience: Costa Rica Field Study - Rollins 360 'Sustainable Roots'.
NOTE: In accordance with the CDC, International Programs urges all study abroad students to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 to reduce risks of illness.
Program Itinerary 2023
Friday, August 4: Move into on-campus housing
Pre-departure orientation with IP
Afternoon class with Dr. Allen
Group dinner with students, parents, and Dr. Allen
Saturday, August 5- Tuesday, August 15: Travel in Costa Rica
Wednesday, August 16: Rollins Orientation
Monday, August 21: First day of classes
International Students Note
International students interested in this Field Study should be aware that participation will conflict with the International Student Orientation. While International Student Orientation is a mandatory program, special accommodations may be arranged for those interested in this opportunity. Students will be required to work closely with the Office of International Student & Scholar Services prior to the program to arrange immigration advising and a makeup orientation. Please email Jenifer Ruby for more information.Program Details
Faculty Leader: Dr. Barry AllenProgram Location: Costa Rica
Credit: 2 - Credit or No Credit
Prerequisites: None
Course Requirements: 2 mandatory pre-trip meetings (August 4 as listed in the program itinerary), assigned readings, full participation in field study activities, journal responses, final project, post-travel activities on campus.
Anticipated Number of Students: 12
Estimated Program Fee: $2,890
Program Fee Includes: Tuition, housing and meals at Rollins, housing and meals in Costa Rica, all activities and excursions, all in-country transportation, airport transfers to/from the Orlando airport, and emergency insurance.
Estimated Additional Costs: Tips $50, personal expenses $112, federal loan fees $0, books/course materials $0, and professional licensure/certification $0.
Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens
*All dates are tentative and subject to change depending on the final number of students, final costs and other considerations.
**Estimated costs for all programs are based on anticipated numbers of students and current exchange rates and commercial airfares. Costs are subject to change. Final prices will always be communicated to accepted students before they commit to the program.
