Located in the cloud rainforests of Costa Rica, this IU-administered program is centered in one of the most biologically-rich areas of the world. For two weeks over winter break participants travel, alongside other IU students with a faculty director, throughout Costa Rica while studying the tropical biology of the country.
Costa Rica-IU
Tropical Biology
Program Dates
Winter Break: Late Dec to Early Jan
- Program Organization
- This is an IU-Administered Program
- Intersession Program
- Two-Week Field Study in Tropical Biology
- 16 IU students
- IU faculty members Bill Ruf and Roger Hangarter
- Instruction in English
- Daily travel to varied habitats
- Academic Program
- 3 credits in BIOL L433, Tropical Biology
- Visits to national parks, rain forest, cloud forest, and biological field stations
- Emphasis on co-evolution between plants and animals, ecology, botany
- Additional Information
- Housing
- Shared hotel and field station accommodations
- Program Eligibility
You may apply if you:
- are an undergraduate student at any Indiana University campus who is making normal academic progress
- are in at least your third full-time semester of college (priority given to upperclassmen)
- are a biology major or have done readings or taken courses in the area
- are willing to live and travel with a group in the field
- have approximately a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Complete eligibility criteria and selection criteria are outlined within the Academic Policies and Procedures of the Office of Overseas Study. Selection is based on maturity, seriousness of purpose, and appropriateness of match between program and applicant. Students on disciplinary probation during program period are ineligible.
- Costs and Financial Aid
Winter Break 2018
- Fee paid to IU: (academic fees, housing, some meals, travel in Costa Rica, health insurance)
- Indiana resident: $1,693
- Nonresident: $2,273
- Additional meals: $400-$600
- International airfare: $1,350
- See IU Fee Sheet for additional cost and payment details.
Personal expenses additional. Airfare of approx. $1,350 for group flight due by October 13, 2018. Initial prepayment of $500 due on October 15, 2018.
Financial Aid and Scholarships:
- IU scholarships, grants and loans applicable to program costs with some exceptions. Please carefully check these exceptions before you commit to a program.
- Overseas Study Scholarships, including Minority Scholarships and Scholarships for Students from IU campuses other than Bloomington.
Some participants may qualify for student loans.
Please see our financial aid page for general information and links to additional scholarship opportunities.
- Fee paid to IU: (academic fees, housing, some meals, travel in Costa Rica, health insurance)
- Program Contacts
For general information about this program, please visit or contact our office. You may set up an appointment with a specific advisor through the scheduling site.
Study Abroad Advisor
Provides detailed guidance and answers questions about specific programs or coursework available.
Kyle Hayes
Email: kyghayes@iu.edu
Student Services Coordinator
Helps students navigate the application process and coordinates with cosponsoring organizations.
Kaylie Porter
Email: kayporte@iu.edu