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Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica FAQs

What is the cost and what does that include?

  • Travel costs include airfare, lodging, meals, and all required activities for 15 days for $2230.
  • Tuition and fees are extra.

  • Incidental costs that are not included departure tax of approximately $17, any extra drinks not included with the meals, souvenirs, and any other miscellaneous items.

How do I sign up?

o Email at vaughanj@spcollege.edu

o Telephone at 727-341-4394

How rough are the conditions?

  • Lodging is comfortable; especially considering you will be in the midst of the rain forest. However, it will not be in luxury hotels. Rooms are screened, usually with private baths, and electricity. Previous students have been very pleased.

  • Trails are available in most areas we visit and their condition is good to fair depending on the weather. They do get muddy when it rains; rubber boots are handy and available for free use at some sites. Most are not very steep, but some individuals may be more comfortable with a walking stick, nonetheless.

  • Insects are numerous in the tropics. What a great reason to visit! Even so, most people think that they will be carried off by the mosquitoes. In reality, they are typically not as bad as in Central Florida.

  • Temperatures are quite pleasant with highs in the low 80’s and lows around 70. Relative humidity is high with frequent rainfall during travel time.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

  • No, but any efforts made to speak Spanish are greatly appreciated by the Costa Ricans.

  • The reading list for the course contains a link to website with some traveler’s Spanish that you might want refer to before you go.
  • Best of all, if you want to practice your Spanish, the people are very friendly and happy to endure you grammar and pronunciation.

How is the food?

  • Most meals are typical Costa Rican meals that include beans, rice, fresh fruit, and meat.

  • The food is delicious and there is enough variety to meet most tastes.

  • Fruit juice is typically served with meals as well as coffee.

Last revised 29 Aug 2001