Our tropical ecosystems education Programs
The tropics could be your classroom.
The tropics are the world’s future. Prepare to become part of that future. OTS field-based education programs inspire and prepare the next generation of change agents, critical thinkers, scientists and practitioners on their paths to discovery and global leadership. As an OTS student you will be immersed in tropical ecosystems education, explore biodiversity first hand, connect with diverse communities and cultures and experience the wonder of the tropics. OTS will equip you to work effectively in today’s interconnected world and become a solution-maker for the future.
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Undergraduate Programs
Our programs offer a comprehensive study into field biology, ecology, and global health in a diversity of community settings and ecosystems ranging from lowland tropical forests to African savannas. In all of our programs you can expect to become part of an international, multicultural community, and the relationships you build will last throughout your life. Diversity […]
Graduate Programs
OTS graduate courses are designed to engage students in the formulation of feasible research questions, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and oral and written presentations. We do this through “field problems” in which students work with experts in the field to address ecological questions. Our courses provide hands-on research experience in plant eco-physiology, microbial ecology, […]
Veterinary Field Practicum in South Africa
Veterinary Field Practicum in South Africa is an OTS course in partnership with South African National Parks, this field based veterinary practicum, focuses on disease ecology and applied veterinary epidemiology in and around the Greater Kruger National Park. The practicum, is run in partnership with local veterinary scientists, is designed to provide participants with direct […]
NSF LSAMP REU
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates, or “REU” program is a summer internship program designed to provide qualified students with an intensive research experience. Each student works with one mentor to develop an 8-week project that addresses the research interests of the student. REU mentors are experienced field ecologists that will help you conduct research projects […]
Faculty-led Programs
Customized & Faculty-led Programs OTS knows the tropics. With almost 60 years of experience, who better to help create the perfect custom study abroad program, workshop, or work event in any of our locations. Build your own program from our vast experience and knowledge of the host country. We can coordinate and customize every aspect [...]
Our Faculty
OTS Faculty Pablo Allen, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Florida pabloallen@gmail.com Pablo E Allen is an evolutionary ecologist interest in sexual selection, animal weapons, phenotypic plasticity, and allometry. He received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Costa Rica in 2001, his Masters of Science in Biology also from UCR in 2007, and [...]
Information Resources
Species Lists At each of our research stations, we strive to maintain species lists for the fauna and flora. Please refer to the station of interest to download the lists in an excel file, which includes information about the author and the year the list was updated. La Selva Species lists for La Selva include [...]
Information for Parents
Welcome Message Thank you for supporting your student in their quest for a field-based education in the tropics. The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), has over 60 years of guiding students on their journey of discovery, exploration, innovation as well as personal and professional growth. We found that it is imperative for students to take [...]
Scholarships
OTS has several scholarship and fellowship opportunities for students. See the following information to find the right one for you. Undergraduate Course ScholarshipsOTS Scholarships OTS is committed to providing opportunities to all eligible students interested in participating in our programs. We make every effort possible to ensure that financial obstacles are not the primary reason [...]
Rates for Research and Education
Rates for Research and Education Valid from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020, Currency: US Dollars. Standard rates before application of aid: Overnight $85.00, Day Visit $43.00. These amounts are valid for all the OTS Biological Stations. Research visits of up to thirty days qualify for short-term aid; those over thirty days receive long-term aid. Note that these [...]
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Undergraduate Programs
Our programs offer a comprehensive study into field biology, ecology, and global health in a diversity of community settings and ecosystems ranging from lowland tropical forests to African savannas. In all of our programs you can expect to become part of an international, multicultural community, and the relationships you build will last throughout your life. Diversity – biodiversity, cultural diversity, diversity of thought – are at the heart of OTS. Studying with us will stretch your mind and present you with exciting new possibilities.
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Graduate Programs
OTS graduate courses are designed to engage students in the formulation of feasible research questions, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and oral and written presentations. We do this through “field problems” in which students work with experts in the field to address ecological questions. Our courses provide hands-on research experience in plant eco-physiology, microbial ecology, molecular ecology, remote sensing, rapid biodiversity inventories, and other cutting edge topics. Nothing can replace the hands-on experience of a field-based course in the tropics!
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Veterinary Field Practicum in South Africa
Veterinary Field Practicum in South Africa is an OTS course in partnership with South African National Parks, this field based veterinary practicum, focuses on disease ecology and applied veterinary epidemiology in and around the Greater Kruger National Park. The practicum, is run in partnership with local veterinary scientists, is designed to provide participants with direct insights into current challenges faced by wildlife conservation in South Africa and veterinary health care in resource-poor rural agricultural areas.
More InfoNSF LSAMP REU
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates, or “REU” program is a summer internship program designed to provide qualified students with an intensive research experience. Each student works with one mentor to develop an 8-week project that addresses the research interests of the student. REU mentors are experienced field ecologists that will help you conduct research projects at La Selva or at Las Cruces Research Stations. Become part of one of the foremost tropical research communities in the world. Accepted students have all travel expenses covered and also receive a generous stipend.
More InfoFaculty-led Programs
We can reduce the stress of organizing a trip with your students! With three full-service research stations, a dedicated staff, and decades of experience organizing courses and research permits in Costa Rica, we are perfectly suited to facilitate tropical courses for you. We have assisted hundreds of faculty members throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe by arranging everything from one-week field trips to full semester programs.
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Information Resources
OTS collects biotic and abiotic information about the research stations in Costa Rica. Access this information here.
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Rates for Research and Education
Find here are current rates for Research and Education, mote that these rates are only for research or educational use of the stations. If you are a natural history visitor or an ecotourist, please refer to The Natural History Section.
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