We are very excited to welcome undergraduate students to both South Africa and Costa Rica for the Fall 2024 semester. This marks the official relaunch of the Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet undergraduate semester program.
Applications are now open for the Spring 2025 semester! In Spring 2025, we will once again offer the African Ecology and Conservation program in South Africa and the Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet program in Costa Rica. More details on both programs, as well as the application, can be found on our website.
The Admissions Office (formerly called the Office of Enrollment Management) is led by the Associate Director of Admissions, Ian Crowell. Please reach out to Ian with any questions about our undergraduate programs or the admissions process.
If you would like to see updates from the field, follow us on social media @tropicalstudies.
Alumni Spotlight: Molly McCracken, Tropical Biology Summer 2024
Molly is a rising senior at College of the Holy Cross, and she recently completed our summer Tropical Biology course in Costa Rica. We asked Molly a few questions about her experience in Costa Rica.
What made you decide to do an OTS program?
“I love nature and spending time outdoors. I also always wanted to go to Costa Rica, because it is where my mom is from. When I saw a poster on the wall at school for the Tropical Biology summer course, I thought that would be a perfect opportunity. As an Environmental Studies and Geoscience student, I spoke to my professors and discovered that my OTS class would contribute to my major. OTS gave me the chance to explore the biodiverse Costa Rica with a group of like-minded students.”
What was the most memorable part of your experience in Costa Rica?
“There are so many memorable parts even within only one month! One memorable aspect was the diverse group of people I got to experience the course with. We spent nearly every hour together learning, laughing, and working. Chatting with the students, TA, and visiting professors was a highlight of my experience. Another memorable part of my OTS course was the field trips to research sites where they are working to restore strong, diverse forests. Visits to Loma Linda and CATIE were informative and inspiring as well!”
What would you tell a prospective student thinking about doing an OTS program?
“Take advantage of the amazing opportunity to take part in an OTS program. You will see more plants, creatures, and other life than you can imagine in such unique environments. Through an OTS course, you will learn about biological systems, conservation, and restoration, while making connections with professors and growing close with your peers!”
To hear more about Molly’s time in Costa Rica and from other recent OTS Alumni, visit our Alumni Ambassadors page.