Organization for Tropical Studies

This program offers an intensive dive into the tropical biology scene. The schedule is full, with regular excursions, lectures, and projects. The academic side of things can be challenging, but I found that mixed in with more relaxed activities and fun experiences, it was a great balance. You will definitely be busy, but that makes the free time all the more enjoyable. Exploring the field stations in my free time (usually in pairs or as a small group) was one of the most rewarding things, especially since this allowed me to see more of the birds and wildlife! One thing that was really important was to be intentional about getting good sleep. You will thank yourself later for having enough energy for the big days ahead!

One of the best parts about the program was the amazing staff, who were welcoming and friendly, but also super knowledgeable in their field! And of course, getting to know others in the group was incredibly rewarding. It's going to be a pretty intimate experience, since you will be with this same group of a dozen or so students for the whole time. This makes building these relationships really important, and super fun. And the food at each station was super yummy. I was always looking forward to meals and conversation in the comedor after a long day of hiking or classroom work!

Practice Spanish if you can! Bring a camera or binoculars if you are into birds and photography (you will be blown away by what you see!) and also be prepared for rain! The rain was tough especially in La Selva, but you adjust once you realize that it's supposed to rain, and that's what makes La Selva so alive! Mosquitoes were tough at Palo Verde, but with the right mindset and gear, they don't make too much of a difference.
Be ready for long bus rides, which were a great opportunity to see the countryside, connect more with others, and if your able, get a little rest.

I also recommend staying a bit after the program. I traveled for a week or so with people I had met during the first month, and it was a great experience, and really nice to be able to pick our own destinations and relax a bit after the business of the program!
All in all, this was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about biology and what practicing good science looks like, and also a lot about myself in the process. and it was amazing to see the new connections form with people that I am still in touch with to this day!

The first year I participated in the Disease Ecology and Wildlife Management Field Practicum was completely virtual through Zoom, but the following year I was invited to participate as an alumni/mentor in person in Kruger National Park. The in-person experience is definitely different, in a better way, than the virtual experience although both were very educational. I loved doing the field work and data collection within the park and everyone that I met through OTS and SANParks were super helpful and welcoming.

I originally completed a remote-version of this program through Cornell University during the pandemic. I remained in contact with my research mentors and the next summer I was invited back to participate in the field work component of the program.

This experience ended up being one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much about African wildlife, met so many amazing friends, and took countless incredible pictures. I would recommend this program to any student interested in conservation.

OTS's program is the epitome of "once in a lifetime." The access granted to the program by South African National Parks allows students to do research directly in Kruger National Park, walking through the savanna with zebras and giraffes watching from a few hundred feet away! The staff are all incredibly accommodating and do everything in their power to not only make you feel welcome and safe, but to push you to grow as a student and a scientist, fostering an environment where everyone feels comfortable asking questions. The views, both of the landscapes and animals, are indescribable. I wish I could retake this program every year.

A few things of interest: The food is FANTASTIC. I would do anything to eat that food again, the catering service staff are geniuses. There are only a few times (a week max) in which there is no phone service, and honestly the "forced" break from technology was pretty nice. The accommodations are super comfortable, with AC for those super hot days! I honestly have no big complaints.

This course was terrific! We had learning experiences both outside and inside the classroom. During our stay in Costa Rica, we visited four biological stations. We went on multiple hikes, during which our professor gave us mini-lectures based on the interesting plants and animals we saw. We also attended lectures given by other scientists working at the biological stations and learned about their research. For faculty-led projects, we had the opportunity to work closely with experienced researchers. We also practiced writing scientific papers and giving presentations. Besides, there were plenty of fun activities—watching alligators, catching bats with mist nets, observing quetzal birds, to name a few. Words can never do justice to the wonders I saw in Costa Rica. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in nature and science!