Service Learning in Costa Rica - Spring 2025

 

This course is based at the Pacuare Research Station and focuses on sea turtles and the ecosystems that help them thrive. 

 

A typical day includes volunteer work, hiking, organism identification, visits to various ecosystems, lab activities, eco-tours, discussions, and lectures.

 

BIOL 299: 1 credit course - Hybrid

  • Monday, March 17 - Sunday, May 18 | Online Coursework
  • Wednesday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 14 | Trip to Costa Rica
You can reserve your spot for the Costa Rica Service-Learning trip by filling out the pre-registration form here: BIOL299: Service Learning in Costa Rica Pre-Registration Form
  • Next you will need to pay a $500 non-refundable deposit to hold your spot.  Directions will be included at the end of the pre-registration form.
  • Registration is currently closed to male students (due to the housing situation) and only a limited number of spots remain open for female students.

 

 

Upcoming Info Sessions:

Please Contact Heather Wesp (info below) if you're having issues joining info sessions.

 

Questions?

Contact Biology Instructor Heather Wesp at hwesp@montcalm.edu or (989) 328-1270.

More Information:

Estimated Cost (Tuition and Travel Fees):
Approximately $2,000; this includes airfare, lodging, and most meals. You must put down a $500 deposit in order to register.
Not currently an MCC Student?  
Apply here to be a guest student. It is quick and easy!

Do you have a valid U.S. Passport?
Is your passport valid for at least 3 months after May 2025? If not, you should apply for one or renew yours now. Passports can take 12-16 weeks to process.

Financial Assistance:
Traditional financial aid (loans, grants, and scholarships) is unlikely to be available for this course at this time. Always check with Financial Aid Services. We will be pursuing some alternative funding sources, including fundraising through a silent auction.

Class Size:
The class is set at 7 students and will be run jointly with another section of 7 students at Mid-Michigan Community College. It's possible a third section will open if there is enough demand.
Course Textbooks: 
My Life with Sea Turtles by Figgener, 2024 - ISBN-13: 978-1778400582 
The Wildlife of Costa Rica: A Field Guide by Reid et al., 2010 - ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0801476105 
Both books will also be available in the MCC bookstore. 
CONTACT US
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Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
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989-328-1256
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