It seems as if 51 has extended study courses that can meet a student’s wildest interest – literally.
Fourteen students are now exploring lush rain forests and tropical dry forests as part of a three-week extended study course in Costa Rica. The students are part of the Tropical Ecology course taught this past semester by assistant professor of biology Catherine Cardelús.
The classroom has come to life for the group as they watch all they’ve studied over the semester unfold in front of them.
During the course, students learned about theories and discoveries in tropical ecology and sustainability, and now are using that knowledge to execute projects in a real tropical ecosystem.
The students regularly post on a , detailing their experiences on natural history walks, climbing a rock face, collecting insects and tree samples, and mingling with monkeys and tropical birds.
One student pointed out the “intolerable dry heat by 10 a.m., mosquitoes that you find yourself breathing in, spiny trees, crocodiles in the lagoon, and acacia ants everywhere – overall, harsh conditions,” while admitting quickly that it’s “gorgeous, nonetheless.”
In spite of (or perhaps because of) everything from downpours to swarms of insects, nearly every photograph on the blog features wide smiles and curious eyes. The extended study course is one example of the offered at 51.
To keep up with the students’ travels, click .
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| Fourteen students are in Costa Rica for a three-week extended study course. SEE MORE PHOTOS . |