For example, at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, we can study rare birds and simultaneously explore the positive and negative effects of environmental-tourism on the environment and local development. This is great opportunity to learn about tropical ecology, environmental politics, eco-tourism, the challenges of development, Latin American culture, and brush up on your conversational Spanish. The program will be adventurous and memorable, and also physically demanding and academically rigorous. Be prepared to get wet in the rain forest, snorkel the coral reef, hike the cloud forest, and raft the Class IV Pacuare River as you study tropical ecology and explore environmental politics. Costa Rica is also a very hospitable and comfortable country.
Water is drinkable throughout the country.
Health standards are very high. Many people speak English. The country is an established, peaceful, and stable democracy. In sum, it is a marvelous introduction to Latin America and the Third World.