Short-Term Study abroad with Penn State—in Costa Rica
Spring 2026
Arenal Volcano
Penn State Abington's degree programs in Biology and Recreation, Park and Tourism Management introduce you to foundational concepts in these discovery-based disciplines beginning inside the classroom. The courses for this trip are BIOL 199 and RPTM 199. They can count toward the general education IL requirement.
The Conserving Biodiversity and Cultural Diversity Utilizing Ecotourism and Other Recreational Strategies course seeks to explore the ties between cultural diversity, biodiversity, and sustainable tourism management in a global context. Through tangible field experiences and exposure to global innovative practices at diverse outdoor recreation, cultural heritage, and biodiversity sites, you will gain new perspectives that can help prepare you for challenges in your career.
During your journey, you will juxtapose and reflect on cultural variances beyond American borders that can transform you through invaluable insights unattainable at a local level. Costa Rica, with its myriad natural resources, outdoor amenities, and tourism attractions, provides the perfect backdrop. Its tropical rainforests, volcanoes, national parks, and commercial recreation sites offer safe avenues for you to contextualize course concepts in real-world settings. Furthermore, you will gain a deeper understanding of sustainability in natural resource management by scrutinizing local policies, interacting with park managers, and observing on-ground practices.
Mercado Central Soda Diner
Travel Itinerary (subject to change)
- Day 1 Arrive in San Jose and enjoy a welcome dinner
- Day 2 Visit Arenal Volcano National Park hanging bridges. Lecture on bats. Visit to volcano lava fields. Day trip to Monteverde Cloud Forest from Arenal
- Days 3 and 4 Visit Sarapiqui and participate in a bird walk, rafting, night walk at La Selva
- Days 5 and 6 Tortugero: Canal tours, visit village and turtle
- Day 7 and 8 Return to San Jose for
walking tour and museum visits Day 9 Depart for the United States
Expenses
International program costs, estimated at between $2,500 and $3,500 (subject to change), will be applied to your bursar account upon enrollment in the course in addition to tuition. Grants and scholarships may be retroactively available through Penn State. Underwriting for each program is provided by Penn State Abington to maximize opportunities for our students to study abroad. Program costs include round-trip airfare, local ground transportation, all lodging and some meals.
Non-U.S. citizens may require a visa in addition to their passport. Non-U.S. citizens should consult their embassy for information.
Red-legged Honeycreeper
About Courses with Short-Term Study Abroad
Traditionally, study abroad meant that students spent a semester in another country and attended classes at an accredited university. Short-term faculty-led courses with an international travel component are viable alternatives as they offer solid academic international experiences at a reasonable cost with a reduced time commitment.
Students who are enrolled in these courses are taking an internationally focused class that includes a 10 days of travel over fall or spring break. These study abroad programs are anchored on Penn State Abington’s campus. Course material and lectures prepare students both academically and culturally.
The goal of the courses with an international travel component is to embed the students into the life and culture of the university and the country they visit. Therefore, including international faculty and students at the host institution in academic and cultural activities is a highly regarded and critical component of all of Abington’s faculty-led programs.
Short-term academic travel is a keystone of the Abington Experience, a roadmap to guide students on their journey from campus to career. The pillars of the Abington Experience are short-term study abroad, faculty-led research, internships, and leadership development