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May 26-July 1, 2009
Field Conditions
HEALTH & SAFETY | EXPECTATIONS | HOUSING | MEALS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS | DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
HEALTH & SAFETY
The field activities take place in a tropical forest environment with poisonous/venomous insects, spiders, snakes, and other animals. The field site also has wild felids. Students undergo training prior to and during field excursions on avoiding potential dangers. In addition to being vigilant and avoiding contact with potentially dangerous animals, students are not to walk off trail without supervision and without wearing appropriate clothing (such as high-ankle boots). No student is to walk trails alone or walk trails in groups without first informing and obtaining permission from the course instructors.
Participating students should be in good health, and should have a medical examination prior to departure to Costa Rica.
Students are responsible for obtaining all immunizations required by the U.S. Public Health Service for Costa Rica as well as the student's medical condition and history.
Students can find information on vaccinations and health precautions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s main website and the World Health Organization’s International Travel & Health website.
Students are required to register with the State Department prior to leaving for Costa Rica.
Participants with health issues should be aware that the medical facilities are not the same standard as those in U.S. Program participants should purchase all prescription medicines needed prior to leaving for Costa Rica, and should bring spare pairs of glasses and/or contact lenses if they wear them.
Please see Health Insurance for more information.
Students must provide a copy of their passport and emergency contact information to instructors by May 26, 2009.
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EXPECTATIONS
Inherent to any study or research abroad program is the stress to student participants caused by unfamiliar surroundings, “culture shock” and the intensity of the program. If one student does not act responsibly, is easily distracted, falls behind in their assignments, or is not culturally sensitive, the entire program is negatively affected.
Thus, in order to enhance the overall operation of any HSU study and research abroad program, as well as each student’s experience, all participating students should be mature, self-motivated, academically competent and ready to accept the challenges of international study.
The program staff may send home any individual whose conduct, in the opinion of the program staff, is detrimental to the program or to the other students. This includes uncooperative or disruptive behavior, alcohol abuse, illegal drug use, and failure to perform satisfactory academic work. Fees will not be refunded if a student is asked to leave the program early.
The avoidance of any illegal drug use, drug purchase, or drug sales cannot be stressed enough. Costa Rican officials inflict severe penalties on foreigners breaking domestic laws, especially illegal drug use.
Students are cautioned that a foreign passport and ignorance of local laws will not protect them nor is it likely that anyone from the program or the U. S. Embassy/U. S. Government (or other embassies) be able to provide assistance if they are arrested or convicted for drug use or other crimes.
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STUDENT HOUSING
At the beginning and end of the field portion of the program, students will spend the night at the Hotel Cacts in San Jose, Costa Rica. The hotel has all standard amenities and can be viewed at its website.
While at the La Selva Biological Station, students will be required to stay in dormitory style field cabins, with two to four students per cabin.
Each cabin has two to three bunk beds, a work desk, and lockable storage cabinets. Every two cabins share a restroom facility, which consists of a toilet, two sinks, a shower with hot and cold water, and soap and paper towel dispensers.
Males and females have separate cabins and restrooms.
MEALS
Meals are served at pre-set times in the morning, afternoon, and evening in a cafeteria-style setting. Meals generally include meat, rice and beans, and various side dishes (including fruit and/or vegetables). Vegetarian options are available for all meals. Additional snack items are available at the gift shop.
Water is drinkable from the tap and is available at the cafeteria at all times. Ice is also available. During meals, fresh juice is often available.
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PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This program will be physically challenging. While in Costa Rica, students are required to hike for many hours daily in very warm and humid weather, while carrying a heavy pack.
Students must also be prepared to be extremely quiet and stationary while watching the primates, possibly for long stretches at a time (with mosquitoes biting).
Students are also expected to be awake and ready for the field before sunrise.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
Students with disabilities should consult the Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) in House 71, (707) 826-4678, and read about the specific housing and field conditions at the La Selva Biological Station before applying.
Students are encouraged to meet with faculty to discuss any accommodations needed for the program.
Reasonable accommodations may be available for students who have a documented disability. All accommodations must be approved through the Humboldt State University Student Disability Resource Center.