Program in Costa Rica, Fall & Spring
Spring 2013: Jan 21 - May 7
 Fall 2013: August 19 – December 3

OTS Undergraduate Brochure ( 2.17 mb )

OTS and Duke University sponsor the semester on Global Health, a program designed primarily for pre-med, biology, public health, and natural science majors to be trained in research in the areas of tropical medicine and public health in Costa Rica.

Our 15-week undergraduate semester abroad program emphasizes the scientific, intercultural, and social aspects of global health, tropical medicine, public health, ethnobiology, and research topics in these subjects. Instruction focuses on the internationally-recognized OTS method of field-based, hands-on learning. Lectures, readings from primary literature, and discussions are also integral components of the program and provide the conceptual framework for discussion, analysis, and interpreting field observations and research. This semester long program will take place for the most part at two of the Biological Stations of the OTS, Las Cruces and La Selva, located in different life zones of Costa Rica; as well as in clinical settings and primary care facilities (EBAIS) within Costa Rica’s social security system, in both the urban and rural areas (including Indian Reservations). In addition, students will visit different research facilities, museums, national parks, market places, agricultural farms, and other facilities.

Students participating in the OTS Undergraduate Semester Abroad Program will be enrolled in four courses accredited by Duke University (four semester credit hours for each 15-week course):

• Tropical Medicine and Public Health
• Research Practicum
• Ethnobiology
• Culture and Language in Costa Rica (either intermediate or advanced) with additional introduction to technical and colloquial medical terms

The semester begins with an introduction to the tropical environment, Costa Rican culture and the health care system. The curriculum looks at the relationship between ecology and tropical disease, epidemiology, and public health. Students will study topics including vector ecology, water quality and health, socialized medicine, infectious diseases, and traditional and alternative medicine. Students are given exposure to current techniques and concerns in tropical medicine and public health, analyze the impact of climate change for human health, and examine the social and economic determinants that contribute to the impact of infectious diseases. Throughout the semester emphasis will be placed on the ethical standards needed for all research involving human subjects.

The program faculty will be a mix of full time scientists and MD´s, with the insight from other doctors and guest lecturers in specific fields of tropical medicine.

This is a rigorous program with high expectations. This course is an outstanding opportunity for students considering careers in public health, medicine, and other health-related areas. Students should have a strong interest in public health and biology and an avid curiosity for new cultures. One year of Spanish is required.

Undergraduate Program Staff and Faculty

Tuition and Program Fees

The 2013-2014 tuition for OTS semester programs is $22,010. In addition, there is an OTS Program Fee of $1,850 per semester. The Program Fee covers room and board. For students from Consortium schools (see the OTS home page for a link to the list of member institutions) OTS will cover this fee through a special scholarship. International travel, independent travel, incidentals, and personal spending are not covered. Non-Duke students will also be charged a $40 lifetime transcript fee. Rates for Fall 2014 will be announced by late May 2014.

We would like to hear from you! If you have questions about this program or other opportunities with OTS, please contact Admissions Counselor or the Director of Enrollment Management at OTS. Duke students should also contact the Office of Study Abroad at Duke University.

Organization for Tropical Studies
Duke University
Box 90630
Durham, NC 27708-0633
Tel. (919) 684-5155
Fax (919) 684-5661
E-mail: otsadmissions @ duke.edu