Program in Costa Rica, Fall & Spring
Spring 2010 : Jan 18 - May 4; Fall 2010: Aug 16- Nov 30

OTS Undergraduate Brochure '09-10 ( 791 kb )

OTS and Duke University are launching a new semester 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. The program will visit all three of OTS’ biological field stations in Costa Rica utilizing their sophisticated facilities and building on decades of research.

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 new OTS/Duke semester program on global health program begins with an introduction to the tropical environment and Costa Rican culture and the medical system. The program examines the relationship between ecology and tropical disease, epidemiology, and public health. Students will study topics including vector ecology, infectious diseases, water quality and health, socialized medicine, and traditional and alternative medicine. Students are given exposure to current techniques and concerns in tropical medicine and public health through visits to numerous field sites including clinics and hospitals. They will also analyze the impact of climate change on human health, and explore the social and economic determinants that contribute to the expanding impact of infectious diseases.

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.

We will begin to accept applications for this new program this summer. For more information, contact OTS Enrollment at (919) 684-5774 or otsadmissions @ duke.edu

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 90633
Durham, NC 27708-0633
Tel. (919) 684-5774
Fax (919) 684-5661
E-mail: otsadmissions @ duke.edu