The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), in partnership with Duke University, proudly offers semester and summer programs for undergraduate students interested in field biology or global health. Our Costa Rica Semester and Summer Programs utilize all three OTS field stations as well as other Costa Rican sites, allowing direct study of a wide range of tropical ecosystems and habitats. Our South Africa Semester Program is based at the world-renowned Kruger National Park, allowing direct study of African savanna ecosystems. All of our Undergraduate Offerings feature the OTS method of field-based, experiental learning under the close guidance of highly qualified Ph.D.-level professors. Graduates of an OTS undergraduate program will be well prepared for advanced studies in tropical biology, resource management, or global health.

For questions regarding Semester/Summer Study Abroad opportunities, please contact:
OTS Enrollment Management
Tel. (919) 684-5155
E-mail: otsadmissions @ duke.edu

For questions regarding NAPIRE, please contact:
wendy.townsend @ ots.ac.cr

For questions regarding the REU program, please contact:
undergradprograms @ ots.ac.cr

Semester Abroad in Costa Rica:

• Global Health Semester: Tropical Medicine and Public Health
• Tropical Biology on a Changing Planet Semester

Summer Abroad in Costa Rica:

• Tropical Biology

Semester Abroad in South Africa:

• African Ecology & Conservation

Summer Abroad in South Africa:

• Global Health Issues in South Africa, Summer Program

REU - Research Experience for Undergraduates:

• North American Students
• Costa Rican Students

NAPIRE - Native American and Pacific Islander Research Experience:

• NAPIRE

DO YOU TEACH * MENTOR * WORK WITH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS?

If so,  the OTS Enrollment Management Team would welcome your assistance with recruiting qualified undergraduate students to our dynamic summer/semester courses and REU experiences in Costa Rica and South Africa.   We have developed a very short PowerPoint (8 annotated slides) for faculty members to download and show to students in classrooms, clubs, lab, etc.  Based on our collected data, a faculty/staff recommendation is the No. 1 source of influence on why a student decides to participate in an OTS program.  By taking this extra step, you could change a student's life.  Should you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining the PowerPoint, please feel free to contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it as we would be happy to help.
OTS Undergraduate Program Presentation for Faculty