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SFS Ecological Resilience Studies

A student is at a hilltop viewpoint and looking out at the lush greenery around them

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Costa Rica, Atenas

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the SFS Costa Rica semester and summer programs are approved UW-Madison affiliate programs.

SFS programs in Costa Rica take place across the country’s diverse patchwork of rugged rainforests, cloud forests, sandy beaches, and agricultural landscapes. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues faced here such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, tourism impacts, pollution and waste management, as well as the struggle between economic growth and the maintenance of the functionality of fragile ecosystems. Efforts to preserve the wild beauty of Costa Rica are recognized worldwide, but climate change and increased urban development bring new and unforeseen challenges impacting biodiversity and food security. Conservation leaders, farmers, land managers, and policymakers must work together using regenerative strategies to build ecological resilience and adapt to climate change impacts. SFS research in Costa Rica contributes vital data to innovative efforts that balance conservation and development.

The field station is near the friendly small town of Atenas and is integrated with a Rainforest Alliance Certified mango farm overlooking the fertile Central Valley. The field station has a pool, outdoor recreation areas, indoor and outdoor classroom space, dormitory, and communal dining hall.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SFS website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and program location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.8 cumulative GPA for semester programs; 2.6 cumulative GPA for summer programs

  • Previous college-level ecology, biology, earth science, or environmental studies course required for semester programs.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Ecology, Environmental Studies, Food Justice, Sustainable Development, Water Resources, Wildlife Ecology

Classroom Language

English, Spanish

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-September - Mid-December
Spring: Early February - Early May
Summer I: Early June - Early July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Session I: Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session I & II: June - August] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2026 - [Session II: Environmental Justice from the Ground Up] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I: Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session II: Environmental Justice from the Ground Up] 2/19/2027 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I & II: June - August] 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SFS program pages:

Costa Rica Semester: Ecological Resilience Studies
Costa Rica Summer I: Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems
Costa Rica Summer II: Environmental Justice from the Ground Up

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Climate change and tropical ecosystems
  • Agroforestry and conservation
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Water conservation
  • Sustainable ecotourism
  • Vertibrate ecology
  • Food justice
  • Urban ecology

View SFS' list of recent directed research projects per program site.

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Affiliate Institution(s)

School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS Costa Rica Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS Costa Rica Summer I Course SFS Costa Rica Semester Courses SFS Costa Rica Summer 2 Course

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents