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UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica

A small jungle frog sits on a branch. the rest of the forest is blurred out.
A butterfly is sucking nectar from a vibrant flower. The rest of the background is blurred out.
Waves are crashing onto small Islands. A palm leaf is sticking out in the foreground.

Scholarships: Participants in this program will receive an automatic $500 scholarship. Additional scholarship funding is available from the Genetics Department for Genetics and Genomics majors.

Sustainability: This program's carbon footprint will be offset through funds provided by the Genetics Department. Join the effort and learn how to travel more sustainably.


Costa Rica, Multiple

The UW Banking Animal Biodiversity in Costa Rica field study is offered by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) in partnership with IAP.

This program offers students a unique opportunity to apply developmental genetics concepts in projects focusing on the preservation of endangered species at risk of extinction. Lectures and research activities will focus on current threats affecting the local ecosystem and biodiversity in three sites throughout Costa Rica, including lowland tropical forest, a cloud forest, and a wetland/dry tropical forest.

Visits to these ecosystems will provide interesting points of comparison, as well as key exposure to animal species in their unique habitats in the region and how ecosystem threats affect them. This program will be led by UW-Madison Professor of Genetics and Medical Genetics, Francisco Pelegri, in partnership with The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) in Costa Rica. Established in 1963, OTS works with more than 60 prominent universities, colleges, and research institutions around the world, each of which have expertise and interest in the preservation of tropical biology and forest ecosystems.

Students on this program will gain hands-on experience in current research and activities in biodiversity-rich areas through on-site visits, tours, seminars, demonstrations, and ecosystem preservation activities.

This program takes place in remote research stations with limited cell signal. On a typical day, stations do have electricity and internet access. Accommodations range from basic open-air dormitory-style buildings equipped with bunk beds and mosquito nets to private hotels. Days are long, filled with significant physical activity such as multi-hour hikes and physical projects like removing invasive plants by hand. Humidity, insects, and encounters with vibrant and diverse wildlife are all part of the experience. As reflected in the course title, the program is part of a larger and global effort aimed at the preservation of physical samples representing animal biodiversity, as a mechanism for the long-term maintenance of species and ecosystem health. However, actual sampling during this Spring Break course is still in development and depends on conditions and existing partnership and regulations, and may be minimal or non-existent.


Video by Emma Roberts, class of 2023.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Exposure to biodiversity-rich areas and their challenges due to fragmentation, climate change and invasive species
  • Assess scientific methods applicable to biodiversity preservation including ecosystem preservation, restoration, and species reintroduction
  • Team-based assessment of regional animal phylogenetic biodiversity as related to bio-banking approaches
  • A better understanding of local cultural and socioeconomic needs on their own and in the context of balancing ecosystem preservation activities

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

  • Students must complete one or more of the following courses prior to program: Genetics 466, Genetics 467, Genetics 527, Biocore 381, or Zoology 470, Envir St/F&W Ecol/Zoology 360, Botany/​Envir St/​F&W Ecol/​Zoology 516, Botany/Envir St/F&W Ecol/Zoology 651, F&W Ecol/Zoology 660, or Genetics 627. If none of the courses have been completed, you must email the instructor for consent.

     
  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • 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

UW Signature

Subjects

Genetics, Biology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, Sustainability, Zoology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Spring Break

Application Deadline(s)

Spring break module 2025-26 10/3/2025 Cost Details
Spring break module 2026-27 10/2/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

In recent decades, demand has increased for the preservation and protection of endangered species that have experienced major habitat loss due to drastic changes in the climate and environment as well as increases in urbanization. This program is of special interest to students studying genetics, biology, biochemistry, zoology, conservation biology, environmental studies, forest and wildlife ecology, entomology.

Through lectures, workshops, and research activities, students will engage with the various ecosystems and species, focusing on efforts in global animal biopreservation and animal re-introduction. Evening workshops will assess potential biobanking strategies. Students will work in groups to assess real-life projects based on phylogenetic and developmental biology principles.

While learning about the diverse ecosystems and species in Costa Rica, students will also gain exposure to the local culture and social needs of the region and how these can affect preservation efforts. By connecting and communicating with the different actors involved in preservation, students can gain an integrated understanding of needs and potential for action at multiple levels, from local communities and ecosystems to global partnerships.

Students will earn 1 credit of Genetics 528.

Affiliate Institution(s)

The Organization for Tropical Studies

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

Program Leader

Francisco Pelegri