Beyond the Classroom

Costa Rica Field Course

Are you looking for a life-changing educational adventure?

Consider ESE 389, Field Expedition to Costa Rica, which is run by the School of Earth, Society, and Environment in cooperation with LAS International Programs and the Monteverde Institute, a Costa Rican non-profit dedicated to sustainability education.

Travel Beyond the Classroom

Travel beyond the classroom to study ecology, geology, and sustainability issues in one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. This 10-day field course takes students across Costa Rica’s mountains, forests, and coasts, where they experience firsthand the challenges and successes of conservation, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy.

All current University of Illinois students are welcome to apply. Please be aware that the application period for this course is in the fall; the deadline to submit applications for the Spring 2026 trip is October 15th.

To make an appointment to learn more about the course, please email Nooreen Meghani [nooreen2@illinois.edu]. You can also find other information about the course via LAS Abroad at this link.

Why Take This Course?

Costa Rica provides a living classroom where students connect theory with practice, deepen their understanding of sustainability, and witness how conservation and community intersect. The trip offers both scientific learning and cultural immersion, leaving students with lasting experiences and perspectives on global environmental challenges.

Course Description

This course combines on-campus meetings with an immersive field experience in Costa Rica. Students engage with scientists, conservationists, and local communities while exploring a range of ecosystems and sustainability initiatives. Activities include guided hikes, tours of farms and field stations, and cultural exchanges.

  • Credit: 3 hours
  • Open to: All Illinois undergraduates in good standing
  • Grading: Letter
A black bird with feathers sticking up on the top of its head and bright colored beak.
Rob Kanter

Costs and Scholarships

The total course fee for ESE 389 is $4,500, but scholarships are available through the College and LAS Abroad program. These awards can help offset the cost for eligible students.

What does the program fee cover?

The fee includes almost all expenses for the 10-day trip:

  • Transportation to and from Chicago, including overnight lodging before departure
  • Airfare to and from Costa Rica
  • All course instruction and entrance fees to field sites
  • Meals and lodging for the full duration of the trip

 

Highlights of the Trip

Students take part in a wide range of immersive learning activities, including:

A set of hammocks lined up on a wooden deck.
  • Tropical forests & ecology – guided hikes in Santa Rosa National Park, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
  • Conservation and sustainability – presentations at the Monteverde Institute, activities with local conservationists, and discussions on amphibian declines and climate change impacts.
  • Renewable energy & infrastructure – visit to the Miravalles geothermal plant and exploration of Costa Rica’s hydro and wind power initiatives.
  • Community engagement – meetings with rural fishing communities, women’s cooperatives, and ecotourism initiatives.
  • Wildlife and biodiversity – snorkeling off the Pacific coast, observing Scarlet Macaws at a rehabilitation site, and a guided night walk in the rainforest.
  • Social and cultural dimensions – conversations on sustainable coffee farming, rural livelihoods, and the impacts of luxury tourism in Guanacaste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's included in the program fee?

  • Full board (all meals) and accommodation during the course
  • All activities, tours, and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Full-time MVI coordinator(s)
  • All in-country transportation
  • Translation and interpretation (if needed)
  • Access to MVI facilities, services, and trails
  • All applicable sales tax and service fees

Does this count for major credit?

Yes. ESE 389 counts as advanced hours in the major.

Are all costs included?

Yes. The program fee covers accommodation, meals, flights, and scheduled trips. Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are at your own expense.

Do I need a visa?

  • U.S. citizens: No visa required, only a valid passport.
  • International students at Illinois: Requirements vary by country—please check in advance.
  • PRC passport holders: No Costa Rican visa required if you hold a valid U.S. visa.

How will the course give credit?

Students will earn 3 hours of advanced credit for ESE 389. The course must be taken for a grade.

Want to know more?

Contact professor Nooreen Meghani
nooreen2@illinois.edu