Course Overview

Rainforest & Tropical Science ENV 0003 is an applied general education course that introduces students to ecotourism and ecology principles using the rainforests of Costa Rica as the classroom. This course combines online delivery with eight days of practical learning in Costa Rica. The course starts in January 2024 with the trip to Costa Rica running from Feb. 24 to Mar. 3, 2024. While in Costa Rica, students will visit the world-renowned EARTH university and learn about sustainable development. Rios Tropicales, a local ecotourism company the College has partnered with previously, will host the students in Costa Rica.

Check out our Rainforest & Tropical Science General Elective.

Examples of topics covered in the classroom and in Costa Rica include: the fundamental principles that makeup ecotourism, traveler types, environmental and social impacts, and formal/informal conversations with local tour operators.

Field Trip Component

Students will actively participate in the Rainforest and Tropical Science course by completing a week-long field trip to Costa Rica to explore the country, its people, ecosystems and the rich biological resources found in a humid tropical climate.

Hands-on experiential learning will be supported by online learning activities as well as independent and group learning projects. Students will be immersed in a landscape rich in biological and geological diversity and will be exposed to the variables that are threatening its very existence. Students will learn to identify key characteristics of rainforest habitats and examine sustainable agriculture practices.

Students participating in this course will, at times, be required to hike long distances in difficult-to-navigate terrain. All participants are expected to reach the rainforest study area via a whitewater rafting trip down the world-famous Rio Pacuare.

Eligibility

All students from Algonquin College are welcome to apply. Students must be in good academic standing and receive approval from their academic chair to participate in the course. In addition, students will be required to sign a release/waiver.

Prerequisites

Full-time or part-time day students must have successfully completed at least one semester at Algonquin College. All students from Algonquin College are welcome to apply. Students must be in good academic standing and receive approval from their program coordinator to participate in the course.

Medical Disclaimer Required

Because parts of the course will be physically rigorous and adventurous, students must complete a disclaimer acknowledging that they are in good health and physically fit to participate. In addition, you will be required to sign a release waiver.