First Year Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica
From Summit to Surf: Exploring Costa Rica’s Varied Landscapes
Winter Mini-Term 2026
Please only register for one cohort.
This short-term course is a highly experiential study abroad program designed to provide first-year Herbert students with an international context for challenges and opportunities facing the natural resource and agriculture fields. Students will see first-hand the role parks and protected areas play in conserving natural resources, maintaining sustainable plant and animal populations, promoting ecosystem health and services, and providing recreation opportunities.
Course Dates:
Cohort 1: January 5-11, 2026
Cohort 2: January 12-18, 2026
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
Course: AGNR 491, 1 credit
Primary Course Contact: Laura Crowe, lcrowe@utk.edu
Course Description
This course is a highly experiential study abroad program designed to provide first-year Herbert students with an international context for challenges and opportunities facing the natural resource and agriculture fields. Students will see first-hand the role parks and protected areas play in conserving natural resources, maintaining sustainable plant and animal populations, promoting ecosystem health and services, and providing recreation opportunities. In addition, this course will provide students with hands–on exposure to the production of specialty crops such as cacao. The course is designed to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of outdoor recreation resources, tropical agriculture, conservation methods, and sustainable development.
Program highlights
- Cacao (chocolate) tour – learn how your favorite products are made!
- Explore the plant and animal life at Tirimbina Biological Reserve and their conservation efforts
- Experience outdoor recreation hiking around an active volcano at Arenal National Park and scale the hanging bridges of Mistico Park
- Connect with nature at the Wellness Park
- Explore a “steaming” landscape at Rincón de La Vieja Volcano National Park
Course
AGNR 491: International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resource
Academic Information
Accepted students will be enrolled in AGNR 491 for 1 credit hour during Winter Mini-Term. The class will meet throughout the 2nd session of fall semester prior to travel to discuss orientation and logistics. Successful completion of the course includes full participation in the Costa Rica abroad experience.
Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the course is degree applicable.
- First year student in the Herbert College of Agriculture
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of application and until program departure
- Must be in Good Academic Standing and Good Conduct Standing with The University of Tennessee.
- Must attend all program meetings
All students will be provided with the Smith Center Study Abroad Scholarship and the Herbert Study Abroad Scholarship
| Winter Mini Term Budget | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget item | Estimated Costs | ||
| Program Fee | $2,440 | ||
| Global Programs Admin Fee | $175.00 | ||
| Study Abroad Insurance | $62.91 | ||
| Scholarships for Program | – $2,000.00 | ||
| Billable subtotal: | $677.91 | ||
| Estimated Roundtrip Transportation from Knoxville | $650.00 | ||
| Estimated Additional Meals | $0 | ||
| Estimated Personal Expenses | $0 | ||
| Non-billable subtotal: | $650.00 | ||
| Total: | $1,327.91 | ||
Cohort 1 Course Contacts:
Cohort 2 Course Contacts:
