Costa Rica

UTK Plants, Parks, and People: From the Smokies to San Jose

 

*Limited to Honors Students*

Spring Break 2024


Costa Rica, a landmass encompassing only .03% of the earth’s surface, contains a whopping 5% of earth’s biodiversity- a density that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. In this Spring Break course, we will explore the diverse world of plants and what they mean to us as a global society, to specific cultures in the tropics, and to the policies and programs people have developed to conserve these critical resources.

Course Dates: March 9-17, 2024

Application Deadline: October 15, 2023

Course: UNHO 277, 3 credits

Course Description

Plants—what can they do for us and what can we do for them? In our lifetimes, we see, eat, smell, and touch more plants than any other kingdom or organism. These same plants sustain critical ecosystem services such as climate and carbon regulation and water quality and quantity. They are also the primary producers that maintain our diverse vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife communities treasured throughout the world. How plants produce the things we need is deceptively simple—carbon dioxide and water get zapped by solar energy and viola! the sugars and oxygen we need to survive. Something really interesting happens when you increase the amount of solar energy, as occurs in the tropics…evolution creates incredibly rich and diverse plant and animal ecosystems. Although only 6% of the Earth’s surface, tropical forests contain an estimated 2/3 of the worlds biodiversity. In this course, we will explore the diverse world of plants and what they mean to us as a global society, to specific cultures in the tropics, and to the policies and programs people have developed to conserve these critical resources. This will be contrasted with some of the native ecosystems we may be more familiar with in East Tennessee. Additionally, we will consider the impact these plants and ecosystems have on our lives across many different spectrums.

Costa Rica, a landmass encompassing only .03% of the earth’s surface, contains a whopping 5% of earth’s biodiversity- a density that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Join Dr. Andy Pulte and Dr.Adam Willcox and escape the cold gray days of winter for a very special garden adventure to sun soaked Costa Rica. On this eight night tropical garden adventure, you will discover a jungle paradise unlike any other. Despite its diminutive size, Costa Rica boasts greater biodiversity than all of Europe or North America! Over 850 species of birds have been identified here, far more than have been seen in Europe or Australia and more butterflies thrive here than on the entire continent of Africa. Join Andy and Adam and explore lush jungles and view an abundance of exotic wildlife from a bridge that gently suspends you in the mist of the Cloud Forest canopy. Sultry breezes, tropical gardens and colorful birds await you.

Program Highlights
  • Discovering the colorful gardens and national parks of Costa Rica
  • Towering Arenal Volcano
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest
  • Coffee farm
  • Hummingbird Garden
  • Butterfly Garden
  • Monteverde Orchid Garden
  • Morning and evening bird walks
  • Sightings of toucans, quetzals, monkeys, iguanas, sloths and more!
Course

UNHO 277: Plants, Parks, and People: From the Smokies to San Jose, 3 Credits

Academic Information

This is an embedded Spring Break education abroad experience. Students must be enrolled in UNHO 277: Plants, Parks and People: From the Smokies to San Jose during the spring semester of the study abroad program. Successful completion of the course includes full participation in the Costa Rica experience.

Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the course is degree applicable.

  • Enrolled in a University Honors program
  • Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of application and until program departure
  • At least Freshman standing
  • Must be in Good Academic Standing and Good Conduct Standing with The University of Tennessee.
  • Must attend all program meetings

2024 program costs are still being determined and subject to change. An estimated program fee based on 2023 program costs is provided at this time.

Summer 1 Budget
Budget itemEstimated Costs 
Program Fee$3,999.00 
Global Programs Admin Fee$175.00 
Billable subtotal:$4,174.00
Estimated Roundtrip Transportation from Knoxville$1,500.00 
Passport$165.00 
Estimated Additional Meals$50.00 
Estimated Personal Expenses$94.00 
Non-billable subtotal:$1,959.00
Total:$6,133.00
Adam Sage Willcox Profile Page
Adam Sage Willcox
Research Associate Professor, School of Natural Resources
Andy Pulte Profile Page
Andy Pulte
Distinguished Lecturer And Director, Plant Sciences