Jaguars, tapirs and monkeys. Oh my!
Ever wanted to spend a Summer near the Caribbean while exploring unique ecosystems inhabited by jaguars, tapirs, monkeys and more? Do you wander state parks wishing that they were wildlife refuges instead? Have you thought to yourself, “I need some out-of-the-box education right about now”? Would you like to get a taste of what it’s like to do field work in biological anthropology?
Every two years, Anthropology offers a month-long field school in the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge in northeast Costa Rica. Taught by Dr. Stacy Lindshield and attended by undergraduate and graduate students alike, this opportunity dips students’ toes into the ever-evolving field of Biological Anthropology. Dr. Lindshield is familiar with the area from her time in Costa Rica as a graduate student, and shares very fond memories of Costa Rica in a recent Q&A video.
Learning takes on many different forms in an environment like this one; students do readings and discussions on core concepts and learning applications, but they also have the chance to explore the field station and its nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. They learn about conservation, natural history, animal ecology, data collection and primate behavior through practical application and an independent research project. Being on the Caribbean, of course students often arrive before or after the trip begins to explore the region. The area is rich in culture along with its flora and fauna, and Dr. Lindshield is sure to include this aspect of Anthropology in her teaching as well!
Students who have been a part of this course have nothing but wonderful things to say about it! As one student said, “It was an eye-opening, life changing experience! I’m so glad that I took the leap and decided to go!”
