Important Course Information and FAQ's

Program fee:
Individual class fees are listed in the Class Schedules section by the name of the course.
These fees vary depending on the duration of the class, and the necessary resources, technical equipment, and materials required by the course.


Included in our fee:
- US$150 registration processing fee (AKA non refundable deposit)
- Instruction
- Shared rooms at La Suerte or Ometepe BFS
- 3 meals a day at La Suerte or Ometepe BFS
- Scheduled ground transportation to and from near the airport


Not included in fee:
- Prices are fixed they are not a day to day rate.
- Field/side trips are additional and set by instructors. Some classes do not have side trips others do, length and destination is determined by the instructor price determined by location and length of stay.
- Lodging outside the field schools, upon arrival and post class. Some of you have other agenda before and after the trip. We can help you find hotels with reasonable day to day rates.  
- Long distance calls or internet use
- Sodas, snacks
- Medical treatment or insurance
- Credits at your university
- Airfare
- Unscheduled transportation to the stations. Arriving late may mean missing scheduled transportation. The cost varies depending on your means of transport. Depending on destination and means of transport (taxi or bus) this cost is US$35-US$100
- Airport taxes; Costa Rica US $26.00, and Nicaragua US$35.00, some airlines include this in the ticket price. Check with your travel agent.
- Taxes crossing the border: only when traveling between Costa Rica and Nicaragua by bus there are tolls at the border they add up to $10.00
- Students taking 2 or 3 classes - Busing between classes when classes are in 2 countries, (each way $15.00) general transportation and lodging outside of the station between classes.

Discounts:
The following discounts are given when taking more than one consecutive course:
For two consecutive courses: $150.00 discount.
For three consecutive courses: $200.00 discount.
No discounts on short classes or consecutive classes combined with short classes.

Payment method:
Make all checks (including Ometepe classes) payable to:
Maderas Rainforest Conservancy
PO BOX 55 7519
Miami FL 33255-7519
Wire transfers are also possible for non US students. Contact us for routing information.

The goal of Maderas Rainforest Conservancy  is to promote the conservation, protection, and management of  MesoAmerican forests and animal and plant biodiversity through education, reforestation, preservation, and by working with local communities, and national and international institutions and universities. Funding from La Suerte and Ometepe Biological Field Stations educational programs will be managed by Maderas Rainforest Conservancy and used for the fulfillment of our long term goals as noted above.



FAQ's:

Travel insurance:
If your personal insurance does not cover you abroad, we recommend you purchase affordable travel insurance. Credit card companies offer luggage and health insurance at affordable rates, google travel insurance and shop for affordable packages.

Passport:
A passport is necessary for travel to Central America. If you don't have a passport please apply for one immediately. You may submit the application without a passport number by entering 'xxx' in the field in order to submit your application form.


Luggage:
Every airline has luggage limit specifications. Typically there is a 50 lb limit per piece of checked luggage, and 22 lbs for a carry on. Some allow 2 checked pieces others only one checked piece. Contact your airline for further information. We recommend you lock all bags.


What immunization is recommended when traveling to Costa Rica and Nicaragua?
Tetanus booster if you have not had one in 10 years.
Hepatitis. Check your medical records to be sure you are up to date with your immunization.
Malaria medication, *ask your doctor about the side affects. We are NOT in a risk area in Ometepe or La Suerte but its ultimately up to you and your physician's decision.
Here is a website about a medicine for Malaria prevention. http://www.malarone.com/
Speak to your doctor about the drug you choose if any. Option not to take drugs to prevent is ultimately yours but we recommend you spray repellent on clothes to keep mosquitoes away. Mosquitoes transmit malaria. Read this warning about the anti-malaria drug Lariam  http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/lariam.html
Rabies. We recommend that you do not pet any domesticated animals found in villages near our field sites. If you plan on doing so get a rabies shot before traveling. You will not be handling mammals. If your class conducts research on bats it is recommended you get a rabies shot.


Were do I exchange money?
There will be bank machines in places near the hotel upon arrival. Our staff can help you get extra cash if you need it. You can choose to get local or US currency. Nicaragua: Exchange money at the bank airport - they have a good exchange rate. Costa Rica: Exchange money near the hotel, the Costa Rica airport banks do not offer good rates. Our staff will assist you. Money is needed for snacks, soda and side trips.
 

How do I meet the group upon arrival?
At both locations our staff will meet you at the door. We will email you further instructions and details.


Do you provide vegetarian meals?
Yes we provide delicious vegetarian meals. Bring your supplements to be sure you get enough of what you are used to.
 

What do I pack? Equipment and field gear:
In Ometepe the most important piece of equipment is comfortable shoes, make sure they are not too hot for your feet. In La Suerte you'll need comfortable rubber boots. Use soccer socks with the boots. This link has a Packing List of items needed for most classes.


How do I obtain credits for the field class? Click here for information doc.


Is there funding and financial help? Click here for information doc.
For the Astrive Student Loan website: Click here for astrivestudentloans.com

Deadline:
Once you submit your application you have a month to complete the application paperwork. However if you find that you need more time please contact us. We can extend the paperwork or payment deadlines for unforeseen circumstances. We will also work with financial aid dispersal dates if needed.

Where are the Biological Field Stations located? Click here for map.

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