To obtain the Forms listed below go to this page: Required Application Documents
Registration Form - Apply either online or fill out the copy provided in our info packet. Please do not mail your form without your email address.
Deposit - $150 deposit fee per course is required to reserve and ensure your space in the class (for example, the deposit fee for 2 courses is $300, for 3 courses $450). Students judged by La Suerte or Ometepe not suitable to take the course or students that end up on the waiting list (space is limited) will have their registration fee refunded. The registration fee is an application-processing fee and is not refundable but is transferable to future courses. Do not apply unless you are ready to commit to the program.
Student Statement - A written personal introduction giving your background, special skills, suitable for the course, personal and academic goals, why you wish to attend the course and how you think you will benefit from it.
Reference Form - Filled out by a college faculty member, employer or professor that knows you
(form found in the information packet).
Physician's note of good health - A note signed by your doctor indicating you are fit to travel.
Certificate of insurance - Fill out this form with the name, address and phone number of your insurance provider, and your insurance policy number. All students are required to have medical insurance to attend a course (form found in the information packet).
Release Form - Must be signed to attend a course. If you are over 18 years of age, you sign it; if you're younger than 18, your parents must sign it. If you're married, your spouse must sign it (form found in the information packet).
Long Term and Short Term Courses
Click on this link Course Cost
Prices include: registration fee, room and board, 3 meals a day, instruction, and scheduled transportation from near the airport in host country to the station. Does not include credits, air travel, hotel upon arrival or departure night.
Ometepe Optional Trip "Eco Challenge".
Ometepe Eco challenge, Ometepe Nicaragua. Click on this link for Eco Challenge Cost
To see what's included go to Eco Challenge Details
* Extensive travel experience, required for multiple classes.
Students are welcome to take multiple courses at the two stations; consecutive sessions do not overlap.
The tuition balance for multiple courses is due 45 days prior to the beginning of the first course.
Course costs includes: registration fee, instruction, 3 meals a day, lodging, ground transport to the station from meeting place in Central America, and airport pickup on set date. Does not include airfare and credit payment at your institution. It is not required that you receive credit to attend our courses.
Additional costs for Multiple courses: We suggest that you make arrangements to arrive in country when the first class begins and depart from the country when the last class ends. Contact our office or the course instructor for further details. Students will not be charged room and board on overlapping days if they're staying at the station. The bus transport between Nicaragua and Costa Rica is $15.00 one way. The busses are comfortable and reliable. Travel time between San Jose and Managua is about 8 hours.
Multiple Course Discounts:
Available for students taking two or three consecutive courses.
Click on this link for more details Multiple Course Discounts
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(U.S. Dollars) Cashier checks, money order, or personal checks drawn in US banks, or wire transfers.
For wire transfer info please contact us at info@lasuerte.org
Make checks payable to:
Maderas Rainforest Conservancy
PO BOX 55-7519, Miami FL 33255-7519
e-mail: info@lasuerte.org
Phone: 305-666-9932 Fax: 305-666-2681 24 hrs answering service 305-957-0444.
*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.
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If withdrawing form a class please let us know immediately so we can give students on a waiting list your space. If withdrawing from the course 45 days before the scheduled class, a full refund is made. If you are enrolled in consecutive classes for a refund we must be notified 45 days prior to the beginning of the first class. If you withdraw from class 45 days or less prior to the trip, the tuition is transferable to a future course, class must be rescheduled one year after withdrawing , rescheduled classes are not transferable to others. We will also give you space priority in any class if you reschedule before the application deadlines. The registration fee is an application-processing fee and is non-refundable once you are Pre-accepted into the course. The registration fee is also transferable if rescheduling.
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http://www.sportsmansguide.com some of the items needed on your list are found here and they offer
excellent prices. Every student is required to bring the following for the course {Textbooks; see above}
(*Art students may omit some items from this list, also refer to art course materials list.)
Compass
Flashlight and rechargeable batteries ("Renewal" alkaline work best) If you bring regular bring them back to the states with you. We have no batteries recycling facilities in the rain forest.
Light weight cool raincoat for the field both stations and portable umbrella for around the camp (La Suerte).
"Write-in-the-rain" data book*, all-weather pen, biodegradable (blue) flagging*, and 1 permanent black marker. These can be purchased from Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (1-800-647-5368) 601-354-3565. Item number for the Spiral all-weather Notebooks is #49318*; please order two. The all-weather pens are item number #49237*; please order two. Blue flagging is item number 58042*
Water bottle or canteen, pocket knife, binoculars (7 x 35 or 8 x 40).
A box of one-quart size zip lock bags to protect personal items from moisture, 5 large plastic trash bags for keeping duffel bags, clothing, and equipment dry Ometepe 2 or more non-aerosol cans/bottles of insect repellent, La Suerte 3 or more non-aerosol cans/bottles. Make sure that it has a large % of "deet" N,N Diethyl-meta-toluamide available up to 98% if using high % wear on clothing and lower % on skin. Signal whistle with string 10x or 15x hand lens Calculator (preferably solar powered) and instructions on its use Millimeter graph paper*, note book, ruler, small combination lock and writing paper mosquito bed net, La Suerte only mosquito hood or hat for the forest La Suerte students only Calf-high rubber boots (you can get a pair at Kmart or army navy stores). Ometepe students use hiking boots make sure they are comfortable. Your foot ware is the most important item on the equipment list you will do allot of walking/hiking.
Clothing, nylon/fast drying preferred: 5 tee shirts, 5 tank tops, and a few pair of shorts, 10 or more pairs of dark socks and underwear, 4 pairs of light weight dark pants (convertible nylon short/pants are good), 5 light material long-sleeve shirts (to protect your skin from sun, thorns, etc.). pajamas or sleeping clothes, Bathing suit, one set of nice casual clothing Note: dirt shows less on darks bring old clothing you own if possible. Sandals, sun hat, bandannas, cap and if you like to run, a pair of running shoes All courses bring a light weigh blanket for cool nights.
2 sets twin sheet set (flat sheet, standard pillow case, fitted sheet) 2-3 large thin towels fast drying important!
Pair of light weight gloves for working in the forest, gardening gloves are good (optional) laundry soap, and laundry scrub brush, small pan optional (hand wash laundry facilities- "low tech") small coffee thermos if you like to drink coffee or soup (optional) Digital wrist watch (needed for data collection and telling time; please be sure it is water resistant, and alarm) Day pack/book bag (you can waterproof any bag by using spray or brush on silicone) If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair if possible and anti-fog drops (Speedo) waterproof sunblock, Small personal first aid kit (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, Tylenol, cold tablets, etc.) Anti-itch medications, fungal powder or cream, medication for yeast infections if you are prone. Stomach comforting medicine "Pepto," or "Tums" your stomach may need to adjust these can help. Ometepe students U.S.C.G. Approved life vest; the station will provide you with free use of ocean going kayaks (optional). You will not be allowed to use the kayaks without the life vest.
35 mm camera and film, video camcorder, tape recorder, sewing kit, laptop computer, walkman, candy, earplugs, and snacks.
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You can get the following gear at most camping and Army Navy stores as well as from a variety of websites (e.g., Eastern Mountain Sports, Campmore, Sierra Traders, REI, Forestry Suppliers, FogDog, Mountain Equipment Co-op). Every student is required to bring the following for the course {for Required Textbooks, please see Course Syllabus}
What you need most in the field at Ometepe
Compass, with or without an attached sighting mirror.
Flashlight or headlamp (great for night reading and night walks) and rechargeable batteries ("Renewal" alkaline work best). If you bring regular ones, please bring the dead ones back home with you for recycling. We have no battery recycling facilities at Ometepe.
Light weight and cool rain jacket or poncho for the field and journey by boat to the island.
Optional: a portable umbrella for heavy downpours.
For taking notes and other activities in the field: One "Write-in-the-rain" data book*. In a pinch, you can use a regular pocket notebook in a plastic bag, but this might not work well in rainy weather!
One roll of biodegradable (blue) flagging tape* 1-2 fine-point sharpie pens or 1-2 pencils (some use all weather pens, but the ink can be a bit too thick) 1 thick-nibbed permanent black marker for writing on flagging tape.
*These can be purchased from Forestry Suppliers, Inc. (1-800-647-5368). Item number for the Spiral all-weather Notebooks is #49318*. Blue flagging is item number 58036*
For taking notes in class
Your choice of college notebook type, pens or pencils.
1-2 pads of lined paper for writing first drafts and research paper if you do not opt to bring a laptop computer and a personal printer.
Optional: colored pens, ruler, sharpener, white-out, paper clips/mini-stapler, acetate and colored paper for presentations.
Water bottle or canteen (a hydration system like Camelpak is a good option). Make sure that it holds about a liter of liquid. You will need to drink plenty of water every day!
Optional: A pocket knife (such as Swiss Army variety) for general use. Also a pair of garden clippers might come in handy in the field. Make sure to pack these with your check on luggage and not in your carry-on!
Binoculars (7 x 35 or 8 x 40). Try to get waterproof ones. These are essential for the field. Good quality ones (eg. Zeiss, Leitz, Leica, Nikon, Canon) are expensive but worth the investment.
A box each of sandwich and of one-quart size zip lock bags to pack food, and to protect personal items from moisture. Depending on the water repellency of your luggage, you might want to obtain up to 5 large plastic trash bags for keeping duffel bags, clothing, and equipment dry. You also might want to invest in silica packets to help keep electrical and other equipment dry.
Two or more non-aerosol cans/bottles of insect repellent. Make sure that it has a large % of "deet" N,N Diethyl-meta-toluamide available up to 98%. Use a high % only on clothing and a lower 30% or lower on skin. Ticks and chiggers can be a problem so Permethrin is recommended to spray on clothes only.
Signal whistle with string/lanyard for wearing around your neck.
Optional: 10x or 15x hand lens
Calculator with scientific function (preferably solar powered) and instructions on its use.
Comfortable and broken-in hiking boots. Your footwear is the most important item on the equipment list as you will do a lot of walking/hiking. Happy people start with happy feet!
Clothing made out of light weight cotton, and nylon/fast drying preferred:
A suggestion:
5 tee shirts
5 tank tops
1-2 pair of shorts
10 or more pairs of long socks. Polypropylene weave socks are great for wicking away moisture from your feet!
Aim for comfort and protection for your feet and ankles in hot weather with biting insects and thorns.
At least 7 pairs of underwear
3-4 pairs of light weight pants (convertible nylon short/pants are good)
5 light weight long-sleeve shirts (to protect your skin from prickly thorns, etc.).
Pajamas or sleeping clothes
Bathing suit
One set of nice casual clothing for town or for fiestas
A sweatshirt or lightweight fleece pullover might come in handy in case we travel to the volcanoes on
the island or if there is a sudden drop in temperature.
Note: It's best to bring old clothing since they will get dirty and they are already worn.
Sandals such as thongs (aka, flip-flops), TEVAS, etc. are good for showering as well as relaxing your feet after a long day in the field. A pair of running shoes if you like to jog.
A hat like a baseball cap, etc. Also bandannas are to wear on your head, around your neck, etc. to wick sweat away.
Bedding: A light weight blanket for cool nights: One twin sheet set (flat sheet, standard pillow case, fitted sheet). There are sheets available at the station so you can change your sheet set and allow you set time to dry after a wash. Bring an older set of sheets, donations are always welcome.
1 or 2 large thin towels for fast drying in humid weather
Optional: one pair of light weight gloves for working in the forest (for maneuvering around spiny and thorny vegetation), gardening gloves are good
Biodegradable laundry soap, and laundry scrub brush (The hand wash laundry facilities are "low tech"), Optional: some laundry pins and a length of thin-medium width nylon rope (3-5 feet or so) to use as a laundry line (just in case!).
Optional: Small coffee thermos if you like to drink coffee or soup and lunch portion sized plastic containers for carrying meals and snacks into the field.
Digital wrist watch with countdown repeat timer like a TIMEX IRONMAN or CASIO watch is needed for data collection and telling time. Be sure it is water resistant, and has an alarm.
Day pack/book bag (you can waterproof any bag by using spray or brush on silicone). Make sure that it is lightweight as you will be wearing it (packed with your field gear) throughout most of the day in the field.
If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair if possible and anti-fog drops (Speedo). If you wear contact lenses be sure to bring an extra pair or plenty of the daily disposable kind as well as enough saline solution.
Waterproof sun block, a minimum of SPF 15
Small personal first aid kit (Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, Tylenol, cold tablets, etc.)
Anti-itch medications, fungal powder or cream, medication for yeast infections if you are prone.
Stomach comforting medicine like Kaopectate, "Pepto Bismol," or "Tums" if your stomach may need to adjust.
Women: bring your own sanitary napkins/tampons since they may not be available nearby for purchase.
Ometepe students who wish to use the station's kayaks on the lake must bring a U.S.C.G. Approved life vest; the station will provide you with free use of ocean going kayaks (optional). You will not be allowed to use the kayaks without the life vest.
Small roll of duct tape for general repairs and for removing ticks etc., if you should get them on you.
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About the villages of Ometepe. They are quiet, very rural and have very little in the way of commerce (except for the towns of Altagracia and Moyagalpa which are relatively far from the station). There are some places (people's homes) that sell some hard candy, softdrinks, beer, and basics like laundry bar soap and crackers. That is about it. You should bring anything that you might foresee needing/wanting to have with you such as the following:
Digital camera and accessories
35 mm camera and film
Batteries
Surge protector
Video camcorder and accessories
Tape recorder
Sewing kit
Laptop computer
MP3 Player
Tea bags (usually coffee is available around the clock at the station)
Earplugs
SNACKS! (whatever you like and that travels well in the heat and humidity. Some suggestions are powdered Gatorade, canned nuts, candy, fruit leather, granola and energy bars, instant soups, cookies, etc). Even if you do not think you may want them, you should bring some anyway for emergencies, trading or sharing with friends if you like.
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In addition to tuition charges, please also consider the following to determine the total cost of participation.
1. Spending money: You may want to bring spending money to Costa Rica or Nicaragua to purchase souvenirs, gifts, and other personal items. We estimate that an amount of approximately $350.00 USD would be sufficient. Please don't exchange Colones (C.R. currency) or Cordobas (Nicaragua currency) in the U.S. or Canada and remember that traveler's checks are not redeemed at face value. It's better to exchange at the airport or hotel banks.
2. Field Trips: Some of the classes schedule overnight field trips. These are optional and NOT included in the program fee. These trips vary in price depending on length and location. Once you apply your instructor will be contacting you with additional information on planed side trips.
3. Clothing and Equipment: You are responsible for personal gear, including backpacks, clothing
and all the items in the equipment list.
4. Immunization costs vary or may not be covered by your insurance company.
5. Multiple courses: If you are taking multiple courses at the two stations; bus transport will cost about $15.00 USD one way trip from CR to Nicaragua on first class "Tica Bus" or "Nica Bus". You may also make arrangements to arrive in CR and leave from Nicaragua contact your travel agent for additional costs if any. Student will not be charge room and board on the overlapping days.
6. Physical Examination and Medical Insurance You are required to have a physical exam and active medical insurance during the period of the field school. Our office will be mailing you a travel protection application.
***IMPORTANT READ THIS INFORMATION ***
All course costs (tuition, room and board) and all signed waiver, insurance, release and indemnity forms must be received by La Suerte Biological Field Station at least 45 days prior to the start of the course. Failure to pay these costs and fill out these forms by that date can result in losing your place in the field school and your registration fee. Once the course has begun, the tuition fee is non-refundable yet can be transferred to a future course at no additional cost to the student.
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To receive university credit for the course is through a student's home institution. The procedure involves discussing the course with a professor at your university, determining criteria for grading, and signing up for an independent study course under the supervision of that professor. Upon successful completion of the course the student can provide the professor with class notes (we have lectures every day), the midterm essay exam, your research proposal, your evaluation on field techniques, your research paper, and the overall grade that you received in the course. You need to work out an agreement with the professor concerning whether after review of these materials he/she will give you the grade that you received in the course, or ask you to rework you final paper using the resources at your university library before giving you a grade. The professor is certainly welcome to contact the faculty member teaching the course to obtain any additional information.
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A summer field school is a marvelous opportunity to learn about our natural environment, and learn how to collect and process behavioral data or visual information, materials/sites (art), and most importantly learn about your self. In effect, you get a crash course in what it's like to be a field scientist or artist.
The classes will spend many hours each day outside "in the field" a couple of hours each evening or during the day "In the classroom." The "classroom" hours will be time for students to hear lectures or demonstrations, focusing strongly on the species/materials present at the site, including a diverse array of other taxa. Expect to start your day very early to the calls of howler monkeys and celebrate dawn with spectacular sunsets and the sounds of bird groups heading towards their favorite trees. Retire relatively early after a night hike or lecture.
The experience, though tremendously rewarding, can also be a dramatic, and for some a challenging one. Working in the field demands a flexibility, a good sense of humor and self-motivation.
Our field sites are comfortable and in rural areas away from modern animates. Things may inevitably go wrong monkey troops are out of sight, schedules change due to rain, bugs bite you, the days meal doesn't suit you, or you may not like your roommate... You will be living and working closely with several other students. We could go on, but surely you get the picture. You will need about a week to adjust to this new environment and climate you are visiting. Thus, as you are considering your travel plans, We encourage you to think realistically about what this field school and the rain forest will offer. If you are counting on a relaxing summer vacation in a five star resort with climate control, then this might not be the right choice for you. If what you are looking for in a program will allow you to experience an entire tropical ecosystem outside of a book, and allow you to absorb a solid foundation in field research and life changing experiences then this is the place for you. Classes, spending long hours every day participating in nature walks and watching animals in their natural habitat. The ending of a typical day will bring muddy cloths and tired feet, and countless memorable adventures.
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