W20 Costa Rica – Environmental Stewardship & Conservation

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Costa Rica

Approximate Price

1999+/- ($500 BWR grant applied)

Trip Date

02/23/2020

TO

03/01/2020

Application Deadline

10/07/2019

APPLY NOW

Cost Information

Cost for Domestic Students: $500-$1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for International Students: $1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (Full amount of IFS)

Program Information

This opportunity is available to all School of Environment Students and alumni within 6 months of graduation. Please note that only full-time students are grant eligible.

 

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

W20 Costa Rica – Environmental Stewardship & Conservation

Experience the “greenest country in the world” as you engage in issues surrounding ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability! The tropical restoration ecology and rewilding experience offers in-depth learning led by trained field staff and involves exciting tropical field immersion. Students will have an enlightened knowledge on the history, evolution, theory, science and necessity of restoring and rewilding lands by using case studies and active restoration effort examples in the Osa Peninsula as learning tools.

ITINERARY TO BE CONFIRMED

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa once the deadline to register has passed. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen.

ITINERARY TO BE CONFIRMED
Day 1|Depart for Costa Rica!

February 23, 2020

Catch your flight booked out of Toronto Person International Airport and relax, soon we’ll be in beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica! After meeting our local guide, we take our private transportation from the airport to Tapirus Lodge.  Once settled in we spend the evening relaxing and forgetting what being cold felt like while enjoying a Costa Rican dinner.

Day 2| Biocoffee or Highland Fruits Tour

February 24, 2020

Choose between two amazing tours:

Biocoffee Adventure at Providencia:  Our tour begins with the visit of the Green Communities Experimental farm located in Providencia of Dota. Once there we will give you a little talk about the process and production of our supplies to our organic coffee and our volunteer programs. Afterwards we will head to the Coffee Mill to see the complete process surrounded by local employees and farmers. Next we are going to enjoy the typical and amazing lunch in Cascadas del Savegre Restaurant, afterwards visiting our organic model farm to compare our ecological production with conventional coffee production. To finish the tour you will have the opportunity to enjoy a coffee clinic (coffee tasting) to learn more about the preparation and quality and for sure drink a local cup of coffee. This tour includes El Pozerón and Velo de Novia waterfalls visit.

Highland Fruits: Why take a tour of fruit so common in places like USA and Europe? The answer is simple: the beautiful views of the valley of Copey serve as a backdrop to this tour where we will see how fruit and vegetables blend into nature and permit us to discover some of the unique sights in the country. Or maybe because we will see diversity in tropical and traditional crops such as apples, plums, peaches, passion fruit, tomatillo, blackberries and the incomparable Hass avocado. But the most important reason is because we will have the chance to see how a semi-organic farm operates, and how it produces fruit every 5 days by using diverse processes. It’s a tool that permits Mother Nature to create food not by seasons, but permanently. We will finish the tour with a typical lunch, using only local food, and also give you the opportunity to fish for trout in a restaurant-farm in the area.  Afternoon, hike around trails of the hotel to look for wildlife and specialy for the Quetzal.

Day 3| Nauyaca Waterfall

February 25, 2020

Early check out and transfer to the South Pacific (2 hour´s drive). On the way, you will stop by Nauyaca Waterfall. The tour consists of a car ride (pick up truck 4×4) of 12 km through paths and trails where tourists can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, as well as observe some of the wonders of the tropical rain forest. Half an hour later we arrive at the Nauyaca Waterfalls where you can swim and enjoy the spectacular landscape of 2 beautiful waterfalls for about 2 hours. After those 2 hours we return to our office again and we will have finished an unforgettable trip. Lunch included in a local restaurant. Then, drive for 3 hours to get to Osa Conservation.

Day 4| Arenal

February 26, 2020

Today we explore Arenal Volcano one of Costa Rica’s most recognizable landmarks! The Arenal Volcano looms large and ominous over the pastured green hillsides that surround its base. Although currently in a resting phase, Arenal remained the country’s most active volcano for the past 43 years. Its storied history is charged with eruptions — both major and minor — that have intimately affected the region and the people who live here.

Day 5| Piro

February 27, 2020

This morning we meet our local guides for a welcome presentation at the Osa Verde Biostation. After having our fill of a lunch, it’s time to explore the Costa Rican Rain forest! Our tour will take us through old growth and secondary forest which we will later be used as reference for our forest restoration project.

Day 6| Piro

February 28, 2020

Today we begin with a theory and field lesson in restoration and rewilding. The tropical restoration ecology and rewilding module offers an in-depth learning experience led by trained field staff and involves exciting tropical field immersion. This module will enlighten the participants knowledge on the history, evolution, theory, science and necessity of restoring and rewilding lands by using case studies and active restoration effort examples in the Osa Peninsula as learning tools.  The module will consist of a classroom lecture accompanied by practical field work at Osa Verde Biological Station. The module duration will be half a day, consisting of a 45min lecture, 2hrs of field activity and 30min de-brief. This afternoon we will begin monitoring tree growth in restoration experimental plots.

Day 7| Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation

February 29, 2020

At 9:00am Departure from Osa Conservation to Manuel Antonio. 1:00pm Visit to Villa Vainilla for a Sustainable spice tour. Vanilla is the most popular flavor in the world and is the plantation’s major crop. Native to Central America and Mexico, it is also the second most expensive flavoring agent and the reason for its high cost is the labor-intensive nature of vanilla cultivation and processing.  Each vanilla orchid is carefully fertilized by hand and during pollination season, visitors learn how to pollinate vanilla flowers.  Vanilla is the only edible member of the orchid family, the largest plant family on the planet. The Spice Plantation Tour is a half day tour.  You will experience the sights, tastes, and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and other tropical spices, essential oil plants, and a wide variety of tropical ornamental plants. The tour begins in the post-harvest warehouse where we dry, process and package our spices. Then the fun begins with a gentle walk through our distinctive “Epiphyte Trail” winding through the plantation. You will then pass the fish pond on the way to the viewpoint, where in addition to enjoying the vistas (views), you will experience our new “Flavors of the World” tasting.  Our in-house pastry chef will prepare a variety of flavorful drinks and gourmet spice treats for you and your group to sample.  All items are made fresh on the farm from scratch and use as many ingredients from the plantation as possible.  Come taste the flavors of the rainforest and get inspired to try a little cooking and baking at home with some fresh organic spices! We also usually offer fresh homemade ice cream made with farm fresh milk and cream from our own dairy cow. If you’re a foodie – this tour is for you! The last stop is at our now famous “Spice Shoppe” where visitors and chefs alike stock up on vanilla beans and extract, ceylon cinnamon, savory chili-infused hot chocolate and other products grown on the farm to give as gifts or try in their own recipes! After the tour, transfer to the hotel and time to rest or enjoy of the beach.

Day 8| Depart Costa Rica

March 1, 2020

Sit back, relax and reflect on the amazing experience that was Costa Rica!

 

 

 

  • Roundtrip Airfare
  • 7 Nights Accommodation
  • Mascaradas y Cimmarrona Cultural Tour
  • Tabacon Resort & Spa Tour
  • Rain forest Tour
  • Rain forest restoration & rewilding
  • Tree growth monitoring
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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Welland, Ontario
L3C 7L3, Canada

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