Costa Rica

This course is an elective biology course and is open to any student, but is best suited for students pursuing a Math & Science Studies Transfer or Liberal Studies Transfer Associate Degree at Mid. It is especially suited for those students planning to specialize in the biology field.

This course will be of interest to students who would like to learn more about Costa Rica and its culture, field studies, sea turtle biology, volunteer work, Spanish language, and nature photography.

Participants must be able to

• work during the day or at night during turtle monitoring.
• be in good physical condition and able to work in hot, humid conditions, walk 12 km (7.5 miles) in soft sand, and work flexible hours.
• Complete 6 hours of volunteer work per day (or night depending on schedule).
• Be a proactive person.

• Monday, March 17 - Friday, May 16 | Online Coursework
• Wednesday, May 7 - Wednesday, May 14 | Trip to Costa Rica

• TRAVEL & TUITION FEES
  • Approximately $1,965 per in-district student
  • Approximately $2,065 per out-district student
  • The costs listed above include travel fees and one credit hour of tuition and fees for the Winter 2025 semester.
  • The travel fee is based on a minimum of 7 students and a maximum of 20 students in the course. The travel fee will increase slightly with less than 7 students enrolled. The final travel fee will be based on actual enrollment.
• FINANCIAL AID Contact Financial Aid prior to making a deposit for this course to determine if financial aid will be available to cover a portion of your tuition and fees.
  • Students may use their refund to cover costs associated with this trip after funds have been disbursed.  
  • Email finaid@midmich.edu | Call (989) 386-6664 | Schedule an appointment.

• AS SOON AS POSSIBLE A passport is required. If you do not currently have a US passport that is good for at least 3 months after May 2025 you should apply for one or renew yours now. Passports can take 12-16 weeks to process.
• OCTOBER 7  When Winter 2025 registration opens on October 7, you will be auto-enrolled in this course once you submit the Reserve My Spot Form. This form will remain open until the course is full and must be completed no later than January 17, 2025. The form requires the payment of a non-refundable $500 deposit which is is applied toward the travel fee. The remaining travel fee balance will be billed with Winter 2025 semester tuition.
• FEBRUARY Secure travel insurance. Travel insurance is required and you should plan on booking travel insurance for the duration of the trip that will cover your travel costs and also any associated medical costs. The price of these plans varies based on travel dates, country of travel, age, etc. Once you have booked your policy you will need to submit confirmation of that policy.
  • There are many travel insurance options available for short-term travel and your needs will vary based on your own medical insurance and other insurance coverage you already have. Here are links to a few companies that offer travel insurance for short-term travel.
    
    • World Nomads (promoters and supporters of ethical and sustainable travel)
    • Squaremouth (will compare travel insurance rates and policies from several companies)
    • Allianz Travel
• JANUARY 13 Winter courses begin.
• JANUARY 24 All Courses | Tuition Due by 4pm (Make payments on campus or via myMid) Students with unpaid tuition will be de-registered from their courses.
• MARCH 17 Second 8-week Courses begin.
• MAY 7 - 14 Travel to Belize

• Money for personal items, meals on travel days (all meals at the station and hotel are included), and souvenirs. Students will need to purchase any meals needed at the airport or lunch/dinner when in San Jose. 
• Transportation to/from DTW or parking at DTW.
• Personal health insurance coverage (proof of insurance and insurance cards need to be submitted when registering for the trip).