Skip to content

Programs : Brochure

This page is the brochure for your selected program. You can view the provided information for this program on this page and click on the available buttons for additional options.
  • Locations: Tortuguero, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: SIT/World Learning 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2026 05/15/2026
05/29/2026 08/31/2026 12/13/2026
Spring 2027 11/01/2027 ** Rolling Admission 02/01/2027 05/16/2027

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Indicates that deadline has passed
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Area of Study: ANTH-Anthropology, BIOS-Biological Sciences, EAE-Earth, Atmosphere, and Env, ENVS-Environmental Studies, FLSP-Spanish, LATS-Latin & Latino Am Studies, UEDU-Interdisciplinary Education Program Features: Study Abroad
Class Status: Junior, Senior, Sophomore Housing Options: Home Stay
Language of Instruction: English Program Provider: SIT
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5 Program Advisor: Jill Vodden
Program Description:

SIT Study Abroad: Panama: Tropical Ecology, Marine Ecosystems, and Biodiversity Conservation

Explore rainforests, coral reefs, highland canopies, and mangroves while studying tropical conservation, marine ecosystems, and ecology. Conduct seven weeks of field studies in Panama and Costa Rica, gaining skills in biodiversity estimation, coral reef evaluation, mangrove carbon calculation, and species identification. In Panama City, a hub for international NGOs, study conservation topics such as sustainable agriculture and ecotourism. Complete four weeks of independent research, participate in four homestays, and build Spanish skills through classroom learning, cultural immersion, and fieldwork

Please visit the SIT Study Abroad website for details on the program highlights and details of coursework, educational excursions, and housing.

EARN A MINOR

Students studying on this SIT semester-length program can choose to simultaneously complete a minor, with no additional coursework or cost. At SIT, a minor is a minimum of 16 credits taken within a content area. This standout credential can help boost your future job or graduate school applications.

SIT's program in Panama offers the choice to do a minor in environmental science or conservation biology. You'll develop practical skills in biodiversity assessment, coral reef monitoring, and apply field research methods to contribute to tropical conservation and marine ecosystem protection in one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

MONEY MATTERS

SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information. Learn more about financial aid.

HEAR FROM A FORMER STUDENT

"If you're at all considering this program, I highly recommend it! I learned so much from this program, academically, socially, and culturally. This program taught me to step out of my comfort zone, be comfortable with not knowing the road ahead, and made me much more confident interacting with new people. The educational opportunities this program offers are like no other, from snorkeling in the Caribbean and studying fish and coral reefs, to doing research on frogs at night in the forests of El Valle. There are so many incredible opportunities for cultural immersion in this program, some of my favorites being all the homestays and the fun activities we did on free days during excursions. You will come out of this program a much more well-rounded, culturally educated person, and you will undoubtedly meet people that will become your friends for life!"

THIS IS SIT

SIT is a leader in immersive, field-based study abroad programs for undergraduates. We offer programs in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as comparative programs in multiple locations. In addition to our rich history, our programs’ unique qualities – including exceptional locations, independent research, cultural immersion, and deep local networks – make our programs an ideal choice for an extraordinary, transformative study abroad experience.

Visit our website to explore program itineraries and excursions, hear from former students, and learn more about our expert faculty.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

FB logo IG logo LinkedIn logo