Location
Costa Rica is in many ways typical of the countries of Central America. With their neighbors, Costa Ricans share Spanish colonial heritage, an economy traditionally dependent on the export of coffee and bananas, and a close but occasionally troubled relationship with the United States.
Costa Ricans also face many of the same questions confronting small nations throughout Latin America and the developing world, such as defining the role of government in combating poverty, providing education and public services, and conserving biodiversity. At the same time, Costa Rica's economy is becoming increasingly open to trade in a variety of goods and services, and especially to tourism.
Yet the Costa Rican government has been uniquely accessible to the demands of its citizens -- and even to the questions of foreigners. The “Ticos” (as Costa Ricans like to call themselves) are committed to public education, universal health care, social programs, and democratic government. For over 40 years, ACM students have found open doors, friendly interviews, and unique opportunities to observe up-close the Costa Rican experiment. Through the program’s professional contacts in Costa Rica, students can pursue research with specialists across the country and across the spectrum of academic disciplines.
Costa Rica's ecology and natural resources
Costa Rica presents unusual opportunities for students of tropical biology and ecology. Situated between North and South America, the country is home to abundant plant and animal life from both continents. For example, Costa Rica hosts 850 species of birds -- more than in all of North America.
The country also boasts diverse climatic and ecological zones, including tropical coastal areas and rain forests, saltwater marshes, fertile farming areas, subalpine regions, mountains up to 12,000 feet and active volcanoes. To preserve its rich natural legacy, Costa Rica has set aside significant territory for national parks, biological and forest reserves, and wildlife refuges.