Fall & Spring Semesters
 Fall 2013: August 19 – December 3
Spring 2014: January 20 – May 6

OTS Undergraduate Brochure ( 2.17 mb )

OTS and Duke University sponsor the semester on Global Health, a program designed primarily for pre-med, biology, public health, and natural science majors to be trained in research in the areas of tropical medicine and public health in Costa Rica.

Our 15-week undergraduate semester abroad program emphasizes the scientific, intercultural, and social aspects of global health, tropical medicine, public health, ethnobiology, and research topics in these subjects. Instruction focuses on the internationally-recognized OTS method of field-based, hands-on learning. Lectures, readings from primary literature, and discussions are also integral components of the program and provide the conceptual framework for discussion, analysis, and interpreting field observations and research. This semester long program will take place at two of the OTS biological stations located in different life zones of Costa Rica as well as in clinical settings, at primary care facilities (EBAIS) within Costa Rica’s social security system, and in both the urban and rural areas (including Indian Reservations). In addition, students will visit different research facilities, museums, national parks, market places, agricultural farms, and other facilities.

• Tropical Medicine and Public Health
• Research Practicum
• Ethnobiology
• Culture and Language in Costa Rica (either intermediate or advanced) with an introduction to technical and colloquial medical terms.

The semester begins with an introduction to the tropical environment, Costa Rican culture and the health care system. The curriculum looks at the relationship between ecology and tropical disease, epidemiology, and public health. Students will study topics including vector ecology, water quality and health, socialized medicine, infectious diseases, and traditional and alternative medicine. Students are given exposure to current techniques and concerns in tropical medicine and public health, analyze the impact of climate change for human health, and examine the social and economic determinants that contribute to the impact of infectious diseases. Throughout the semester, emphasis will be placed on the ethical standards needed for all research involving human subjects.

The program faculty will be a mix of full-time scientists and M.D.’s with insight from other doctors and guest lecturers in specific fields of tropical medicine.

Although this program is a rigorous with high expectations, it is an outstanding opportunity for students considering careers in public health, medicine, and other health-related areas. Students should have a strong interest in public health and biology and an avid curiosity for new cultures. One year of college-level biology is required as well as one semester of college-level Spanish. Graduating seniors are also eligible if they can stay enrolled at their home institution through the completion of the OTS program.

If you have any questions about your ability to meet the language requirement, please contact a member of the OTS Enrollment Management Team.

Undergraduate Program Staff and Faculty

Tuition and Program Fees

The 2013-2014 tuition for OTS semester programs is $22,010. In addition, there is an OTS program fee of $1,850 to cover room and board. For students from consortium schools , OTS will provide a special scholarship to cover this fee. International travel, independent travel, incidentals, and personal spending are not covered. Non-Duke students will also be charged a $40 lifetime transcript fee. The costs for 2014-2015 will be announced in late May 2014.

We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions about this program or any other undergraduate opportunities available through OTS, please contact a member of the OTS Enrollment Management Team. Duke students should also contact the Duke University Global Education Office for Undergraduates.

Organization for Tropical Studies Enrollment Management
Duke University
Box 90630
Durham, NC 27708-0630
Tel. (919) 684-5155
Fax. (919) 684-5661
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