Research Station Assistant

  Costa Rica

• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Winter 
Dates: year-round

Description: Description: Located in Monteverde, Costa Rica, assist prominent researchers at a world-class research station. Operated by a major U.S. university, the research station rests at the base of Monteverde's rainforest slopes. Home to scientists from around the world, interns assist researchers on their projects, assist staff members maintain the station, and educate vistors about the divers flora and fauna therein. Learn firsthand about the plight faced by native species as a result of deforestation and unsustainable land management practices. Your contribution will benefit Costa Rica's endangered bird species as well.

Days are spent in the field, assiting in the office, or educating children groups. In addition, there is some work around camp that needs to be done, including maintenance and other odd jobs. Your reward is the knowledge that you are contributing to the long-term benefit of the cloudforest.

Highlights: About Monteverde

Several of our internships are located near the town of Santa Elena which serves as the commercial center for the surrounding wilderness. Main street has all the expected pizza restaurants and tour agencies. It also boast two well-populated discotecs that are larger than one would think for a wilderness outpost. So, there is nightlife apart from that of insects and bats.

The region lays claim to some of the best-kept cloud forests in the entire country and is a paradise for bird watchers. Several nature preserves have sprung up to make sure this stays the case. Because of the beauty of the area, it is only natural that Monteverde has become a major part of the Costa Rican tourist trail - despite the poor roads leading up to and through it..

Considered by many as the world's premier cloud forest, Monteverde straddles the continental divide and rides the Carribean winds in grand fashion. Here, massive figs are enshrouded in a cascade of orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and ferns. Amidst this humid wonderland no less than 2500 plant species thrive. Some 400 species of birds, both resident and migrant, have been identified. Add to this mix a 100 species of mammals some 500 species of butterflies and you have a forest of unequaled value. The altitude offsets the otherwise oppressive humidity found at the coast and creates comfortable temperatures that range between sixty and seventy-five degrees.

Cost in US$: 2000

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American, Australian and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview

Institute for Cultural Ecology's Mission Statement: The Institute for Cultural Ecology was founded on the conviction that visits to exotic destinations imply a commitment to cultural sensitivity and environmental stewardship. Our programs match the interests, academic goals, and passions of the participant to select host organizations and researchers. Once you connect with a place and its people, they become a part of you. Forever.

Year Founded: 1999