Internship Description

About the Organization:
The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is a consortium of 63 scientific research centers and universities. OTS was founded to provideleadership in education, research and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics. OTS owns and operates three biological stations in Costa Rica, including the Las Cruces Biological Station & Wilson Botanical Garden.

Local Activities:
The Las Cruces Biological Station owns one of the largest remaining forest fragments in the region. With ~200 hectares of primary forest and over 50 hectares of adjacent secondary forest, the fragment is home to over 2,000 native plant species. The area is protected for resource conservation, scientific research and education.
Las Cruces also manages the 12- hectare Robert and Catherine Wilson Botanical Garden (JBW) with over 5,000 plant species from all over the world.
In addition to research, the station offers a "Garden to School" educational program providing students at all levels a hands-on learning experience about the scientific method, ecosystems biodiversity, forest dynamics, and much more. The Station also has an environmental outreach with local community groups. .

Job Description:
 Interns participate in station research projects and educational activities. Among the research projects are: native species research in primary, old growth forest lands; restoration and recovery of native species in degraded areas especially pasturelands; reestablishment of native tree species; and, management of the JBW botanical garden. Illustrative intern activities could include: 1) environmental monitoring of forest recovery in former pastures (e.g. monitoring plots and documenting natural regeneration of primary and secondary forests; micro-topography; soil sampling, biodiversity monitoring) 2) monitoring species dispersion and impact from the Wilson Botanical Garden; and 3) bibliographic research and compilation related to station activities. Suggestions for other activities may also be requested. Educational activities focused on developing and delivering applied instruction in the forest and Garden to elementary, highschool and University students is another option for interns.

Intern assignments are designed to be doable with a minimum of equipment and high-level knowledge. Interns who bring knowledge of pertinent methodologies or other applicable skills will be encouraged to apply. Interns will be supervised by the Resident Biologist or, in some cases, principal investigators in various projects. Independent Graduate Research may be undertaken through OTS (see the OTS website below).

Additional Information:
See the OTS or Las Cruces Biological Station websites.

Start Date:
Beginning of any academic term

Duration:
10-12 weeks or more preferred

Number of Positions:
1 per term

Intern Qualifications

Academic Background:
Masters or Bachelors degree students in biology, environmental sciences, sustainable resource management, forestry.

Skills/Experience:
Previous fieldwork and preferably field research experience (although not necessarily in tropical areas). Experience collecting field samples preferred. Also, interns should be open to differences in physical, institutional and cultural environments, and have the physical capacity to undertake outdoor work in a tropical area.

Language Requirement:
On-station work requires a basic proficiency in Spanish equivalent to two years of university level study. More is better. Interns working in educational outreach generally need a higher level of fluency.

Other Requirements:
Willingness to work outdoors and to reside in tropical camp-like living conditions.

Internship Costs

Program Fees:
The program fee includes tuition, internship site development and placement, pre-departure orientation, international health insurance, internship monitoring and follow-up.
Click here for application information, including the program fee, for your school.
Note: The program fee does not include airfare, housing, living expenses or any other estimated costs noted below.


Note:
Any financial or in-kind support provided by the host organization is explicitly indicated.

Compensation:
None.

Accommodation:
Housing is located at the station. Room and board (three meals) costs $30 per day. A large house on the property is now a very comfortable dorm. The dining room has a magnificent view over the valley.

International Travel:
Approximately $750

Cost of Living:
Interns pay about $720 per month for full board and lodging. An additional $100 per month is suggested for incidentals and other local expenses.

Budget Note:
Applicants should use these estimates for preliminary budgeting purposes.
IE3 will issue an official budget after acceptance by the host organization.

Application Information

Academic Credit:
Up to 12 credits available as per arrangement with supervising department.

Application Materials:
IE3 is a program of the Oregon University System.
Students from participating partner universities are also eligible to apply.
Click here for application information and select your school from the list.

Created/Revised:6/28/07