In these times of dwindling forestlands, runaway foreign debts, and increasing industrialization of agriculture, the economic future of developing countries hinges upon the implementation of socially and ecologically sound and sustainable strategies for natural resource use.

Despite its exemplary system of national parks and protected areas, Costa Rica struggles with numerous environmental threats (such as unplanned urban sprawl, waste disposal, increased consumerism and externalities from large-scale monocultures). Costa Rica also supports an agricultural development program that conflicts with existing environmental legislation and the protection of Costa Rica’s marvelously diverse natural resources. As the biological, economic, and cultural costs of tropical ecosystem destruction become more apparent, researchers and community leaders are drawing on diverse sciences to generate strategies for sustainable land use and wilderness preservation. + Read More >>

The ICADS Summer Internship Program was created in response to requests for practical field experience in Costa Rica by individuals who wanted institutional support, but were unable to attend during the fall or spring semester and/or did not need academic credit.

This Summer program serves the interests of those who are looking for an excellent field experience in Costa Rica, but not necessarily a structured academic program. + Read More >>

ICADS partners with numerous universities to create custom short-term programs, combining Spanish language classes with a focus on the course's specific topics, including site visits and special speakers.

ICADS is happy to work with professors to design unique, challenging, and innovative programs to meet each university's needs. + Read More >>