• This program will have you stepping into one of the most engaging classrooms in the world - Costa Rica. Our first stop will be La Fortuna - home to one of the most spectacular active volcanos in the world - teeming with wildlife and adventure. From volcano hikes, to relaxing hot springs this will be the perfect setting to start our journey. We will then venture to Monteverde and reside in an ecolodge perched amidst the Cloud Forest. Here we will explore an abundance of organisms to be collected and analysed in quality lab facilities. Adventure lovers will go zip-lining, horseback riding and white-water rafting in some of the most awe-inspiring locations on the planet. Our final destination will be Manuel Antonio and its National Park. Here we will reside high along the beach cliffs and gaze into the sparkling blue waters and the National Park below. Our adventure will conclude with hikes along the idyllic palm-lined beaches and snorkeling in tropical waters before returning home to complete the final portion of the course

Courses

Courses offered for grade 12 students

• Biology - Grade 12

  This program is geared towards students with a keen interest in biological study and is designed to maximize the experience of Costa Rica’s diverse environments. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. In Costa Rica’s lush cloud rainforests students will conduct field research, collect relevant data, build a field journal, and deliver presentations while surrounded by indigenous wildlife.

  Why Study Biology in Costa Rica?

  From the abundance of canopy wildlife in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, as well as the diverse ecology of the rainforest’s water- falls, mountain ranges, caves and caverns, Costa Rica is one of the best places on earth to study biology. There, students will witness Darwin’s theory of natural selection as we trek through Costa Rica’s luscious terrain. Students will have the opportunity to see some of the worlds most endangered and exotic species and in addition, we will zip-line, go horseback riding and white water rafting in some of the most awe-inspiring locations on the planet.

• Itinerary

  • Course Begins: Early February, 2012
  • Departure Date: Mid March, 2012
  • Return Date: Late March, 2012
  • Course Finishes: Mid May, 2012

• Preparatory meeting (February 5th, 2011)

  Students and staff will come together for a preparatory meeting the Saturday before online sessions begins in order to review details of the program. The preparatory meeting is designed to give students and staff a chance to meet and discuss expectations and clarify details for the months ahead. We have found that this meeting ensures that our students are ready to enjoy every minute of their online experience and March Break journey.

• Course begins: Online sessions (February 7th- March 10th, 2011)

  Using the human organism as the principal model for a detailed examination of how genetic, hormonal and environmental factors cause change during the reproduction and development of organisms.

• Weeks 1 & 2; Intro to Biochemistry

  Our first online sessions will introduce students to cells as specialized biochemical units that process various organic compounds. The human organism will be used as the principle model in a detailed examination of the chemical and electrical systems that regulate change and maintain equilibrium.

• Week 3; Metabolic Processes & Photosynthesis

  We will continue our study of the human organism by examining metabolism, the

• Weeks 4 & 5; The History & Theory of Evolution

  • classification
  • adaptations

• March break excursion to Costa Rica (March 11th-March 20th, 2011)

• Day 1, Friday March 11th; Departure to Costa Rica & Introduction

  While perched in an ecolodge in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest, amidst wildlife including the emerald toucanet and many species of monkeys, students will have access to some of the most diverse biological wonders on the planet. students and teachers will sit down to their first dinner as a group.

• Day 2, Saturday March 12th

  A voyage through the rainforest canopy on a zip-line will provide students with an unforgettable chance to discover indigenous wildlife. Students can look forward to enjoying many local dishes including gallo pinto, fried plantains and succulent papaya.

• Day 3, Sunday March 13th; Day trip to La Fortuna

  Students will take a day trip La Fortuna, the adventure capital of Central America where the Arenal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, rumbles daily, throwing hot lava down its side and spewing huge ash plumes above its crater. Students need not worry however, since these days it is considered a safe volcano.

• Day 4, Monday March 14th

  After all our adventures, students will have a day to unwind at one of Costa Rica’s beautiful hot springs. The sights and sounds of the rainforest will surround students and many birds can be spotted in the trees that tower above.

• Day 5, Tuesday March 15th

  Next students will transfer to the beachfront town of Montezuma, one of the hidden gems of Costa Rica. This will be an ideal location to engage in some group competitions and sports. Students will experience a different side of the Costa Rican wildlife as they venture out into the dark for a nighttime hike.

• Day 6, Wednesday March 16th

  On our second day in Montezuma students will take a load off their feet as they experience horseback riding, Costa Rican style. Later on we’ll trek to a nearby waterfall for a refreshing swim and diving competitions along the river’s edge. In the evening, students will put on their dancing shoes and get ready to salsa, meringue and tango the night away.

• Day 7, Thursday March 17th

  Manuel Antonio and its National Park will provide students with hands-on exploration of wildlife and long-lasting memories. From hiking the palm-lined beaches to spotting the endangered squirrel monkey, Manuel Antonio National Park will provide students with ample opportunities to encounter countless biological wonders.

• Day 8, Friday March 18th

  The adrenaline-inducing surge students will experience as they white-water raft down the rivers of Manuel Antonio in the afternoon will have their heart pumping and their blood racing. Afterwards students can enjoy the vibrant colours, sights, sounds and smells of Manuel Antonio’s marketplace.

• Day 9, Saturday March 19th; Day trip to San José

  Surf your best waves of your life on a beach in San José, or simply learn where to start. This legendary and truly spectacular beach front offers more than just impressive waves – its many reefs will allow students the opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s underwater environment as they snorkel along the coast. Students will have a final opportunity to collect any treats and souvenirs at the market in San José as they prepare for their final evening in Costa Rica.

• Day 10, Sunday March 20th; Departure Day

  As we say our goodbyes to Costa Rica and prepare for our return flight home, students will have time to reflect on their epic March Break journey and unwind as they take a day’s respite before continuing their online sessions.

• Online sessions continue (March 22nd-May 13th, 2011)

• Week 7; Natural & Sexual Selection

• Week 8; Population Ecology

  factors affecting populations

• Weeks 9, 10 & 11; Genetics

  Students will explore chromosomes, genes and DNA and their responsibility for diversity and change in living systems. This topic is examined in detail over a wide range of organizational levels from molecular to organism.

• Weeks 12 & 13; Homeostasis

  Homeostasis Thermo-regulation
  homeostasis Endocrinology
  Homeostasis Pathology
  Immune System
  Explores equilibrium and change in population gene pools and the consequences of such change at the community, systems, and species levels.

• Week 14; Course Summary

• Final Exam/Assignments (Saturday, May 14th; tentative)

  After wrapping up our online sessions in mid-May students will come together to demonstrate the depth of their understanding in a final exam. Any final projects or assignments will also be collected on this date. Surrounded by their peers and teachers, students will celebrate the completion of their course with a graduation ceremony.

• Meals
  Eating is a sacred art at MEI. Breakfasts and dinners are held in relaxed settings, providing students an opportunity for meaningful discussions revolving around the day's events and insights discovered through their daily journeys. Dinners are held on site and meal time offers students diverse culinary options. Whether sitting down at a local restaurant or preparing a picnic in the park, students will enjoy some of the most delicious and delightful international cuisine. Students should be prepared to try some of the fantastic local specialities including fried plantains, refrescos and fresh fruit.
• Accommodations
  To ensure an authentic and enriched cultural experience, students stay in top rated hotels that are centrally located in the very heart of each city.

MEI Gear

• Clothing and Accessories
  At MEI, we not only provide our students with the best possible education, staff and travel experience - we also provide them with the best in fashion and accessories! After years of experience, we understand that having the proper clothing is an important aspect of travelling. With that in mind, we have designed a number of clothing articles for all types of climates and activities so the student can be prepared for any situation. From hoodies and tees to windbreakers and flip-flops, MEI gear allows you to travel in comfort and in style! MEI gear includes other items as well, like our high-quality water bottles. Each student is also issued a beautifully bound journal for their travel writing and cultural observations.
• Health and Fitness
  Healthy living, exercise and active learning is a big part of the MEI lifestyle. Each morning students are encouraged to start their day off on the right foot by doing some exercises or exploring the city with a supervised jog. With our MEI workout gear, keeping in shape will be easy and comfortable. Healthy bodies equal healthy minds, and students who are in the best physical condition are sure to stave off fatigue and make the most of their experience abroad.
• MEI Gear Store Coming Soon
  Look here for ways to order exclusive MEI gear soon!

• Transportation
  
  • Return airfare from Toronto's Pearson International Airport
  • Transportation between hotel locations via private coach
  • Transportation for all listed program excursions
  • Transfers to all accommodations
• Trip Related
  
  • Hotels and accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • Entrance fees to all course-specific sites
• Course Components
  
  • Ministry-approved credit(s) upon successful completion of the course(s)
  • Custom course pack
  • Student Login
  • MEI journal
  • Digital yearbook
  • Fall reunion