FAQs

Who is this program designed for and how is it different than your other trips?

The Primate Studies program is designed for participants who have an academic interest in monkeys and/or tropical ecology and want to learn in a hands-on and active environment. High school and/or college academic credit is available, so there are requirements that you'll generally only find on Academic Treks trips such as class time, field journals and tests. Lectures and research are complemented by field studies and hands-on service. You will learn a lot on this program, and you have tons of fun doing it!

What will the academics be like?

Because Primate Studies is accredited by Lesley University as a college course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures and field exercises which will expose you to the research methods used by professional primatologists. This program requires completion of exams, data collection and synthesis, a presentation, journals and service work. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you will spend some mornings in a classroom listening to a lecture, you will also spend a significant amount of time on hands-on projects and data collection. All students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not they want to earn school credit.

Is this program "all work, no play"?

No way! We learn a lot about New World monkeys and their environment, but much of the learning is hands-on. You'll discover so much about these amazing creatures while having a blast exploring the rainforests. Although this is an academic program with tests, lectures, journals and classes, there is plenty of time for fun. Additional activities include whitewater rafting, hiking, island exploration and beach time.

What is a typical day like on this program?

Days are typically spent learning about monkeys and the tropical ecosystem on field trips and in the classroom. You can expect at least four early morning hikes (awake at 4:30 am) to find monkeys so that we can study their behavior. For ecological field exercises, we will head out to the forest after breakfast to learn about rainforest ecology and its impacts on primates. Following the morning field exercises, you can expect to have time to write-up your results, attend lectures, and complete reading assignments in the afternoon. Mixed in is free time when we take a break to do something different. We spend time exploring the rainforest, beaches and islands. We also participate in community service, interacting in a variety of group activities and just having fun. In the evenings we have dinner, relax and work on our academic assignments.

Will I interact with monkeys?

This program is focused on learning about and studying New World monkeys in their natural habitat. We routinely go into the field in small groups to identify and track primate behavior and you’ll definitely get to see monkeys up close. While most of your encounters with monkeys will be in the wild, at the end of the program you will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on work with primates at an animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center.

Where do we sleep?

For most of the program we will stay in simple but comfortable hotel or dormitory style accommodations with shared bathrooms. During the rafting portion of the program we camp alongside the river at a permanent tent camp under the stars.

What do we eat?

Throughout the trip we will be eating traditional Latin fare consisting mainly of rice, beans, some meat, eggs, vegetables and fresh fruits.

Who leads the Primate Studies program?

Two staff members are with your group from beginning to end and both have relevant experience in environmental science and leading teens. At least one of your staff members is a certified EMT, WEMT or WFR. Additionally, we spend time learning with several staff members at El Zota and the ITEC field stations, including professional biologists who have either a master's degree or PhD in primate ecology or environmental science.

What's the weather like?

Summer is the rainy season in Costa Rica, and you can expect showers on some days in the afternoons. In Panama it is sunny, hot and humid, but you have ocean breezes and evening rains to cool you off!

Are there prerequisites for this program?

Their is no previous experience is required.

What kind of community service do we do on this trip?

Service on this program is varied and ranges from working at the animal sanctuary in Manuel Antonio to reforestation and community education projects.

How many credits do I receive on this course?

3 college Natural Science credits through Lesley University.

How am I evaluated on this course?

Two exams, field exercises, a research project and journals.

Can I earn credit for school or college?

Our academic programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and/or college credit as well as community service credit, while also participating in a hands-on adventure. After the course, you will receive a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for some courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

How do I get high school or college credit for this program?

In the fall after program, Broadreach will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

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• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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