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 high school students earn academic credit?

Many of our high school programs offer students the chance to earn academic credit which can be transferred back to their high school. 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 many courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the academic credit options, call us at 919-256-8200.

Can college students earn transfer college credit?

Yes. All Broadreach College study abroad programs offer 1-3 transfer credits through Lesley University. The cost of the transfer credit is included in the price of every college program. Broadreach College works with your study abroad office to ensure a smooth course credit transfer before your final acceptance. At the completion of each course, students receive their grades from Broadreach College. Lesley University will provide course credit hour transcripts. To learn more about receiving transfer college credit, call us at 919-256-8200.

How do your programs compare with other teen educational travel programs?

Put simply, no other program can boast the same combination of small groups, diverse cultural experiences, life-long skill building, hands-on education and outdoor adventure. Unlike teen tours with set schedules and activities, Broadreach programs are flexible and involve you in all aspects of the experience. You are asked to take responsibility and few things are done for you. We have specific goals, but how the adventure unfolds depends on you and your group. We need everyone's participation, cooperation and leadership to make it happen.

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.

Can I call home while I am on a Broadreach program?

Of course! Depending on the itinerary of the program, most participants have the opportunity to call home about once a week. Most families also follow our online trip updates which are short blog entries written by program participants or staff during the trip.

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. The 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

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.

Do most participants come alone or with friends?

Most participants come alone, so there is no need to be concerned if you don't know anyone else on your program. It's normal to be apprehensive about not knowing anyone, but within a day of starting your program you'll be laughing and sharing exciting adventures with new friends.

I've never done this type of trip before. Is any experience required?

Don't worry! Many of our participants are 'first-timers' who have never been scuba diving or slept in the wilderness for more than a weekend. All we ask is that you come with an open mind, a desire to try new things and be ready to have lots of fun.

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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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