Come Study With Us

Due to the Soltis Center's location in the midst and at the edge of a rainforest, it is well situated for a variety of educational, service learning and research uses. The Center provides facilities and support services to faculty, researchers, staff, and students.

Services

Side view of one of the bungalows at the Soltis Center

Lodging, Classrooms, and Labs

The Soltis Center provides comfortable lodging options designed to support academic programs and research activities. Our facilities include bungalows, classrooms, and labs.

A group of Aggies give a gig 'em thumbs up in front of a colorful mural in a city in Costa Rica

Full Service Provider

We provide comprehensive support for in-country coordination, including pre-arrival and arrival orientation sessions. Additionally, we facilitate local logistics such as transportation, accommodations, and meal planning, ensuring a seamless experience for study abroad and field trip programs.

Lush, green trees and vines surround a small pond of water off to the side of the main building at the Soltis Center

Biological Field Station

The Soltis Center can be used as a biological field station that serves as a hub for biodiversity, sustainability, and hydrology research, providing invaluable resources for both academic and non-academic groups.

Ideal for Academic Programs

 

The Soltis Center is an ideal destination for a wide range of academic programs. Whether you're planning a winter break experience, a semester-long course in spring or fall, or a two-week intensive, the Center offers a rich environment for immersive learning. It also supports short courses across diverse topics, making it a flexible and inspiring location for global education.

Please note that courses can also be tailored in a sequential manner, for instance, four intensive courses for three weeks each instead of conventional semester long courses.

Sample Itineraries

Ideal for a Wide Variety of Subjects

 

The Soltis Center is an ideal location for academic programs across various disciplines. Below is an example of programs and subject areas that have had classes previously stay at the Soltis Center:

  • Field Entomology in the Tropics
  • Microscopy
  • Sustainable Food Systems & Agricultural Education
  • String Geometry
  • Drug and Alcohol Awareness
  • Digital Photography
  • Biodiversity Assessment and Monitoring Lab
  • Nursing
  • Aggies for Global Education
  • Geoscience
  • Geography
  • Engineering
  • Education
  • Tropical Ecology
  • International Economic Development
  • Architecture
  • Sports Management
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates
  • Communication Sciences and Disorders
  • Freshman Leadership International
  • Biomedical Science

Testimonials

 

Ideal for Mini Research Projects with Students

 

The Soltis Center is a dynamic hub for field-based research, offering permanent infrastructure and well-equipped labs that support hands-on learning. Faculty can easily integrate research into their courses, enriching academic experiences.

Conduct research

Build Your Program With Us

STEP 1: Contact Soltis Center and Make a Reservation
Getting started with your academic program at the Soltis Center is simple and straightforward. Just send an email to the Soltis Center Director, Dr. Eugenio Gonzalez at egonzalez.soltis.center@tamu.edu and we'll talk to you about your goals, ideas, and address any concerns you might have. Secure your program dates and we'll continue to work with you on building a program itinerary and cost estimate.
STEP 2: Explain Your Course Goals and Details
When planning your academic program with the Soltis Center, we'll talk with you about your course details and objectives. After better understanding the subject matter, number of participants, and specific learning outcomes, we can work to create an itinerary and budget that meets your needs. Sharing these details helps us tailor the program to meet your educational goals and ensures that we can provide the necessary resources and support to make your course a success. 
STEP 3: Soltis Center Will Help Build the Itinerary and Cost Estimate
Our team will work closely with you to design a schedule that aligns with your course objectives, incorporating activities and resources that enhance the learning experience. We'll provide a comprehensive cost estimate, covering all aspects of the program, from accommodation and meals to field trips and research materials. This collaborative process ensures transparency and helps you plan effectively, making sure your program is both impactful and budget-friendly.
STEP 4: You Revise the Itinerary and Cost Estimate
Once we've provided a draft itinerary and cost estimate, you'll have the opportunity to review and make any necessary adjustments. This step ensures that the program aligns perfectly with your academic goals and budgetary constraints. Your feedback is crucial in refining the schedule and financial plan, allowing us to tailor the experience to meet your specific needs. Together, we'll create a well-balanced and effective program that maximizes educational value while staying within your budget.
STEP 5: Submit an Education Abroad Proposal (for Texas A&M Only)
Departments, units, and recognized student organizations at Texas A&M University may develop group programs in coordination with Education Abroad. All group programs, whether for credit or no credit, require a provider and a proposal submitted in advance to facilitate approval to proceed with planning, location vetting, and risk review. If you've decided to use the Soltis Center as your program provider and are ready to begin the proposal process with Education Abroad, click on the ​button below to ​learn more about getting started.
Contact Us

Soltis Center for Research & Education

Address

San Isidro de Peñas Blancas
Apdo 80-4417 Fortuna
San Carlos, Costa Rica

Hours

Mon - Fri 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone

(in USA) +1-979-458-5568 

(in Costa Rica) +506-2461-9890