Environmental Policy and Community Well-Being in Costa Rica (AP/ECON 3349/5990M)

Course Description:

This study abroad course applies concepts of environmental economics to the study of environmental policy and conservation in Costa Rica. Through field visits, community engagement, and experiential learning activities, students examine topics including externalities, public goods, property rights, land-use incentives, environmental governance, and the costs and benefits of environmental policies. The course examines how policy instruments, institutions, and incentives shape conservation outcomes and sustainability across different environmental and institutional contexts.