Meet our global network.
Research centers, field stations, language schools, and internationally-recognized volunteer organizations. We partner with renowned groups of people all over the world to be able to offer students the opportunity to bring experiential learning, research, service learning and conservation projects into our courses. It’s yet another way we take the learning beyond the classroom and provide students with a rich, hands-on experience out in the real world.
Below is a small sample of our partners and affiliations.
- Sea Turtle ConservancyThis field research station on the coast of Costa Rica offers our students a firsthand view of what it’s like to be a real marine biologist. We work with researchers at the station to collect turtle data, tag turtles and patrol the beaches for nesting turtles.
- Apex PredatorsStudents here have the unique opportunity to work with a legend in the Great White shark world. Chris Fallows runs Apex Predators and has hosted The Blue Planet, National Geographic and is a regular face on the Discovery Channel.
- Blue Vision Dive CentreBlue Vision Dive Centre is among the world class experts in the annual sardine run along the wild coast of South Africa. They even hosted The Blue Planet film crew to help them get their underwater footage!
- Siyafunda Research StationSiyafunda Research Base offers our students a unique experience in the African bush that gives them the opportunity to observe & be a part of the research & monitoring teams on the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
- Beqa Adventure DiversThey look after professional photographers, industry professionals and researchers. They established Shark Reef Marine Reserve in April 2004 and it is the first of its kind in Fiji. Research and education continues to be their main focus along with the University of the South Pacific.
- Si Centro Spanish SchoolLocated in the beautiful valley surrounding Cuenca in Southern Ecuador, students learn Spanish surrounded by beautiful gardens and stunning mountains as a backdrop. Si Centro is one of the most well known and popular language schools in Ecuador.
- Mark ThurberWorking as a geologist and consultant for environmental engineering projects in Ecuador, he has been hiking, climbing, and exploring Ecuador for 15 years. Having written the “Climbing and Hiking Guide to Ecuador,” he is a wealth of information for our groups in the area.
- Bamfield Marine Science CenterBamfield is a world-class teaching and research facility located on the coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. The Centre supports diverse coastal and marine research of the highest caliber and is recognized as among the very best research and training facilities in the world.
- Gerace Research CentreThe Gerace Research Centre annually hosts a Geology Conference & a Natural History Conference in addition to many field courses of University students and Broadreach groups.
- Oceanic SocietyA non-profit organization whose missions is “to protect endangered wildlife and preserve threatened marine habitats world wide.” Since 1969 they have been working with local communities and researchers from around the world to help establish protected areas, promote scientific research, and encourage public awareness.
- Wilderness Medical AssociatesWilderness Medical Associates is an internationally recognized medical training organization that focuses on developing remote and practical medical training for professionals in low resource settings. They teach everything from basic first aid through EMT certifications.
- Enkosini Wildlife SanctuaryA non-profit initially founded to protect lions from the hunting industry. Recently their mission has broadened by creating a sustainable reserve for many of South Africa’s unique wildlife. They focus on educating about the local flora and fauna and creating awareness about conservation issues facing South Africa.
- Saba Conservation FoundationThe Saba Conservation Foundation (SCF) is a non-profit foundation established in the Netherlands Antilles and governed by a board of directors. On behalf of the island's government, SCF is responsible for managing the Marine Park and other nature areas around the island.
- Saba Marine ParkSaba Marine Park, officially declared a national park in 1998, is involved with the protection of coral reefs. Diving is considered to be one of the most important economic activities on the island, and many businesses on the island benefit from the Park.
- El Zota Biological Field StationA rainforest biological field station located in the northeast of Costa Rica. It is located between Guapiles and Tortuguero National Park. El Zota has about 1,000 hectares of tropical rainforest where our students find out about the numerous flora and fauna.
- Baja ExpeditionsBaja Expeditions supports the Friends of Wild Baja Fund which strives to protect the critical habitats for grey whale birthing sites, coastal habitats and pristine coastlines.
- Kids Saving the RainforestFounded in 1999, what started as small roadside stand of artwork has transformed over the years into and organization that has purchased land for conservation, built monkey bridges, planted trees, founded a library, established a local outreach program, and also funds a rehabilitation center and animal sanctuary.
- Heliconias Lodge and Rainforest1985 — land where Heliconias Lodge is located was slated for deforestation. However, 23 local families banded together to save it establishing one of the first community-run ecotourism projects. It’s now a private reserve focusing on eco-tourism and conservation outreach on a sustainable community level.
- Amauta Spanish SchoolLocated in the Sacred Valley you'll be learning Spanish surrounded by the gorgeous Andes mountain. Not only will you improve your language skills, you'll also learn about local dance, native reed instruments, and even a touch of Quechua!
- Inka NaturaThe expert guides and porters from Inka Natura accompany us as we weave our way up the Inca trail passing alpacas and local Peruvians as we climb ever higher into the clouds.
- PicaflorA true treasure, we are extremely proud to partner with Dr. Hannah at Picaflor in the Amazonian jungles outside of Puerto Maldonado where our students join forces with locals to provide environmental and community service to areas in need.
- Rainforest ExpeditionsRainforest Expeditions takes us deep into the jungle to explore the incredible flora and fauna of the Amazon where we've seen macaws, monkeys, and even anacondas first hand!
- La Moskitia EcoAventurasInternationally acclaimed local guide expert Jorge Salavarri takes our groups through Honduras exploring the rainforest and ruins in a way few will ever experience it!
- Montana Linda – OTIACOur students sharpen their Spanish skills at Montana Linda in Orosi, Costa Rica; surrounded by volcanic mountains and paired with small class sizes and welcoming homestay families this is the perfect paradise to strive for fluency in Spanish.
- Media Langues CaraibesStudying French in the tropical island of Guadeloupe is a unique experience you won't find anywhere else in the world. Media Langues Caraibes provides welcoming homestay families and excellent language classes in a small group setting that offer the perfect environment for improving French language skills.
- Drake Bay Wilderness ResortDrake Bay is a slice of paradise nestled into the pacific coast of Costa Rica. From boating with super pods of dolphins to experiencing the magic of bioluminescence the wonders never cease while at Drake Bay!
- Chamonix GuidesChamonix Guides take us through the Alps on a 5 day hike with stunning views along the world-renowned Mont Blanc Circuit traversing France, Italy, and Switzerland.
- Eurocentres Amboise Language SchoolOur French Language School is located right in the center of Amboise, minutes from street cafes and bistros, boasting a calm environment with cultural richness ideal for intensive study of the language.
- Paso PacificoPaso Pacifico is a non-profit organization empowering communities to work towards sustainable livelihoods. Students work with Paso Pacifico's turtle program in Nicaragua that provides communities with economic incentive to protect rather than poach turtle eggs.
- PretomaA Costa Rican non-profit organization focusing on marine conservation. Collaborating with Pretoma researchers, students assist with building, maintaining and operating turtle hatcheries designed to guarantee the efficient production of nests and hatchlings.
