Maderas Rainforest Conservancy Field School Opportunity
Submitted 03/04/2026 by Dr. Laura Bolt and Harper Correia-Kuehn
Are you looking for a primate field school?
Maderas Rainforest Conservancy is currently accepting applications for summer 2026 and winter 2027 field courses at La Suerte, Costa Rica. All primate field courses are taught by Dr. Laura Bolt (University of Toronto).
This intensive field course provides experience in studying wild monkeys in a tropical rainforest environment and is excellent preparation for graduate studies in primatology, animal behaviour, and ecology. La Suerte Biological Research Station is a protected rainforest sanctuary operated by the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy, a conservation non-profit organization. The site contains mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator), and Central American spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi). Primate studies have been ongoing at this site for 25 years.
For more information and to apply, visit www.maderasrfc.org (this URL can be finicky, it’s easiest to access it from a private browser)
If you have any questions, email Dr. Laura Bolt at laura.bolt@utoronto.ca.
Dates and prices:
Summer session 2026, June 1 – 25 2026, $2400 USD not including flight
Winter session 2027, Jan 3 – 16 2027, $2150 USD not including flight
Thank you so much, we hope to find interested scientists out there!
Dr. Laura Bolt and Harper Correia-Kuehn
laura.bolt@utoronto.ca
Field School Participant Code of Conduct & Sexual Harassment Policy
By participating in any Maderas Rainforest Conservancy (MRC) field school, collecting data as a researcher, or visiting an MRC field site, you agree to follow the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy Field School Participant Code of Conduct. This field course is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environment for all participants. Every student, instructor, staff member, and community partner is to be treated with dignity and respect. Harassment, coercion, discrimination, or disruptive behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and may result in immediate dismissal from the program.
Prohibition of Harassment
All forms of harassment are strictly prohibited. Harassment includes any behavior—verbal, nonverbal, or physical—that is intimidating, hostile, degrading, or abusive. Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, suggestive comments, unwanted physical contact, any conduct of a sexual nature that interferes with a person’s participation or creates an uncomfortable or hostile environment, etc. Non-sexual harassment is also prohibited, including behavior based on gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural background, age, religion, or personal identity. Such conduct is unacceptable whether it occurs in the field, at accommodations, during travel, or in informal group settings.
Shared Responsibility
Everyone in the program shares responsibility for maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment. Participants are expected to treat others with professionalism and consideration, to be mindful of how their behavior affects those around them, and to avoid actions that could cause harm, discomfort, or exclusion. Students should also feel empowered to seek help or speak up if they witness behavior that does not align with these expectations. Failure to meet these standards may result in disciplinary action, including removal from the program without refund or academic credit.
No Retaliation Policy/Reporting Procedures
Retaliation against any individual who reports harassment, raises concerns, or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
Participants are strongly encouraged to report any incidents of harassment, misconduct, or retaliation.
You may report concerns to the course instructor or designated field supervisor, or another trusted staff member associated with the program.
Reports will be taken seriously, handled as confidentially as possible, and addressed promptly.
The safety and well-being of all participants as well as the integrity of the learning environment is very important to MRC and a top priority.
By participating in this field course, students, researchers, and anyone visiting an MRC field site agrees to uphold this code of conduct and contribute to a safe, respectful, and inclusive field environment.