Mariel Williams spent part of summer 2011 in Costa Rica and Nicaragua studying and researching primate communication through a program known as the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy.
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It was a bit harder than I was expecting, especially at first when I got there and was suddenly living in the rainforest in a "jungle hut" in intense heat with crazy creatures like big bugs and poison dart frogs all around. But I adjusted fairly quickly and really started to love the rainforest and spending time in it. It was great to experience both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the course itself was really great as well.
We learned all about primate communication with lectures at 6AM and 4PM, and then spent the time in between wandering through the rainforest observing monkeys and recording their behaviors, which we each compiled and created our own individual research projects.
I really learned a lot and had an amazing time and got to do some really cool things, like kayak through jungle rivers, climb a volcano, and hike up to a beautiful waterfall. So, yes, I would definitely say it was all worth the time, money, and effort!
-Mariel
