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The site encompasses 500+ acres of picture-perfect waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, andimpressive trees in the transition zone between very wet and pre-montane rainforest in one of Costa Rica’s most undiscovered regions. The property shares a significant border with the splendid La Cangreja National Park, a protected area providing habitat for a number of endangered animals and flora, and containing some 2,000 plant species and varied fauna. Rancho Mastatal maintains 19-kilometers of rainforest trails, connecting to a network of footpaths in La Cangreja. Rancho Mastatal is an environmental learning and sustainable living center, retreat, and lodge located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica’s Puriscal County. Rancho Mastatal practices and promotes living responsibly in the tropics, while educating its visitors about the significance and majesty of the world’s disappearing tropical forests.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this course, although some prior knowledge of energy and Spanish language may be helpful. Students will be travelling and working together in a foreign country and should be prepared to cooperate with others having diverse backgrounds and experiences. Students are expected to conduct themselves and interact in a professional, positive, and respectful manner at all times.

Course Description: Renewable Energy for the Developing World provides an examination of energy and economics in developing countries with special consideration given to renewable energy sources. The course combines 8-weeks of online instruction with 10 days of travel and study abroad in Costa Rica. Students will learn to specify, design, and install renewable energy systems for the developing world. Students will install operational renewable energy systems in the field with current renewable energy equipment.

Topics and activities covered in the course will include:

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