FAQs
An information session for Year 3 (Summer 2026) was held on November 19. Here is the Info Session PPT.
When is the application deadline? The deadline for Year 3 is January 30, 2026. The application will open in late November 2025.
- How are students selected? Students are selected based on a variety of metrics to provide a balanced cohort between undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and anthropology. We strive to provide international experiences to those that may not have had the opportunity in the past and we will also look for more experienced students to peer mentor less experienced students.
- When will I be notified if I am selected? We will notify you by February 20, 2026. Applicants that make the short list may be contacted for interviews and have their references contacted in February. A waitlist will also be formed.
- Can I apply if I am graduating the semester during or before I participate in the program? No. You will need to be enrolled in at least the following Fall semester after the summer program. The program is only for current WVU, Chico State, or USF students. Applicants should be juniors or greater. Graduate students at any level may apply.
- Should a student be from a specific field of study to apply? This program is open to students who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. Nationals and will be enrolled in engineering, anthropology or other sustainability-related degree programs at West Virginia University (WVU), California State University Chico (Chico State), or the University of South Florida (USF) by Fall 2026.
- Is U.S. citizenship or permanent residency required? Yes, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or U.S. Nationals. This is a requirement of the funding agency, the National Science Foundation (NSF).
- Will I be notified if I am not selected? Applicants who are not selected will be notified by email by February 20, 2026.
- What financial support does the project provide? The project will pay for airfare, food, travel, and lodging in Costa Rica. The project does include a $530 per week stipend for six weeks. The project does not provide any other payment (salary or hourly wages) to participants as this is not within the scope of the grant. The project does not pay for health insurance; students should be covered by university or other health insurance.
- Is prior international travel experience required? No, prior international travel experience is not required. We hope to provide international opportunities to those who have not had the opportunity. We will look for some students in the cohort with international travel experience to be peer mentors to those with less experience.
- How long is the program? The in-country program is six weeks long. There will be required preparation meetings prior to departure, including two weeks for remote training prior to travel.
- When will we travel to Costa Rica? We plan to travel for six weeks in June 15 - July 26, 2026.
- Do I need a U.S. passport by the time I apply? Yes. Unfortunately, due to the current delays in issuing U.S. passports, we will need you to have a current passport. If your passport is about to expire, please renew as soon as possible. We require that your passport be valid through February 2027 since most countries recommend the passport is valid for six months after you plan to travel.
- Are guests allowed or supported by the program (e.g., spouses, significant others, children, pets, etc.)? No, only the selected applicants can travel or be supported as part of the program. There is limited space, funding, and resources.
- Who should I contact if I have any other questions? Please review the website and FAQs carefully. If your questions were not answered here, feel free to contact Dr. Kevin Orner at kevin.orner at mail.wvu.edu.