The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) is a nonprofit consortium of over fifty universities, colleges, and research institutions from around the world. OTS was founded in 1963 with a mission “to provide leadership in education, research, and the responsible use of natural resources in the tropics.” To this end, OTS offers intensive field courses for undergraduates, graduate students, and natural resource professionals in tropical biology and related disciplines in Costa Rica and South Africa, facilitates research, participates in tropical forest conservation, maintains three biological stations in Costa Rica and conducts environmental education programs.