More about the OTS Application from Admissions Counselor, Lori Breighner

1. What is your role at OTS?

I am an admissions counselor with the Organization for Tropical Studies. I travel to dozens of colleges and universities throughout the U.S. to recruit students for OTS programs offered in collaboration with Duke University. I also serve as an application reviewer and advisor for our Tropical Diseases, Environmental Change, and Human Health program in Costa Rica and our Summer Global Health Issues in South Africa program.

2. How does the application process work?

If you're interested in an OTS program, we definitely recommend that you apply early! Pay special attention to the deadlines your school's study abroad office has set and to the OTS application deadlines.

The deadline for Fall 2016 semester programs is quickly approaching--tomorrow, April 1st, and the extended deadline for Summer 2016 programs is also tomorrow, April 1st!!! Our 2017 Spring semester deadline is November 1st.

We do recommend that you complete your application as quickly as possible, as programs can fill quickly. However, If you are still working on your application, know that we may accept students after the deadline has passed if there is still room in the program.

In order to complete your application, you need to:

• complete the general application and submit:

• your transcript(s)

• personal statement

• approval form from your home college/university,

• and a recommendation from a full-time professor.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?

I absolutely love meeting the smart, inspiring, and adventurous students who are attracted to OTS programs. It's exciting to see how each individual student can both contribute to and benefit from our field-based programs. I also love hearing about alumni experiences from students who have returned from Costa Rica and South Africa.

If you are interested in an OTS program or working on completing your application and have questions, feel free to e-mail me at lori.breighner@tropicalstudies.org. I look forward to hearing from you!

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