Florida's geographical location facilitates its serving as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean region. The University of Florida has made widespread efforts to enhance the education experiences of all of its students by providing varied opportunities to study on an international level.

Master's students enrolled in urban and regional planning and architecture, among other disciplines, may earn a Certificate in Latin American Studies in the Center for Tropical Conservation and Development. The requirements for this program vary between thesis and non-thesis degree-seeking students. The Center for Latin American Studies supports several research and training programs that provide research opportunities and financial support for graduate students, especially in the Amazonian, Andean, and Caribbean regions. The Center also sponsors conferences, colloquia, and cultural events; supports publication of scholarly works; provides educational outreach service; and cooperates with other campus units in overseas research and training activities. Dr. Rhonda Phillips is an affiliate faculty with the Center for Latin American studies, and Dr. Zwick is the department’s representative to Latin American Studies for the Center for Tropical Development’s Certificate Program.

This center addresses major issues in growth management, with a focus on impact fees and concurrency. Major projects have been in Georgia, Florida, and most recently, Hawaii. Dr. James C. Nicholas has a 50% appointment at the Levin Law School and 50% appointment and is tenured in URP.

The Center addresses a wide range of ethical political and environmental issues worldwide. Dr. Jay M. Stein has participated in programs sponsored by USAID to bring Eastern European interns and visiting government officials here to learn about planning, law and government. Dr. Jon Mills, former Speaker of the House in the Florida legislature, is the director of the Center. Dr. Mills has been a guest speaker in URP.

The department occasionally has joint projects with the Center. Several faculties have been students of the late Professor Howard T. Odum, who is internationally recognized for his work in systems ecology, energy analysis and ecological economics. Marc T. Brown (“The Swamp Doctor”) has been an Affiliated Faculty member in URP and is Assistant Director of the Center. He also serves on URP project and thesis committees.

URP has a close and growing relationship with this Center and its host department - Department of Finance, Insurance and Real Estate (FIRE) in the College of Business. Dr. Marc Smith, formerly a faculty member in FIRE and now with the Shimberg Center, is an Affiliated Faculty member in URP. Professor David Ling (chair of FIRE) has been appointed as Affiliated Faculty to URP, effective July 1, 1998.