OVERVIEW
The 3-week Costa Rica Program offers students an extraordinary intercultural
immersion learning opportunity by combining an intensive language
course
and family homestay, with interdisciplinary study of Central America
through social & behavioral science perspectives, field study,
and excursions around beautiful tropical Costa Rica. With its
remarkable history, rich heritage, diverse population,
and renowned natural beauty, Costa Rica’s active participation
in today’s globalized world makes it an opportune case study
to examine and explore many of the current challenges and dilemmas
facing
Latin America.
LOCATION
The dynamic capital city of San José is our host site. Host
families and classes are based in the San Pedro section of the city,
near to
Costa
Rican
universities. Our local host institution is Comunicare:
Linguistic, Cultural and Community Service Center, which has many
years of experience in coordinating this ASU study abroad program.
FIELDTRIPS make
our studies come alive to enhance our understanding of the region.
These include two weekend excursions to BOTH COASTS--to
a tropical rafnforest preserve in Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast,
and
to the beautiful Caribbean coast in Limón
province and a trek to an indigenous community in
Talamanca. Several day trips explore the country’s
historical capital in Cartago, banana, coffee, chayote plantations,
urban markets,
museums,
city neighborhoods, and more.
ELIGIBILITY
The program is open to students who have completed two years
of academic study in good standing (min 2.50 GPA). All
majors are welcome.
Proficiency
in Spanish is NOT a prerequisite; language classes will be
offered at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Fluent and
heritage speakers welcome too!
Students from other universities may also join the program.
ACADEMIC
PROGRAM & COURSES Students take two courses (6 credits)
SPA
494 | ST: Spanish in Costa Rica (3) Study Spanish in an intensive,
small-class, immersion environment.
Language classes integrate social issues and are offered at beginner,
intermediate,
and advanced levels.
Central
American Studies (3) (ASB 356,
GCU 356, POL 354, SBS 356, or SOC 356).
Interdisciplinary social science course explores
geographic, political,
economic, and
socio-cultural issues pertaining to Costa Rica
in the wider context of Central America. A final
project gives students
the opportunity to conduct their own ethnographic
fieldwork in San José. General
studies credits: Global Awareness, Social & Behavioral (G & SB)
LIVING
ACCOMMODATIONS Housing with wonderful Costa Rican
families guarantees abundant exposure to Costa Rican society
and culture.
Host
families provide breakfast, dinner, laundry service, and a real
sense of family belonging.
PROGRAM FEE$4,495 Includes: ASU tuition, housing with host families,
breakfast & dinner, airport transit in San José,
international medical insurance, and two weekend field trips
to both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and additional program
local field trips. Not included: Roundtrip airfare to Costa
Rica, lunches, books, passport & application fees, airport
exit fee ($28), personal and other incidental expenses.
EXTENDED
DEADLINE!!!
APPLY
by March 25, 2013
The $100
application fee and $350 confirmation deposit will be applied
to the final program fee balance.
Applications accepted first-come, first-served until full. Apply
NOW!
MORE
INFORMATION?
Contact Program Director: Kristin Koptiuch
Associate Professor of Anthropology
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Arizona
State University
602-543-6031 koptiuch@asu.edu
FLYER
1 .pdf flyer Description of the Costa Rica Program