Semester Abroad in Sustainable Global Stewardship

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Ramon

Term: Spring 
Dates: February through April of each year

Description: An in-depth, personalized hands-on learning experience in Costa Rica, with a field excursion to Nicaragua. The program is open to students from any campus worldwide, no Spanish is required, and the interdisciplinary curriculum is suitable for various majors or as general education credit.

Twelve (12) academic credits are provided through Humboldt State University (U.S.A.) or from the University of San Jose (Costa Rica) as transfer credit, nine of which can be at the graduate level. Courses include: Sustainability & Service-Learning, Environment & Conservation in the Tropics, Costa Rican Culture Immersion, and Spanish. An optional directed study (additional 3 units of undergraduate or graduate credit) is also available by special approval.

In addition to time spent in the classroom in San Ramon, the program includes substantial field study and volunteer service-learning work in the region. Typical sites include sustainable businesses, social work projects, environmental education programs, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, renewable energy projects, private reserves, national parks, community ecotourism projects, etc.

Highlights: The unique condensed semester calendar is approximately nine weeks in length, yet affords twelve to fifteen credits of academic credit along with significant field study and volunteer work. This arrangement facilitates an in-depth immersion experience, while providing personal time in San Ramon and during extended weekends.

A typical week consists of six days of programmed activities: Two to five days in the classroom, and one to four days in the field. Although this design requires more attention to studies during the program, it has the benefit of ending early during spring semester, thus allowing participants to stay in-country after the program has ended for either additional volunteer opportunities or personal travel on their own.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: USD 8,000

- Homestay costs while in San Ramon (lodging & three meals per day)
- Twelve (12) credits of academic credit
- In-country travel and lodging associated with field study
- Some food during field study (at least one meal per day)
- Travel medical insurance (by reimbursement, with a deductible)
- Use of the facilities of the University of San Jose in San Ramon
- Field site entrance fees (with a few minor exceptions)
- Various other group activities

Personal expenses for such things as souvenirs, required personal items, some food during program travel, and any non-program travel are not included.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Earth Education International's Mission Statement: To empower individuals and communities to take action in their personal and collective lives in helping to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful future through global and regional studies, cultural immersion, cooperative problem-solving, and self-exploration. To that end, the organization provides a dynamic variety of practical short-courses and semester programs to diverse audiences from advanced high school and university students to adult learners.

Year Founded: 2003