Semester Abroad in Sustainable Global Stewardship

  Costa Rica

• North Western Region: 
San Ramon

Term: Spring 
Dates: February through April of each year

Description: This program provides an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in Costa Rica, as well as an excursion to Nicaragua. Because the curriculum is extremely interdisciplinary in nature (and no Spanish is required), the program is suitable for all majors. In addition to classroom time in San Ramon, time will be spent traveling elsewhere in the region including:

- Two to three day-long field trips and four multiple-day field trips to appropriate sites in Costa Rica (e.g., sustainable businesses, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, renewable energy projects, private reserves, national parks, volcanoes, community ecotourism projects).
- An extended field excursion in Southwestern Nicaragua (e.g., Rivas, Managua, Masaya, Granada); including field study, cultural events, and volunteer work.
- Approximately twenty-eight (28) hours of volunteer service-learning work over four of five days at selected sites in the vicinity of San Ramon. Possible sites include, but are not limited to, the following: Organic agriculture, sustainable businesses, environmental education, social work, environmental conservation, ecotourism, and housing construction for low-income families.

Highlights: Extensive hands-on learning, field study, and service-learning opportunities. These include day-long visits, multiple-day educational tours, and guest speaker presentations in the field. Participants may do volunteer work at various sites in the vicinity of San Ramon, Costa Rica. In addition to learning about topics first-hand, this arrangement offers participants an opportunity to visit a variety of locations in the country/region, as well as interact on a personal level with local experts who are eager to share their knowledge and experience. Fifteen (15) academic credits are provided through Humboldt State University (USA) or the University of San Jose (Costa Rica).

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: $7,800

- Homestay costs while in San Ramon (lodging & three meals per day)
- Fifteen (15) 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 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