International Social Work: A Costa Rican Perspective

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Term: Summer 
Dates: May 18-29, 2010

Description: International Social Work:
A Costa Rican Perspective
This 12-day program offers students the opportunity to gain an international perspective on social work through lectures, field trips to social service agencies, and presentations by social work faculty from the University of Costa Rica. The program will focus on child welfare, social work in the schools, public health and social security, gender, and gerontology. The following questions will be examined:

- What are the differences in service delivery across cultures?
- How does culture influence the definitions and responses to social problems and answers?
- What influence does global economics have on community practice, child welfare, mental health, and schools?

In addition to daily seminars and site visits, students will have the opportunity to travel to significant cultural and historical sites in and around San José.

Overview
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare offers BSW, MSW, and PhD students the opportunity to study abroad in San José, Costa Rica for the summer. International Social Work: A Costa Rican Perspective aims at providing students a general perspective on Social Work and Social Services in Costa Rica through lectures and field trips to communities, hospitals, and schools.

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. San Jose, Costa Ricas capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It lies in the Central Valley on a plain surrounded by large forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, green savannahs, and working coffee plantations.

Highlights: The University of Costa Rica

The Universidad de Costa Rica was established in 1843 under the name Universidad de Santo Tomás and was restructured in 1940 and re-named the Universidad de Costa Rica. It is the oldest and largest university in Costa Rica, with a population of 35,000 students.

The University of Kansas-Universidad de Costa Rica exchange program, initiated in 1958, is the oldest inter-university exchange of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Initiatives such as the collaborative short-term study abroad programs designed by the KU School of Social Welfare and the Universidad de Costa Rica build upon and strengthen the bond between the two universities.

Academic Program: Three hours of credit or 45 CEU credits are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. Three hours may be applied towards the MSW degree requirements. Contact the School of Social Welfare for more information.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 2,030 dollars (2,230 for non-KU students).

Tuition and Fees: Estimated undergraduate tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): 737 dollars. *

Estimated graduate tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): 892 dollars.

*Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the students individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above.

Additional costs: Airfare, meals, books, passport fees, and personal expenses.
Note

All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons..

Experience Required: yes

Open to BSW, MSW & Doctoral Students, and Social Work Practitioners. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition). There are no language requirements, though students with previous exposure to Spanish will find it helpful.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Scholarships are Available. The Dean of the School of Social Welfare has scholarships available for students in the School. To apply, please submit a one page statement which explains the connections/contributions that your study abroad program will make to your social work education. Submit the statement to Mary Ellen Kondrat, Dean of the School of Social Welfare, 1545 Lilac Lane, Lawrence, KS by March 1st.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application