Summer International Studies

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose
• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 8 - July 20, 2010

Description: The International Studies program is ideal for students interested in Latin America and studying international affairs, international business, social aspects of international agriculture issues, and Spanish. Students will select 3 courses from a wide variety of offerings, receiving 9 credit hours during the 6 week program. All courses directly apply toward the Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) major. Although a background in Spanish is not required to participate in the program, this is designed as a cultural immersion experience, including homestays with local families. Many guest speakers will present in Spanish (translation will be provided). The program also includes exploration of Costa Rica's beautiful natural environment where participants will enjoy multiple outdoor adventures from beaches to zip-lines to rafting and more!

Highlights: During this program, students will be based at the UGA Costa Rica campus in San Luis de Monteverde. The program will also explore other regions of Costa Rica on field trips. Activities included in field trips are an integral part of course material and the overall study abroad experience.

The program begins in San Luis at the UGA Costa Rica campus. During the first week, students will visit the Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve and the San Luis waterfall. Toward the end of the second week in country, the group will travel to the capital city, San Jose, and will have three full days of meetings with local organizations, including the National Biodiversity Institute, local university faculty at the University of Costa Rica and United Nations University for Peace, the Investment and Development Promotion Chamber, the American - Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce, and others. This part of the program will also include an all-day white water river rafting trip on the Pacuare River. Following San Jose, the group will stop for the weekend at Arenal Volcano on the way back up to Campus. Following another week on campus, students will spend a week in homestay with a local family in San Luis, then another week back on campus wrapping up coursework. The Costa Rican experience will wind up in the Pacific coastal town of Manuel Antonio for a few days.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 5,250 USD

***Note: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition. The HOPE scholarship applies.

Non-UGA Student Costs & Transient Application
An additional application and 50 USD processing fee is required for non-UGA students to enroll. Contact the UGA Costa Rica Office to confirm when you have started the application process.

Non-UGA students will be charged 250 USD, in addition to their tuition, which is assessed by the UGA Bursar's office.

Experience Required: yes

open to all students majoring in Spanish, Business, Agriculture, International Affairs, Latin American Studies

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available. please contact UGA Costa Rica for more information on scholarships and financial aid.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

University of Georgia's Mission Statement: Our Mission is to provide excellence in academic programs and research opportunities while serving as the best equipped social, cultural, environmental and international facility of the University of Georgia. Our Vision is to work under the principles of environmental, cultural, social and economic stability, as well as to serve as an example of sustainability to the academic and non-academic communities of Costa Rica, Latin America and the World.

Year Founded: 1785