Nature and Environmental Design

  Costa Rica

• Monteverde: 
Monteverde

Term: Summer 
Dates: July 10 - 24, 2010

Description: This program combines travel and design exploration in Costa Rica through the eyes of a landscape architect. The focus of the course is on environmental design and landscape architecture in tropical ecosystems. The natural and cultural diversity of Costa Rica will serve as an appropriate environment and place in which to explore, study and reflect. The course will provide students with the opportunity to plan and design outdoor spaces in real-world tropical habitats. Students will work on design projects at the UGA Costa Rica campus in the upland cloud forests near Monteverde and at a pacific coastal resort community. Design projects will be selected in consultation with the local owners, managers, architects and developers. Projects may address local building materials and construction methods and will encourage environmental sensitivity and sustainable building practices.

In addition, students will be required to explore and document the unique tropical ecosystems through which they will travel to gain an appreciation and understanding of the rich natural and cultural diversity of Costa Rica.

Highlights: Students are based at UGA's beautiful campus at the head of the San Luis Valley adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. The campus is high enough in elevation to offer a temperate climate year-round. On-site nature trails can be explored, horse-back rides take students throughout San Luis, a natural pool formed by a 80-m waterfall can be found after a short hike through the forest, and classes are taught in open-air classrooms and via "living classroom" excursions.

With wide verandas overlooking the Valley, a dining room with soaring ceilings, and computer facilities, the student union is a popular place to congregate. Participants enjoy three fresh meals each day (included in the total cost of the program) and are housed in spacious bungalows nested into the landscape.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: USD 2,500

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

Experience Required: yes

Open to students majoring in landscape architecture or interior design.

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