ACM Costa Rica - Latin American Culture & Society

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Term: Fall 
Dates: August-December

Description: Central America is a region of great historical, cultural, and biological diversity, with approximately 40 million people who inhabit Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua sharing much in common. Governed in Spanish colonial times as a single unit, today they are separate countries sharing similar economic pursuits. While in the past they may have been characterized as coffee or banana republics, today their economies continue to grow more diverse, as the region takes on the twenty-first century challenges of building justice and prosperity in the context of globalization. As Costa Rica continues to grapple with issues such as poverty, public health, and environmental conservation, Ticos (as Costa Ricans like to call themselves) are committed to universal health care, social programs, and democratic government. Over the years, Costa Rica has always stood somewhat apart from the historical dramas of Central America, making it a fascinating comparative case and a safe observatory on developments in nation-building and sustainable development in this region so closely tied, both politically and economically, to the United States.

Since 1974, the ACM Costa Rica: Latin American Culture & Society program has prepared students to explore Central America and beyond through an intensive and extremely effective Spanish language program, as well as coursework and independent study projects that further develop language skills, while deepening understanding in particular fields of student interest. Field trips within Costa Rica give students an appreciation for the country's astounding biodiversity, and for the cultural and historical elements that contribute to the nations distinct path within Central America. A highlight of the program is a two-week experience of rural life in Costa Rica, where students live with campesino families and gain new perspectives on the challenges of rural development while making great strides in Spanish proficiency.

Throughout this fall semester program, students live with host families in San José near to the Universidad de Costa Rica and the ACM center in San Pedro. In addition to the rural stay, the program schedule offers ample opportunities for independent travel to Costa Ricas beautiful beaches, mountains, and forests. While all ACM courses are offered as an integral part of our program in the ACM center, a cooperation agreement with the Universidad de Costa Rica gives students access to cultural and sports facilities, and the UCRs proximity to the program center makes it possible for students to get a taste of Latin American student life.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Inquire for more information

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 25

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

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

ACM - Associated Colleges of the Midwest's Mission Statement: The Associated Colleges of the Midwest, a consortium of residential liberal arts colleges, aims to strengthen its member colleges as leaders, and exemplars, in liberal arts education through significant, innovative, and sustainable collaborations. One key component of ACM is to provide exemplary liberal arts learning through a wide variety of off-campus study programs.

Year Founded: 1958