VCU Education Abroad Faculty-led Summer Program in Costa Rica

  Costa Rica

Term: Summer 
Dates: June 18 - June 29

Description: The VCU Department of Teaching and Learning and the Office of International Education are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study literacy from an international perspective in exciting Costa Rica.

This program includes:

* Cultural excursions and service learning opportunities in a Costa Rican elementary school. Students will enjoy climbing Poas Volcano, riding a zip line through the rainforest at Monteverde National Park and visiting Sarachi Town, the arts and crafts capital of Costa Rica.
* Participants will also have an opportunity to compare and contrast the multiple geographic and cultural areas in Limon, along the Carribean coast, in Guanacaste and along the Pacific coast at the Manuel Antonio National Park.

Course and Credit Options:
TEDU 500: Literacy Education: An International Perspective on Reading, Culture and Language

Located across Costa Rica, this program provides an opportunity to explore literacy education in an international context. Participants will reflect on the impact of globalization, language and culture as they explore the rain forests, volcanoes, beaches and cities of Costa Rica and participate in service learning in a public school. Students will also enhance their use of conversational Spanish as they are immersed in the Costa Rican culture.

Highlights: Activities include climbing the Poas Volcano, experiencing the cloud forest, visiting Waterfall Gardens and White Magic Waterfall, day trip to Limon and the Carribean beaches, visit to Sarchi Town and hot springs, visit to Volcano Arenal, service learning opportunity at a local school, enjoying the beaches of Manuel Antonio, an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park and farewell dinner.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 2,550.00

*Round-trip airfare from Richmond, VA to San Jose, Costa Rica
*Welcome Packet on Costa Rica
*Accommodations
*Breakfast each day, some lunches
*Study visits and tours
*Ground transportation
*On-site support
*Welcome and farewell dinners
*Application fee and deposit
*Pre-departure orientation
*VCU administrative fees
*International Student Identification Card

The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
*VCU tuition and fees
*Health Insurance
*Some lunch and evening meals
*Passport application fee
*Personal expenses during the program
*Anything not specifically mentioned above

Please budget for these additional expenses.

Experience Required: yes

Students must have a 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home