Costa Rica

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OVERVIEW The 3-week Costa Rica Program offers students an extraordinary intercultural immersion learning opportunity by combining an intensive language course and family homestay, with interdisciplinary study of Central America through social & behavioral science perspectives, field study, and excursions. With its remarkable history, rich heritage, diverse population, and renowned natural beauty, Costa Rica’s active participation in today’s globalized world makes it an opportune case study to examine and explore many of the current challenges and dilemmas facing Latin America.

LOCATION The dynamic capital city of San José. Host families and classes are based in the San Pedro section of the city, near to Costa Rican universities. Our local host institution is Comunicare: Linguistic, Cultural and Community Service Center, which has several years of experience in hosting this ASU study abroad program.

FIELD TRIPS make our studies come alive to enhance our understanding of the region. These include two weekend excursions to a biological research station in the Sarapiqui tropical rainforest, and to the beautiful Caribbean coast in Limón province. We will also take several day trips to the country’s historical capital in Cartago, banana and coffee plantations, an indigenous community, urban markets, museums, city orientation, etc.

ELIGIBILITY The program is open to students who have completed two years of academic study in good standing (min 2.50 GPA). All majors welcome. Proficiency in Spanish is NOT a prerequisite; language classes will be offered at beginning to advanced levels. Native speakers welcome too!

ACADEMIC PROGRAM Students must register for two courses (6 credits total):
Spanish (SPA 494) Study Spanish in an intensive, small-class, immersion environment. Language classes integrate social issues and are offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
Central American Studies (ASB 356, GCU 356, POL 356, SBS 356, or SOC 356). Interdisciplinary social science course explores geographic, political, economic, social, and cultural issues of Costa Rica in the Central American context. Will include fieldwork or service internship. General studies credits: Global Awareness, Social & Behavioral

GRADUATE STUDENTS also welcome; enroll in SPA 494 and a Reading & Conference course (ASB 590 or JHR 590).

LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS Housing with wonderful Costa Rican families guarantees abundant exposure to Costa Rican society and culture. Host families provide breakfast, dinner, and laundry service.

PROGRAM FEE $TBD (last year it was $1510) Includes airport pickup, housing, breakfast, dinner, programmed field excursions. Not included: ASU tuition, airfare, lunches, health insurance, books, and personal expenses.	APPLY by March 1, 2010. The $100 application fee and $350 confirmation deposit will be applied to the final program fee balance. Applications accepted until full.
SCHOLARSHIPS are available through the ASU Study Abroad Office.

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MORE INFORMATION?
Contact Kristin Koptiuch, Costa Rica: Central American Studies Program Director
Associate Professor of Anthropology
Division of Social & Behavioral Sciences, ASU West Campus
602-543-6031 koptiuch@asu.edu

FLYER .pdf flyer about the Costa Rica Program

G E T . Y O U R . P A S S P O R T . E A R L Y ! !