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"Hiking through the rain forest, scrambling up a volcano, and traipsing through clouds was what made this a good experience - a genuine taste of Costa Rica. "   - 2006 Participant. Program Information Financial Information Application Information Contact Information

Program Information

Location

About the size of West Virginia and with a population of almost 4 million, Costa Rica is an exemplar for the conservation of natural resources and economic sustainability. Almost one-third of its land is protected by land management laws, more than any other country on Earth. Costa Rica’s traditional agricultural export economy (including coffee and bananas) has been supplanted by tourism and high tech exports. Eco-tourism thrives in Costa Rica's 12 distinct ecological zones that include rainforests, rugged mountains, active volcanoes, and beaches along two oceans. The country has become a model for nations that hope to encourage economic development within a framework of environmental protection and sustainability.

Course Offerings

Students will earn 6 upper-division credits from the University of Utah.  Both courses can be applied towards the Environmental Studies major or minor. 

GEOG 3963/5963: Sharing Geographic Experience through Travel Commentary: Costa Rica                    Travel enlarges us. Exposure to new cultures challenges conventions and derigidifies value systems. It suggests new ideas. How do we use commentary to convey some of this to those who do not have the experience? The course addresses this question.

Geog 3963/5963: Ecoregions and Ecotourism in Costa Rica                                                                        From the Pacific to the Atlantic, Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity and for some time now, their stable and progressive economy has depended heavily on tourism, specifically ecotourism. What is ecotourism? How do members of the local community feel about this industry? How have they been able to maintain stability with close neighbors often in turmoil? To help answer these questions, come and explore Costa Rica, see the ecosystems and experience some of what this beautiful nation has to offer.

Accommodation

Students live with host families in Santa Ana, double occupancy hotels or lodges at environmental field stations.

Getting to Costa Rica

Air travel should be arranged by program participants. You may want to meet others on the program at pre-departure meetings to arrange airfare together. All students will receive detailed instructions about when and where to meet the group in Costa Rica.

Tentative Itinerary

Sunday, May 10	Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica
May 11-13	Turrialba
May 13-17	La Selva Biological Research Station
May 17-22	Conversa
May 22-25	La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano
May 25-28	Monteverde
May 28-30	Guanacaste
May 30-June 2	Manuel Antonio
June 3	Depart for U.S.

Financial Information

Program Cost

The 2009 program price will be $3,025.

Includes: Tuition, room (double occupancy), some meals, scheduled excursions, and international health insurance.

Does Not Include: Airfare, passport, airport tax, books, some meals, personal expenses, local transportation, and independent travel.

Although not anticipated, the program price may change due to fluctuation of currency exchange rates and contracted agencies, or number of participants.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (student loans, grants, etc.) can be applied to the program cost.  For U of U students, there are also Study Abroad Scholarships available.  See the Study Abroad Office for more information.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

$300 plus any unrecoverable to the Study Abroad Office at the time of withdrawal are non-refundable. To withdraw, the applicant must formally file a Withdrawal Form with the Study Abroad Office. If an applicant is determined ineligible to participate, the $500 deposit will be refunded in full.

Application Information

Eligibility Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
• Minimum age of 18
• No previous Spanish experience necessary

Application Deadline

20 February 2009

Late applications will be accepted with an additional nonrefundable $50 fee for 30 days after the initial deadline, or until program is full.

Application Process

• Students must submit a complete application, including a personal statement, letter of reference, and a photocopy of the first page of their passport.
• The application and $500 initial program payment should be presented or mailed to the Cashier's Window, 165 Student Services Building.  (Please be sure to include your U of U ID number).  The cashier will issue a receipt and stamp your application "Paid."  Return the application materials to the Study Abroad Office.  All applications will be reviewed by the program director and the Study Abroad Office staff to determine eligibility.  Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program. Non U of U students should submit their initial program payments directly to the International Center.
• Additional pre-departure materials will be emailed to all accepted participants.
• If an applicant is determined ineligible for program participation the $500 payment will be refunded in full.
• U of U students, students at other colleges or universities, alumni and qualified members of our community are welcome to apply to participate in U of U study abroad programs.
• Questions about the application process?  Contact the Study Abroad Office.

Download this information

Pre-Departure Handbook: The Study Abroad Office would like you to have a safe and healthy experience abroad.  Therefore, we are asking that you read carefully the Pre-Departure Handbook then sign and return the required documents (at the end of the handbook) to the Study Abroad Office:

200 S. Central Campus Drive
Union 159
Salt Lake City UT 84112
FAX: 801-581-5914

This information is available for printout in a brochure form.  If you would like to download (pdf/Adobe Acrobat) a copy, please click here.

Contact Information