May 5 - 31, 2009 dates are tentative
 | when more info. is available |
| "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
Study Site
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. One course from geography will be offered and the second upper division course will be determined.
Accommodation
Students live with host families in Santa Ana, double occupancy hotels or lodges at environmental field stations.
 |
Tentative Itinerary 2009
| Tuesday, May 5 | Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica |
| May 6-10 | Manuel Antonio |
| May 10-16 | Santa Ana Homestay |
| May 16 - 19 | Tortuguero |
| May 19-23 | La Selva Biological Research Station |
| May 23-26 | La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano |
| May 26-30 | Monteverde |
| May 30 | San Jose |
| May 31 | Depart for U.S. |
Application Information
Eligibility Requirements
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum age of 18
- No previous Spanish experience necessary.
Application Deadline
February 6, 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 International Center. All applications will be reviewed by the program director and the International Center 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 International Center.
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.
 |
Financial Information
Most financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships, etc.) can be applied to the program cost. Visit your Financial Aid Counselor for more information in SSB 105 or call 581-6211.
Program Cost
To be announced. The program cost in 2008 was $2,975.
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.
Refund Policy
$200 plus any unrecoverable to the International Center at the time of withdrawal are non-refundable. To withdraw, the applicant must formally file a Withdrawal Form with the International Center. If an applicant is determined ineligible to participate, the $500 deposit will be refunded in full.
Scholarships and 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 International Center for more information.
Download this information
Pre-Departure Handbook: The International Center 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 International Center:
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 Us
|
Program Director
|
Assistant Director and |