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Academics : International Education Study Abroad

Study Abroad, Costa Rica

2007-08 Study abroad program,Costa Rica

 

Costa Rica  

Spring Semester 2007-2008

(Tentative schedule and curriculum) 

Please Note:  Credits for this program have not been fully determined. 
Details of this program are still being established.

Leaders:  Laura Christiansen
Tentative Dates: Approximately March 25, 2008 – April 18, 2008  

Program:
The goal of the program is to allow the students to develop an understanding of the interrelationships of the physical world and the challenge of working towards a sustainable future.                                            

The Costa Rican Environmental Program will allow students to study environmental science issues and basic scientific research techniques in a unique way.  They will not only have the opportunity to investigate specific areas of their own choice, but also be able to experience the Costa Rican environment and see first hand the very issues and topics that they are exploring in the field. 

Costa Rica:
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a country about twice the size of Massachusetts with a population of approximately 3.5 million people.  The official language of the country is Spanish.  The country is noted for its political stability, safety and its effort to protect its natural biological resources. 

Academic Program:
Students will begin on campus for the first part of the semester.  After intensive review of their chosen topics at NMH, the group will travel to Costa Rica for approximately four weeks and spend time at several specifically chosen sites. Each site has been selected for its exceptional quality and ability to expose the students to the natural world and its unique cultural characteristics that exists among the Costa Rican people.  The students will then return to NMH to complete and compile their work into a formal paper or presentation.
Requirements/Credits:
The Costa Rican program is open to students in their junior and senior year of school (though not open to Student Leaders) and must have had two years of science, including biology.   In addition, each student must be very mature and possess excellent social skills that will allow them to be active participants in the group as well as being able to work independently.  They must be excited about meeting new people, seeing a different culture and overcoming personal challenges.  They must have a desire to learn more about how our world works, an interest in examining specific environmental problems, and the ability to work toward expanding their knowledge of basic scientific research.  Students are not required to have a working knowledge of Spanish, but students must have the willingness to learn basic conversational phrases and a willingness to learn about the culture. 

Students will receive a total of three credits upon successful completion of the Costa Rica program. Most likely, the credits will be as follows:  1 ½ - 2 lab science credits in Tropical Field Ecology and in Special Environmental Issues in Costa Rica and a ½ credit in Intercultural Communications. The third credit is still to be determined. 

Intercultural Communications:  Intercultural Communications is a course designed to enhance the study of all term abroad programs.  The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the specific cross-cultural issues they encounter while studying abroad or away from campus.  The course will also develop student awareness of cultural differences and provide them with appropriate coping skills and strategies while they are traveling away from school.  In addition, students will develop an understanding of the basic elements of cross-cultural communication. 

Application:
The application form is available by SWIS in the International Education folder, or by contacting the Center for International Education in Beveridge Hall at x3251.  The completed application including all supporting materials is due in the Center for International Education on March 30, 2007.

Fee:
In addition to the regular cost of tuition, room, and board, students will pay a program fee of $1850.00 plus airfare and other major transportation costs.  Very limited need-based financial aid may be available, yet is not guaranteed.