Application Deadline: Check with SFS coordinators

Prerequisites

The Spring semester program has the following prerequisites:

•  A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4 point scale.

•  Successful completion of 15 semester credits at an accredited college or university, or prior approval.

•  Personal qualities that will facilitate a safe and positive experience for all participants.

•  Recommended (not required): Prior Spanish language study and/or other appropriate experience, and successful completion of an introductory environmental studies, global systems, community development, or related course.

Field Study & Volunteer Work

In addition to time spent in the classroom in San Ramón, the Spring semester program includes extensive field study in the region. This educational travel will include the following:

•  Approximately five day-long field trips (most Wednesdays) in the vicinity of the Central Valley to appropriate sites (e.g., sustainable businesses, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, renewable energy projects, and/or private reserves).

•  Three multiple-day excursions elsewhere in Costa Rica (e.g., National Parks, volcanoes, biological field stations, community ecotourism projects).

•  A five-day volunteer service-learning work project at selected locations in Costa Rica (e.g., conservation of nesting leatherback sea turtles on the Pacific coast or biological field station work in a rain forest).

•  Four days of designated volunteer service-learning work in the vicinity of San Ramón.

•  A one-week field excursion (with field study & cultural events) in Southwestern Nicaragua (e.g., Managua, Masaya, Granada), including three (3) days of rural community volunteer work in the Somoto region of Northwestern Nicaragua.

Academics

This program provides an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in Costa Rica, as well as a week-long field excursion to Nicaragua. Because the curriculum is extremely interdisciplinary in nature (and no Spanish is required), the program is suitable for all majors.

Fifteen to eighteen academic credits are provided through Humboldt State University (HSU) in California, or through the University of San José in Costa Rica if preferred.

Courses are listed below. All participants will typically enroll in the first four courses (12 credits), and select from the appropriate Spanish course (3 credits).

If at the advanced Spanish level, participants may arrange other independent work in place of selecting a Spanish course (e.g., the Directed Research course, approval required).

All courses are taught in English with the exception of the Spanish courses, which will include practical application of the language.

Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Costa Rica (3 cr.). This course offers an overview of the principles of tropical ecology and ecosystems in Costa Rica, including forest, coastal, agricultural, urban, and other natural and human modified ecosystems. We will analyze environmental degradation and the application of ecological principles to conservation efforts. In addition, students will gain practical experience in the identification of tropical flora (native tree species). The course will include lectures, group discussions, field study, and guest presentations. No prerequisite. HSU Credit: Biology 180.

Introduction to Latin American Culture (3 cr.). The Latin American experience: History, geography, social structures and patterns, economics, and politics. Emphasis on practical knowledge of cultural traditions in Central America. No prerequisite. HSU Credit: Ethnic Studies [ES] 480.

*Elementary Conversational Spanish (3 cr.). An intensive introductory Spanish course for students with little or no previous experience. Emphasis is on oral practice of themes used in everyday activities in order to provide the skills needed to communicate effectively in various aspects of the host culture on a day-to-day basis. No prerequisite. HSU Credit: World Languages and Cultures [WLC] 120.

*Intermediate Spanish (3 cr.). An intensive intermediate Spanish course for students who have recently completed at least one-year of college-level Spanish. Emphasis is on review of vocabulary and sentence structure, as well as oral practice. Prerequisite: One year of college Spanish, instructor approval required. HSU Credit: World Languages and Cultures [WLC] 120.

**Directed Study (1-3 cr.). Individual research/study project. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing (special approval required). HSU Credit: Natural Resource Planning & Interpretation [NRPI] 499.

NOTES:* Participants will enroll in one level of Spanish, depending on their experience level, unless they are advanced Spanish speakers.
**Optional substitute course, approval required.

Calendar

In order to facilitate immersion and allow participants to make the most of their time, the calendar is composed of a 'split-semester' design: Two consecutive sessions of approximately seven (7) weeks each. In order to assist participants with initial adjustment and enhance the immersion experience, intensive Spanish language and culture will be the primary focus of the first session, followed by sustainability and ecology.

Field study and volunteer work will take place during the entire semester. In addition to substantial time spent traveling in the region during field study and volunteer work time, participants will have significant personal time to spend with their host family, travel, or attend cultural events. This includes approximately ten weekends (including a long weekend), a five-day inter-session break, and a six-day spring break during holy week (April 3-8).

Location & Accommodations

The principal location of the program will be San Ramón, Costa Rica, where participants will live with Costa Rican families. For more details, see 'Living Accommodations'. When in town, classes will be held at the San Ramón Campus of the University of San José, which also provides other facilities and logistical support. When traveling elsewhere in the region, lodging is provided by field stations, hotels, community projects, or other appropriate facilities.

Faculty

Courses will be taught by regular program faculty. Additionally, specialists in the field will provide many guest lectures at different sites.

Program Fee

Participants pay a comprehensive fee for the semester (see costs) in the amount of $7,000 USD. The fee includes almost all in-country expenses associated with the program, including the following:

•  Homestay costs while in San Ramón (lodging & three meals per day).
•  Fifteen (15) credits of academic credit from Humboldt State University, an accredited U.S. university (extra cost for additional credits).
•  All in-country travel and lodging associated with field study.
•  All field site entrance fees.
•  Most field study and service-learning food costs.
•  Printed course materials for all courses.
•  Use of the facilities of the University of San José in San Ramón.
•  Various other group activities.

International airfare and any costs associated with required health insurance are in addition to the program fee. Personal expenses for such things as souvenirs, required personal items, some food during program travel, and any non-program travel are also not included. By comparison, the average U.S. or European student could easily spend that much or more over the same four-month period in housing, utilities, tuition, food, travel, and other living expenses. Scholarship money is available from other organizations that specialize in funding study abroad, and most financial aid can be applied to offset program fees.