Program Description	Academic Program	Culture Program	Itinerary	Eligibility
Cost	Financial Aid	Do I need a Visa?	Application	Contact

Program Description

Students will take classes at the Veritas University, in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, where they will learn Spanish specific to health sciences as well as gain practical knowledge of healthcare in Central America. Students will also participate in direct interaction with the Costa Rican people and excursions to the naturally beautiful and culturally rich areas of Costa Rica.

Known as a natural paradise, Costa Rica is home to dramatic landscapes that include rainforest and active volcanoes. Its beauty is preserved intentionally by the Costa Rican government, with 20% of the country made up of forest reserves, home to thousands of bird, plant, and mammal species. Costa Rica also has a consistently pleasant climate with spring-like temperatures and weather year round. The Costa Rican people are known for their relaxed and friendly attitudes.

Academic Program

In Costa Rica, all students will take (available on 200, 300, 400, and 500 levels):

• 2 credit Field Studies course, which is an experiential course on Costa Rican culture.
• SPN 193, 293, 393 Spanish for Healthcare Professions (4 credits) Taught at Veritas University. The level is determined by a placement test.
• MLA 493 Costa Rican Healthcare and Tropical Medicine (5 credits) An upper level course taught in English. Students are in class a total of 80 hours with Costa Rican health care practitioners. The course also includes a Health Day in which students interact with the community, clinic days, and field trips outside of the city.

Students are required to enroll in a 2 credit pre-trip course, SPN 293, 393, 493, 593, Costa Rica Today, in the 1st Summer Session. The Director grants exceptions to this requirement only in extreme circumstances.

Culture Program

Students will not only interact daily with the people of San Jose, but they will also participate in excursions to many of the famous cultural and historical sites of Costa Rica. Students will visit Cartago, the first capital of Costa Rica, Tortuga Island, the Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Water Falls Gardens, and the Limon Province. There is one weekend where students can travel independently, but can receive help in organizing their own travel.

Students live with Costa Rican host families. Students will have the opportunity to observe and participate in the daily life of a Costa Rican family. The family provides breakfast, dinner, and laundry service. The homes are within walking distance to the university and close to good public transportation to get around San José.

Itinerary

Thursday, July 5:

• Departure from Cleveland for San José

July 6-8, First Weekend:

• City Tour by Dr. Gingerich
• Orientation at Veritas University & Placement Test
• Excursions to Volcán Poas, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Tortuga Island

July 9-13: First week of Classes

• Intensive Spanish for the Health Professions, Monday-Friday
• Costa Rican Health Care and Tropical Medicine, Monday-Thursday

July 14-15, Second Weekend:

• Overnight Group Excursion to Limón, from Friday to Sunday evening

July 16-20: Week 2 of Classes July 21-22, Third Weekend:

• Free Weekend; Advice on Trips and Planning Available

July 23-27: Week 3 of Classes July 28-29, Fourth Weekend:

• Field Trip Planned for Costa Rican Health Care Class
• Advice and Help Planning Available for Day-Trips
• CSU’s Spanish Language and Culture Group Departs on Saturday

July 30-August 3: Final Week of Classes

• Final Week of Language Class
• Farewell Party

August 4-5, Fifth Weekend:

• Field Trip Planned for Costa Rican Health Care Class
• Advice and Help Planning Available for Day-Trips

August 6-10: fifth week of classes

• Final Week Costa Rican Health Care

Saturday, August 11:

• Return Flight from San José to Cleveland

Eligibility

Applicants must have completed one year of college-level Spanish or equivalent. Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.0; minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0.

At the time of application, the applicant must have completed two semesters at CSU if a first year student, and one semester if a transfer or graduate student. Students from other universities may be accepted to the program as a CSU transient student. Must also have no financial holds on their Treasury Services account and have no infractions of the Student Code of Conduct. All applications must be approved by the Program Director and the Study Abroad office.

Cost

The program cost is $4200.

The cost includes roundtrip airfare, lodging, two meals a day, group transportation and excursions, an International Student Identity Card and 9 cr. of Veritas courses.

The cost does not include tuition for the required 4 crs. of CSU courses and may change due to increases in airfare and/or the exchange rate.

Students should budget about $400 for lunches, meals on Sundays, and other traveling incidentals.

Financial Aid

Students may use summer financial aid to pay for the program cost. Summer financial aid is made up of financial aid not used from the previous fall and spring terms. Students will need to talk to Campus 411 in order to access their summer financial aid.

Two scholarships are available to students on short term programs. Eligible students can apply for the CISP Study Abroad Scholarship and the ODAMA Study Abroad Scholarship (click on the links to go to the eligibility requirements for each scholarship as well as the application form). Deadlines for both are in March.

Scholarships

Two scholarships are available to students on short term programs. Eligible students can apply for the CISP Education Abroad Scholarship and the ODAMA Education Abroad Scholarship (click on the links to go to the eligibility requirements for each scholarship as well as the application form).

Do I need a Visa?

If you are not a United States citizen (even if you are a Permanent Resident), you may need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Go to the Costa Rica Consulate website to find out if you need a short term tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. If you have any questions regarding visas, contact the Education Abroad Office.

Application

The program application and deposit slip is due no later than February 24, 2012 to confirm your participation. To make the program deposit of $200, take the Deposit Slip and your payment to the Cashier’s Desk in the First Floor of the Main Classroom. You will receive a receipt that you must turn in with your application.

Download the application.

Contact

Professor Gingerich of the Department of Modern Languages will accompany the group, teach Costa Rica Today and the Field Study, and oversee the program on behalf of CSU.

Stephen D Gingerich, PhD
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
s.gingerich@csuohio.edu
216-687-4677 Rhodes Tower 1628

Hannah Sandham
Education Abroad Coordinator
h.sandham@csuohio.edu
216-687-3910
Main Classroom Suite 106