International Capstone: Costa Rica
Deadline extended to April 17th. Apply today!
Term: Summer
Travel Dates: August 26 – Sept. 12, 2013
Credits: 6
Faculty: Jenna Padbury
This capstone provides an opportunity to learn about Costa Rica and immerse yourself in the culture. The course includes a 2 ½ week service-learning experience in the city of Turrialba, Costa Rica. In Turrialba, you will conduct daily service in a community-based setting such as a orphanages, social service agencies, or organic farms. Evenings will be spent studying Spanish and learning about social, political, economic and environmental issues in Costa Rica. Educational field trips to other parts of Costa Rica will be scheduled during the weekends.
Students will serve at their service-learning sites from approximately 8 am-1:30 pm each weekday during our time in Costa Rica. Service site groups are formed in advance of the trip and generally consist of 2-4 students per site with a strong Spanish speaker in each group. The nature of the service varies from site to site. For example, some students engage in organic farming activities, some students teach English in public school settings, and some students care for children (play/tutoring activities) at a public orphanage. Sites may change slightly from year to year. Through participation in direct contact with Costa Rican nationals through their service sites, homestays, language lessons, and guest speakers, you will:
- deepen your understanding of Costa Rican culture, history, and current affairs (communication, critical thinking)
- enhance your appreciation for human diversity through travel and service in a cross-cultural setting (diversity)
- explore concepts of international development (critical thinking)
- examine the ethical dimensions of tourism and service in a cross-cultural setting (social and ethical responsibility)
Draft Itinerary
- This program will include three pre-departure course meetings on the PSU Portland Campus this spring term. They will be from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on the 14th, 21st, and 28th of May, 2013.
- International Component: August 26 – Sept. 12, 2013
Informational Sessions:
Want to learn more about this program? Join us at one of the listed informational sessions offered in East Hall (EH) room 331:
- NEW – Tuesday, February 26 – 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Program Focus
Course information:
Participants will meet in the classroom for 3 pre-trip sesions during Spring Term Pre-trip sessions are requred and include introductions, initial reading and reflection about Costa Rica and cross-cultural experiences.
* UNST 421: Costa Rica Capstone – 6 credits
Program costs:
| Credit Option | Program Fees & Tuition | Additional Estimated Costs | Total Program Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total 6 credits | $3,200 – $3,700 | $1,600 | $4,800 – $5,300 |
Program Duration
Relevant Academic Disciplines
Community Development, Culture, Foreign Languages, Service Learning
Program Provider
Pre-Requisites
- Junior or senior standing at the time of the program
- GPA 2.75
- 2 years Spanish language skills are preferred.
Language Skill: 2 years college level