
Give back to your host community in an experience that combines meaningful service learning placement with academic reflection in a structured environment. Gain hands-on experience with a focus on sustainability studies in the rural community of Pejibaye in Cartago Province.
This summer program is designed for students at the low-intermediate Spanish level language and above. If you need to brush up on your Spanish, or want to further your language skills, courses are available in the month prior to your service learning placement.
During your service learning placement, real-life experiences follow the principles of both service learning and sustainable development. You'll work alongside rural communities—developing an understanding of local environmental challenges—while exploring and reflecting on course content.
The course’s real-life experiences go beyond traditional volunteering by integrating interaction within local and disadvantaged communities; service in public or non-profit, non-governmental organizations; first-hand assessment of community needs, expectations, and strengths; exploring and reflecting on course content; and providing concrete service, ranging from hands-on tasks to strategic advice. You'll also attend group class sessions (taught in English) inside beautiful La Marta Wildlife Refuge, where you'll analyze your experiences, gaining insight and a critical perspective through reflection.
San Jose
7/1/17 - 8/5/17
$4,995
8
Closed
5/1/17
High School Graduate
Low Intermediate And Above
2.5
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sustainable Development in Rural Areas | 300 | En | 80 | 5 |
Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|
Exploring Costa Rica, its Culture and Language * | 300 | En, Sp | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in San José. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
Date | Description |
---|---|
July 01
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. |
July 02
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation, City Tour & Welcome Lunch. |
July 03
|
Orientation
ULACIT Orientation and campus tour. |
July 04
|
Classes Begin
Classes Start (ULACIT Campus). Introduction to Service Learning and Practice Session on Service Learning |
July 05
|
Classes Begin
Introduction to Latin American Culture & Intercultural Communication Course |
July 06
|
Transfer
Departure to Pejibaye, Cartago - La Marta Wildlife Refuge. Welcome Session to meet host families. Historic-Natural Tour of La Marta Wildlife Refuge |
July 07
|
Orientation
Visit to local centers in the community of Pejibaye. Students choose projects |
July 10
|
Classes Begin
Community Work Starts. Serving at local centers |
July 10
|
Classes Begin
Classes Start at La Marta Wildlife Refuge - Latin American Culture & Intercultural Communication Course |
July 14 - 16
|
Excursion
Excursion to Monteverde. Includes: lodging, transportation, breakfast, hanging bridges & night walk |
August 04
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes and work in the community |
August 05
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. |
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.