IFSA - January in Costa Rica

You'll bask in near 80-degree days as you explore Heredia, ecological sites, national parks, beautiful beaches, and nearby hiking trails. Your three-week Ecology and Sustainable Development class, perfect to fulfill an elective or science requirement, will build your understanding of the recovery, preservation, and protection of the environment. With activities included, your stay in Costa Rica will be even more valuable and memorable.

• Great location to immerse yourself in the local culture, and if you have a background in Spanish, practice your language skills.
• The three-week Ecology and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica class is a perfect elective or can be used to fulfill a major requirement, and you will earn 3 U.S. semester credit hours.
• Take your learning into the field and explore the tropics first-hand, engaging with scientists, park rangers, small business owners, and community activists passionate about sustainability.
• All activities, including meals and transportation, are included in the program fee. 

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

To make the most of your three weeks in Costa Rica, IFSA takes your learning outside the classroom with multiple co-curricular activities each week – to introduce you to an incredible, biodiverse landscape and the locals who are committed to protecting it. These experiences may include:

• A day trip to Irazú volcano and a nearby coffee plantation.
• Hiking in national parks and discussion of Costa Rica’s national park system and management.
• A day trip to Sarapiqui to participate in a native tree reforestation project.
• A visit to a sustainable chocolate farm and processing plant.
• A meeting with owners of environmentally friendly hotels to discuss eco-tourism.
• All activities, including meals and transportation, are included in the program fee. 

ECOLOGY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN COSTA RICA

Exploring environmental conditions in Costa Rica through practical field experiences, this course addresses the importance and challenges of ecological recovery, preservation, and protection. Using interdisciplinary approaches, students will confront the task of society to raise awareness for conserving natural resources long-term in Costa Rica and globally. Students will also expand theoretical concepts of ecology and its history in Costa Rica by examining the socio-economic and political relationships that promote—or sometimes prevent—sustainable goods and services such as ecotourism, development, and conservation research. (3 U.S. semester credit hours)

REQUIREMENTS

GPA: 2.0 minimum

LANGUAGE: No Spanish Required

Application Procedure:

STEP 1: Investigate Programs

Use the Program Finder to explore the more than 100 IFSA study abroad program options. For guidance selecting the best program for you, call 800.858.0229 or schedule a 15-minute consultation with our Engagement Specialist.

STEP 2: Apply to Study Abroad with a Specific Program

When you find the right program, select Apply Now. You will create an account in the IFSA Student Portal, following the instructions to provide additional information as requested. Based on the program you choose, you will have a dedicated IFSA Program Advisor to help you through the application process. The application wizard will populate with items that you can get started on right away.

STEP 3: Complete Application Items

Be sure to complete all of the application items no later than your program’s deadline. Your home university may have internal deadlines as well, so be sure to check with the study abroad office.

STEP 4: Submit Your Application

Once all application items in the portal are complete, your IFSA Program Advisor will process your application and let you know about how long an admissions decision will take.

Every application will require the following:

• An official transcript for all college and university work you have completed to date.
• A passport valid for six months after your program end date.
• Program approval from your home university.
• Additional items based on the program you choose.
• Some programs may require an academic recommendation from a professor.