LAS WINTER QUARTER 2007 STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM in COSTA RICA!

Courses | Activities & Adventure | Eligibility | Application | Financial Aid | Program Staff | Costs & Payment | Travel

Applications no longer accepted for 2007.

During Winter Quarter 2007 the UW Latin American Studies Program will offer an exciting study abroad program in Costa Rica. This Quarter-long program in Costa Rica will be run in collaboration with the Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) Program. The program is open to students from all areas of study, but is particularly suited to LAS and CHID students, and will offer them the chance to earn UW credits toward their specific UW degree requirements while improving their language skills, pursuing experiential learning opportunities (internships), and getting first-hand experience in one of the hemisphere’s most important geographic, demographic and political crossroads.

The program is divided into three core components: 2 courses and a 3rd option of language study, independent study, or an internship with a local organization. The two core courses are specifically designed to offer Latin American Studies students the opportunity to fulfill major requirements (History, Interdisciplinary Seminar and language requirements). These courses will simultaneously cater to the needs and interests of CHID and other students by exploring the comparative history, politics and identity of Costa Rica and its Central American neighbors.

Students in the program maintain their UW residency and any financial aid eligibility already established. Credits earned are recorded on students' UW transcripts and apply directly to UW graduation requirements. Housing, board and transportation for students will be arranged at both study and excursion sites, and with homestay families in Costa Rica for select portions of the program.

Courses

*Students will be required to participate in a 2-credit ungraded seminar to discuss and reflect on the social and academic study abroad experience during Autunm 2005 in preparation for the Costa Rica program.

SISLA 490: Special Topics: Central American History (5 cr.)
Central America is comprised of eight countries with very different histories especially in the post-colonial area. The course analyzes the most important periods of Central American history and attempts to circumvent deceptive over-generalizations about a complex region and provide historical perspective on issues of special interest to North American students. It will stress the importance of international relations in the founding and development of Central American Republics, and provides some insights to the major challenges facing the region at the threshold of the 21st century. Country focus on Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Fulfills SISLA History requirement.

SISLA 492: Seminar in Comparative Migration & Development(5 cr.)
Costa Rica has enjoyed considerable developmental success despite its small size and agricultural economy. The country’s social, political, and environmental achievements are cited as models throughout Latin America. This course exposes students to the issues of comparative issues of politics, identity and sustainable economic and social development. Through case studies, field trips and guest lectures students will get to understand first-hand the developmental experience of Costa Rica, particularly looking at issues of culture and identity as they pertain to immigration and magrants in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. This course compares the Nicaragua-Costa Rica case to that of the US and Mexico. Fulfills SISLA “Interdisciplinary Seminar” requirement. Students may also choose to complete senior papers, projects or thesis in or in conjunction with this course.

SISLA 470 (Internship) or 499 (Independent Study) or Intensive Spanish Language Study (2-5 cr.)
Students will have the option to pursue one of the following: an internship with a local organization, independent study supervised by program staff, or individualized intensive Spanish language study. Internships will be coordinated by program staff based on student interest. Spanish study will be offered through a local language institute. Students may choose more than one option.

Activities & Adventure

Costa Rica is a country of impressive scenic beauty, stunning geography and is considered one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. Costa Rica boasts 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves, and a wealth of other protected areas. The country’s consolidated system of protected areas offers visitors untold options for adventure.

During this program, students will have the chance to explore Costa Rica and take advantage – in both recreational and academic settings – of the unique adventure and learning opportunities. Required and optional activities and field trips will be designed based on student interests, and may include:

• Horse-back riding trips through pristine cloud forest to view and learn about some of the country’s magnificent wildlife.
• Hiking Chirripo, Costa Rica’s highest mountain, where students pass through over 6 different climatic zones and arrive at the peak with view of both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• A visit to Volcan Arenal, one of the world’s most active and heavily studied volcanoes, with daily eruptions and options to witness geothermal activity up close.
• Visiting the remote Bribri reserve, home to one of few surviving indigenous populations in Costa Rica, to learn about indigenous life, culture and history.
• An overnight trip to a coastal turtle refuge where students will work to help study and protect endangered sea turtles.
• Flying through the rainforest canopy on zip lines, learning from expert guides about the tensions between environmental protection and economic development in Costa Rica.
• River rafting through rain forest, sailing and snorkeling the coastal waters, working on local projects in indigenous communities, and much more!
• Visiting a unique sloth and exotic animal rehabilitation center to learn about threatened species and conservation efforts.

Eligibility

Any UW student who has successfully completed 1st-year Spanish at the UW is eligible (comparable education/experience accepted). Admission will be granted strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. The program is popular and fills up early, so please apply early to guarantee a spot in the program, and once accepted, pay your deposit as soon as you are able. Enrollment limited to 25 students.

Application Information & Deadlines

You may apply online or download and print an application, or pick one up in person from the CHID (Padelford B-102) program office.

• May 1: Students applying (and paying their deposits at IP&E) by this date will have first priority, but cannot be guaranteed admission. It would be wise to check with the CHID Office before this to see what space is available.
• May 15: Students applying (and paying their deposits at IP&E) by this date will have secondary consideration, providing space is available in the program.
• After May 13: Students applying between May 15 and Sept. 15 will be admitted on a space available basis.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for eligible students. Participants who are on financial aid should contact a fiscal specialist in the Office of International Programs and Exchanges (543-9727), for help in arranging a Revision Request from Financial Aid.

Program Staff

Program Director Max Savishinsky is Assistant Director for Latin American Studies at the University of Washington. He has years of experience living, working and traveling in Latin America and leading study abroad trips in Costa Rica.

Further questions about the program can be answered by emailing Theron Stevenson, CHID International Program Coordinator, B-102 Padelford, or lasuw@u.washington.edu. The program will include courses and excursions led by local Costa Rican academics and experts.

Program Costs & Payment

The Costa Rica program fee for 2007 expected to be $3,750. The program fee will cover full-time UW tuition, program costs, all housing, 2 meals per day, and transportation and overnight accommodations for numerous field trips, events and activities. A $300 deposit, applied to the program fee, will be assessed to the student’s tuition account one week after the student is notified of acceptance to the program. The program fee does not cover: $200 UW Concurrent Enrollment fee, airfare, insurance or personal travel and expenses.

LAS and CHID reserve the right to change the program fee based upon dollar devaluation or severe inflation. If such a change occurs, students will be notified of the increase and options will be provided to the student. All fees are now charged to students’ accounts, and paid the same way as tuition.

Payment Schedule for 2007 (tentative)

$300 Deposit Charged upon acceptance
$500 Charged November 10
$2,900 Charged in 1st week of class
$3,700 Total (expected)

Refund: The $300 deposit is non-refundable. Students withdrawing from the program 60 days prior to the start of the program will be refunded the remainder of the program payments. Students withdrawing from the program during the final 60 days before the start of the program are responsible for their portion of any unrecoverable payments. There is no possible refund after the start of the program. Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to both CHID, LAS, and the Office of International Programs and Exchanges.

For estimated UW on-campus costs visit
http://www.washington.edu/students/uga/fr/money/budget.htm
http://www.washington.edu/students/osfa/defining.html
*Not living at home

Travel

Program dates are January 7-March 8, 2007. Program participants will be responsible for arranging their own flights to and from Costa Rica, and meet in San Jose at the start of the program. Details for all travel within Costa Rica will be arranged by program staff.