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Earth Education International
Semester Abroad Program
Jan. 26-May 8, 2009*

Please fill out the online mailing list form for future offerings of this program.

Program Prerequisites

• Successful completion of 15 semester units at an accredited college or university.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4-point scale.
• Personal qualities that will facilitate a safe and positive experience.
• Recommended (not required): Prior Spanish language study and/or other appropriate experience, and successful completion of an introductory environmental studies course.

Academics & Coursework

This program provides numerous in-depth, hands-on learning experiences. Because the curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature, and no Spanish is required, the program is suitable for all majors. Fifteen (15) units are provided through Humboldt State University.

The program includes the courses listed below. All participants will enroll in the first four courses (12 units), and select from the appropriate Spanish course (unless they are advanced Spanish speakers).

• Sustainable Foundations and Futures (3 units) and
  
• Applied Sustainability and Service-Learning (3 units) and
  
• Tropical Ecosystems and Conservation (3 units) and
  
• Costa Rica Culture Immersion (3 units) and
  
• Elementary Conversational Spanish (3 units) OR
  
• Intermediate Spanish (3 units)

Field Study & Volunteer Work

In addition to time spent in the classroom in San Ramón, field study will include:

• Approximately eight day-long field trips (e.g., sustainable businesses, renewable energy projects, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, private reserves).
• One week of volunteer service-learning work at selected locations in Costa Rica (e.g., nesting sea turtles or biological field station work in a rain forest).
• Two multiple-day excursions elsewhere in Costa Rica (e.g., Arenal National Park/volcano and a biological field station).
• A one-week field excursion in Southwestern Nicaragua including field study, cultural events and volunteer work (e.g., Managua, Masaya, Granada).

Program Fee

Participants pay a comprehensive fee for the semester in the amount of $7,800.
The fee includes almost all in-country expenses associated with the program, including:

• Fifteen units of academic credit from Humboldt State University
• All field site entrance fees, and almost all field study and service-learning food costs.
• Homestay costs while in San Ramón (lodging, three meals per day).
• Use of the facilities of the University of San José in San Ramón.
• All in-country travel and lodging associated with field study.
• Required health insurance ($100 deductible)
• Various other group activities.

For more information

See Earth Education International website for more detailed information on the Spring program and application information.

E-mail Earth Education International for further information.

Application deadline:
October 17, 2008
(or until program is full)