A memorable and unique learning experience in a Latin American environment.
The 6-week summer Costa Rica program is led by Hendrix professors and offered every other summer. Students experience the natural splendor and are exposed to the exciting culture of Costa Rica, which is a stable, safe, and democratic country located in Central America.
The goal of this program is to provide students an academically vigorous study opportunity in a Latin American country.
SUMMER 2018
Coursework
Each student will take two of the following three courses:
HIST 430: Topics in Global History--East Asia and Latin
America (HP)
Description: This course examines cultural, economic, human,
and biological exchanges between East Asia (China, Korea, and Japan) and Latin
America, with a focus on Costa Rica, over the past five centuries. Special
topics of exploration include early globalization and the connection of these
regions through commodity exchange networks, push and pull factors in East
Asian immigration to Latin America in the 19th and 20th centuries, issues of
identity and nationalism involving East Asians in Latin America, significant
biological exchanges (invasive species, diseases, etc.) and their human and
environmental consequences, and recent relations between the two regions in the
context of global capitalism.
Instructor: Dr. Michael Sprunger, Associate Professor of History
BIOL 106: Neotropical
Biology (NS-L)
Description: An introduction to the diversity, structure,
function, and history of tropical ecosystems. This course is a combination of
time in the classroom and lots of time in the forests and other habitats
present within a short distance of the campus in Costa Rica. The lab is a mix
of observations and experiments intended to immerse students in the tropical
ecosystems so that they experience the concepts discussed in class. Our
journeys into nature will vary in time and include some mornings (to observe
how organisms start the daylight portion of the day and to view the incredible
diversity and beauty of the birds), many afternoons (when we will conduct
experiments and make observations), and some evenings/nights (to see which
organisms are active at night and the strategies they use to obtain food and
avoid being food). By the end of our six weeks, students will have a deep
appreciation for and a sound understanding of the geologic history and
modern-day geology and climate of Costa Rica, the evolutionary history of many
of the animals and plants, and the diversity and ecological roles of the
various organisms we encounter.
Instructor: Dr.
George Harper, Associate Professor of Biology
MUSI 280: Classical,
Folk, and Popular Music in Costa Rica (EA)
Description: This course will examine the
influence of folk music traditions on the popular and classical music of Costa
Rica in the 20th and 21st centuries, while framing those genres within the
broader Central American musical landscape. Through readings, listening, discussions,
and hands-on music making experiences, students will gain an understanding of Costa
Rican musical styles and the historical factors that have affected their
development. Moreover, students will consider the many ways that traditional
music helps to shape cultural practices over time and across geographical
regions.
Instructor: Dr. Andrew Morgan, Assistant Professor of
Music
Courses are taught in English.
Grades/Credits
As these are Hendrix courses, grades will appear on the student’s transcript and DO figure into the cumulative GPA. Students can also receive Global Awareness (GA) Odyssey credit.
Cost
The estimated cost for the 2017 program is $5,950, plus the cost of airfare. Program charges include meals and lodging in Costa Rica, health and travel insurance, and field trips to national parks and places of cultural interest.
Financial Aid
Federal aid may apply. Students are encouraged to verify their situation through the Hendrix
Financial Aid Office.
Lodging/Meals
You will be housed with other students and faculty at the Ecolodge San Luis (owned and operated by the University of Georgia) in the heart of the beautiful Tilarán mountain range, minutes from the cloud forest and a few hours from the beach. The cabins are relatively new, and include bunk-style rooms with indoor bathrooms and hot showers. The average temperature is 70° F.
The Ecolodge has a full-serve kitchen, where local women and men prepare three hearty meals a day, much of which comes from locally grown food. The meals are vegetarian and vegan friendly.
The closest town, Santa Elena, is 20 minutes away, and has grocery stores, restaurants, and a pharmacy.
Academic Calendar
Dates for 2018 Summer Semester:
June 3-July 16
For More Information