A memorable and unique learning experience in a Latin American environment.
During this 6-week summer program, students experience the natural splendor and exciting culture of Costa Rica, a stable, safe, and democratic country located in Central America. The home base is San Luis, near the famed cloud forests of Monteverde. The program includes several local field trips plus a 1-week excursion to more distant parts of Costa Rica. The summer 2023 program dates are June 1-July 16.
Summer 2023 Coursework
Students will take both courses with the following instructors and earn two Hendrix course credits. Each course is designed for any student of any major to take. The class experience will consist of traditional classroom lectures, field excursions, and community interaction.
Dr. Carmen Merrick, Psychology
In this course we will examine the ways in which
well-being is impacted by interaction with the
natural world and the reciprocal relationship
between humans and their environment, with a
focus on wellbeing and conservation. We will
learn about psychological and physical
mechanisms of wellbeing and how wellbeing is
impacted by interaction with nature. We will
engage actively with nature and examine our
experiences in terms of the theories covered in the
course.
Dr. J.D. Gantz, Biology and Health Sciences (focus on scientific writing)
This course will look at the physiological
adaptations that allow plants and animals to carve
out specialized niches in the tropics. Additionally,
it will explore the underlying evolutionary
pressures that drive these adaptations, and
examine the repercussions of human influence in
an ecosystem where life is pushed to its limits.
Students will also hone skills for scientific
communication to broad audiences by writing
"popular science" articles about life in the tropics.
This assignment will include multiple rounds of
revision focused on clarity of communication,
finding the right level for the audience, and
scientific accuracy
Language Skills
Courses are taught in English; no prior knowledge of Spanish is needed.
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
Participation fee (paid to Murphy): $600*
Round-trip airfare & checked baggage (purchased by each participant):
approx. $700-$900
Pocket money (for meals in transit, souvenirs,
etc.)
*This fee, plus support from the Hendrix-Murphy
Foundation, covers tuition, lodging, most meals,
and field trips for the entire six weeks for approximately 12 student participants.
Financial Aid
Federal aid may apply. Students are encouraged to verify their situation through the Hendrix
Financial Aid Office.
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation has a small discretionary fund to help students in financial need meet the out-of-pocket expenses for summer programs (typically up to $500). As a rule of thumb, if you are Pell eligible you may qualify for this assistance. Please contact Hope Coulter at the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation after you are selected for the program.
Lodging/Meals
Students will have access to shared cabinas, a dining hall, and a classroom at the Casitas de Montaña Cabuya, a privately owned facility.
The closest town, Santa Elena, is 20 minutes away, and has grocery stores, restaurants, and a pharmacy.
Academic Calendar
Dates for Summer 2023: June 1-July 16
Faculty Contacts
- Dr. Gantz: gantz@hendrix.edu
- Dr. Merrick: merrick@hendrix.edu