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.
THIS PROGRAM WILL NOT BE OFFERED FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR.
It will be offered for the Summer 2017.
Coursework
Each student will take two of the following three courses:
A Comparative Animal Behavior in the Tropics: PSYCH 150 (SB) [GA] (NS-L tentative)
An introduction to the diversity of animal species and the adaptive value of animal behavior in tropical environments, with a focus on how humans and other animals, particularly primates, are equipped for sociality. Observation, hands-on research, and classroom discussion address how animals in the tropics face various adaptive problems, like finding food, finding mates, caring for offspring, avoiding predators, living with friends, family and enemies, and interacting with humans.
Nature, Culture, and Ecotourism (SOCI 235) (SB)
This course focuses on how understandings of nature are shaped by culture, and takes advantage of the location in Costa Rica to explore how nature and culture are brought together models of ecotourism and visions of sustainable development. The course also explores dilemmas of social change connected with globalization. Students learn by participating in many opportunities for on-site sociological research, engaging with theoretical and ethnographic texts, and developing a comparative cross-cultural perspective. Students are invited to deepen their sociological understanding of their own relationship to nature regardless of where they are located.
Topics in Public Policy: Public Lands and Sustainability (POLI 365) (SB)
The evolution, form, and substance of international, federal, state, and local policies and programs that address challenges within a public policy arena. Students gain an understanding of the evolution of public policy and management, the policy process, organizational structure and function within the U.S. federal system of government, the role of various interests within the public arena, and alternatives for addressing current and future problems.
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 2015 program is $6,000, 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 2017 Summer Semester TBA.
For More Information