A memorable and unique learning experience in a Latin American environment.
During this 6-week Hendrix - Murphy Foundation 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 an immersive home-stay experience with local families, serval local field trips, plus a one-week excursion to more distant parts of Costa Rica. The program is expected to run from early June to mid-July 2025.
Summer 2025 Coursework
In addition to non-credit Spanish-language instruction offered by local instructors, students will take the following Hendrix course. The course is designed for any student of any major to take. The learning experience will consist of traditional classroom lectures, field excursions, and community interaction.
LBST 205 Conservation Science in Costa Rica
Co-taught by Dr. J.D. Gantz, Biology, and Dr. Carmen Merrick, Psychology
This course will examine the intersection of tropical biology and conservation psychology in Costa Rica. Students will also learn from local experts, practitioners, and citizens about the conservation efforts in their communities. Additionally, students will hone their skills for scientific communication to broad audiences by writing "popular science" articles about conservation 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
Students who successfully complete this course will receive one Hendrix credit. Upon completion of the standard Odyssey requirements, students will also receive an Odyssey Global Awareness (GA) credit. As this Hendrix courses, the grade will appear on the student’s transcript and DOES figure into the cumulative GPA.
Cost
- Participation fee: $1,000
- Round-trip airfare & checked baggage :
approx. $1,200
- Travel to/from the U.S. airport
- Passport costs
- Pocket money
The participation fee, plus support from the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation, covers tuition, lodging, most meals, and field trips for 12 participants for the entire 6 weeks.
The Hendrix-Murphy Foundation has a small discretionary fund to help students with demonstrated financial need meet the expected costs of Summer Language Programs. As a rule of thumb, if you are Pell-grant eligible you may qualify for this assistance. To request assistance, please contact Sarah Engeler-Young at the Hendrix-Murphy Foundation after you are selected for the program.
Financial Aid
Federal aid may apply. Students are encouraged to verify their situation through the Hendrix
Financial Aid Office.
Lodging/Meals
Students will have shared cabinas, a dining hall, and a classroom at the Casitas de Montaña Cabuya, a privately owned facility. For a portion of the trip (approx. 1-2 weeks), students will reside with local host families, coordinated by the San Luis Development Association.
The closest town, Santa Elena, is 20 minutes away, and has grocery stores, restaurants, and a pharmacy.
Faculty Contacts
- Dr. Gantz: gantz@hendrix.edu
- Dr. Merrick: merrick@hendrix.edu