College of DuPage | Costa Rica



Study Abroad Home Costa Rica Important Information Current Faculty Photo Journey Testimonials Apply Slideshow of previous trip
	Purpose The Liberal Arts Division and Field and Interdisciplinary Studies at College of DuPage (COD) in association with the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP) announce this year’s Summer Study Abroad, a five-week program in language and culture. The purpose of the program is to provide an integrated approach that combines intensive language study and cultural immersion through home stay and cultural excursions. This combination offers students an opportunity to study the Spanish language and acquire first-hand knowledge of the people and culture of Costa Rica. Costa Rica and San José Costa Rica has an area of only 19,575 square miles (roughly the size of West Virginia or Vermont and New Hampshire combined), but because it ranges in altitude from sea level to nearly 13,000 feet, it is a continent in miniature. There are rain forests, cloud forests, mangroves, jungles, deserts, volcanoes and beaches, more than 8,000 species of plants and upwards of 800 species of birds, more than in all of the U.S. and Canada combined. In a part of the world where rebellion, repression and extreme poverty seem to be endemic, Costa Rica stands out because of the absence of these social changes. It has traditionally been one of the most stable and democratic republics in Latin America. Having celebrated more than 100 years of free and democratic elections and over 50 years of having abolished its army, Costa Rica can be described as an orderly and friendly country with the highest standard of living in Central America, a good health care system and a literacy rate of more than 96 percent. San José, the capital, is the cultural center of the country, with many museums and theaters. Because it is situated at 3,800 feet above sea level, its one million inhabitants enjoy year-round daytime temperatures in the 70s. Admission Requirements The program is open to serious students, teachers and others who have a strong interest in immersing themselves in another culture. Applicants are required to obtain a physician's approval as part of the application process. There will be a personal interview to determine the applicant’s maturity, ability to adapt to a different environment, and to function successfully as a member of the group. The successful completion of the application process is required for admission to the program. College students must also present evidence of a 2.75 GPA. If an applicant has special needs, the program will attempt to make whatever reasonable accommodations are possible, but as in many developing countries, it may be difficult to travel in Costa Rica. Language Classes All students are required to enroll in a Spanish language class. Language classes will be held at Forester Instituto Internacional. They will meet from 8:15 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Classes will accommodate students at any level: Beginning I and II, Mid-level I and II and Advanced I and II. However, students who have already studied Spanish one year in college or two years in high school will benefit more from the program. In the language classes, conversation together with grammar is stressed in the small class setting. Prior to the beginning of classes, all students will be tested and placed at the appropriate level. Changes can be made if a student progresses at a faster rate or shows different learning needs. Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica All students are required to enroll in this class. The course of study covers the geography, history, political and social institutions and the art and architecture of Costa Rica. The first sessions will be held prior to departure at College of DuPage on Friday, May 21, 2010, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, May 22, 2010, from 8 a.m. to noon. In Costa Rica, the course will continue with guided cultural excursions to theaters, museums and other places of interest that are integral components of this class, and therefore, attendance is required. A short written report on each visit is also required. Faculty and Staff All language classes will be taught by faculty members at Forester Instituto Internacional. The Culture and Civilization of Costa Ricaclass will be team-taught in Spanish and English by College of DuPage faculty members who are directors of the program. The directors are available daily to counsel, supervise and assist students. Town Meetings Time will be set aside for the purpose of discussing interests, impressions and reactions to Costa Rican culture. Credits Upon successful completion of classes, students will receive credit as follows: Spanish 1101, 1102, 2201 or 2202 depending upon placement (Beginning, Mid-level or Advanced), four semester-credit hours, and History 1820 (Culture and Civilization of Costa Rica), three semester-credit hours. Students from other colleges which are not ICISP members are advised to clear all courses with their home school before enrolling in the program if they wish to receive academic credit. [top of page] Grades Instructors at Forester Instituto Internacional will assign the grade for the language class. The directors will assign the Culture and Civilization class grade. Grades will be submitted after return from Costa Rica. Forester Instituto Internacional Founded in 1979, the Institute provides instruction in Spanish in a warm, congenial atmosphere. It is located in a residential area on the east side of San José in a section called Los Yoses, a 20-minute walk from downtown. Its instructors are all native speakers with university degrees and experience in teaching Spanish as a second language. Housing and Meals Students will be housed in carefully selected Costa Rican homes in double occupancy rooms. They will be provided with breakfast and dinner and laundry service during the home stay period. This arrangement provides the opportunity for the student to continue practicing Spanish and to share the everyday life of the “ticos.” Families are chosen for their friendliness and helpfulness. Board in the families is good and food and water are sanitary and safe. Except in remote areas, the water in Costa Rica is drinkable. The homes are near transportation to class. A few may be within walking distance. Lunch is not provided but there are many excellent places to eat in Los Yoses, close to the location of Forester Instituto Internacional. Activities, Field Trips and Excursions Activities specified in the program schedule are included in the price of the program. Out-of-pocket expenses are indicated on the daily calendar by the symbol “$.” Program Cost The total fee will be $3,049, plus tuition. Many types of financial aid can be applied to study abroad. For information on aid available to College of DuPage students, contact the Field and Interdisciplinary Studies office, (630-942-2356); or the Financial Aid office, (630-942-2304). The program fee includes: Round-trip airfare from Chicago Hotel accommodations on included excursions Double occupancy home stay Breakfast and dinner during home stay Application fee Full-time administrative staff Transfers to and from the airport in San José Admissions and excursions listed as included in the cost of the program Textbooks for the language classes at Forester Not included in the program fee: College of DuPage tuiton for seven credits Passport fees (approximately $90) Visa fees (only if not a U.S. citizen) International Student Identification Card (approximately $22) Optional excursions Personal expenses Telephone calls Lunches and other meals while not in home stay Costa Rican departure tax (approximately $27) Checked baggage (1st/$15 2nd/$25) Optional excursions Information will be provided on a variety of optional excursions that are not included in the price of the program. Approximate prices for some typical excursions: Rain Forest Aerial Tram ($85) Island Cruise ($100) 2-Day Monteverde Cloud Forest ($150) 2-Day Tortuguero National Park ($200) Five Steps to Study Abroad: Step 1: APPLY Fill out the Application Packet and send it to: Costa Rica Study Abroad Program Field and Interdisciplinary Studies College of DuPage 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599 Step 2: INTERVIEW Upon receipt of the 2010 Costa Rica Summer Study Abroad completed application packet, the applicant will be contacted to schedule a 30-minute interview with the program directors. The application packet includes: Application form Essay Two recommendation forms Two passport photos (signed on the back) Housing preferences form Official transcript (non-COD students only) Step 3: REGISTER If accepted into the program, go to the Registration office at College of DuPage or call (630) 942-2377). Do NOT use the automated way of registering. You must speak to a person. Ask to register for the Costa Rica Study Abroad Program. Contact the Field Studies' office for correct course codes. Please note: Non-COD students must also complete the *COD Admission Form* and submit it at time of registration with the $20 application fee. Step 4: PAY After you have registered, pay your $500 deposit through the Cashier’s office. You may pay by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Make check payable to College of DuPage. Write on check: Costa Rica Study Abroad Program, your phone number, and if somebody else will sign the check, include your name. Mail or take the check to: Cashier’s Office, College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137-6599 Questions regarding payment should be directed to the Cashier’s office, (630) 942-2206. Step 5: SUBMIT FINAL PAPERWORK Upon acceptance into the program, students will receive and be required to submit the following: Signed statement regarding the use of Spanish Signed student conduct agreement Signed general agreement Signed sexual harassment form Release agreement Physician’s statement Proof of medical insurance (photocopy) that is valid outside the United States Emergency info sheet Medical insurance info sheet Travel insurance waiver Registration for classes is separate from registration for the program. You will be registered for classes at a later date. [top of page] Remaining Payments Make all payments directly to the Cashier’s office following the directions above. It is very important that your payments arrive on time and that you pay exactly the correct amount each time. First payment: $850, Due March 1, 2010 Second payment: $850, Due April 1, 2010 Third payment: $849, Due Mayl 1, 2010 Late Payments Participants who fall behind in their payments by more than one week will be assessed $15 for each late payment. Late Applicants We welcome students beyond the application deadline if space is available. However, additional charges may apply. Students enrolling late must pay the application fee and the total amount due up to that point when they apply. Changes in Prices The program fees are based on air and land rates in effect at the time of writing (July 2009) and are subject to change without notice, due to possible increases in the cost of air transportation or land arrangements, devaluation of currencies or other reasons not under the control of College of DuPage. Withdrawals and Refund Policy Notification of withdrawal must be in writing. Claims for refunds must be in writing. The $500 application fee is non-refundable unless the applicant is not accepted into the program. If a participant’s withdrawal request is received more than 60 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a full refund, less $250. If he/she withdraws fewer than 60 days prior to departure, he/she will receive a partial refund, but the amount withheld will be at least $620 and may be considerably more. No refunds after 30 days prior to departure. Due to special contracts and conditions, no refunds will be given under any circumstances for unused meals, accommodations, land transportation or other activities once the trip has begun. Substitutions are not allowed. We recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation Insurance. Other Information International Student ID Card All participants will be required to obtain an International Student ID card (approximate cost $22). Basic emergency medical insurance is provided and occasionally bearers are entitled to discounts. College of DuPage will provide application forms. Transportation Air transportation is provided by regularly scheduled and approved airlines. No changes or deviations in itinerary/schedule are allowed. All participants must travel together as a group to and from Costa Rica, departing from and returning to Chicago. Trip extensions are not allowed. Tickets The directors will have participants’ tickets. Passport Each participant must have a valid passport that does not expire for at least six months form the anticipated return date to the U.S. Participants are responsible for obtaining their own passports. To obtain a passport, one can apply at the nearest central post office in your own town. Passports must be applied for as soon as a participant is accepted into the program. http://travel.state.gov/passport/ Visa U.S. citizens do not need a visa to travel to Costa Rica. Only participants who are not U.S. citizens may need one. Be sure to let us know at the time of application if you are not a U.S. citizen. Immunizations No special immunizations are required for travel to Costa Rica. However, whether traveling or staying at home, it is wise to have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation (no more than 10 years before return to U.S.) Each participant should check with her/his personal physician for additional confirmation or suggestions regarding personal health needs. Insurance All participants in the program will have basic emergency medical insurance through the required International Student ID Card. However, in case of any major occurrence, this would not be sufficient. Therefore, all participants are required to have additional medical insurance, which is valid outside the United States and to show proof of such insurance. Insurance can also be purchased to provide protection against cancellations and lost or damaged baggage. We suggest trip or cancellation insurance to cover the cost of the program if you must cancel or interrupt your trip due to illness or other reasons. Flight insurance can also be purchased if desired. Photos You will need two passport photos which must be submitted with your application. In addition, if you do not already have a valid passport, you will need two more photos for the passport. Photos can be taken at Walgreens and other discount stores. Clothing It is difficult to provide a complete list of precisely what to pack, but a list to use as a guideline will be provided at a later date. You do not need as much clothing as you might think. It is not wise to purchase a new wardrobe because clothing gets harsh treatment when traveling. Be sure you have comfortable walking shoes. Do pack an umbrella. The month of June can be quite rainy. Temperatures in San José will be in the 70s by day. At the coast the temperature can be in the 90s. Linens and towels are provided by the family. Money Matters We recommend at least $100-$150 per week for spending money (lunches, incidentals, museum visits, theaters, concerts, etc.) plus more for when we are on excursions outside the home stay and if you plan to participate in optional trips. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Costa Rica. Each participant should have a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) with his/her name on it in order to cover medical emergencies, which must be paid for in advance even with medical insurance. However, do not take extra credit cards, such as cards for local stores or oil company cards, as you will have no need for them. There are automatic teller machines in Costa Rica, which accept most ATM cards. Mail, Fax and E-mail It takes a week or more for mail from the United States to reach Costa Rica. It is very important to remember this during the last two weeks. If necessary, you may have mail sent to you at Forester Instituto Internacional, Apdo. 6945, 1000 San José, Costa Rica. You may receive faxes at the Forester Instituto Internacional. The cost is approximately $1 per page. The FAX number is 011-506-2225-9236. You can send faxes from the post office in San Pedro and other places in San José. Faxes cannot be sent from Forester Instituto Internacional. There are five computers at Forester you can use for e-mail, and there are many inexpensive Internet cafés in San José. Rules of Behavior These rules have not been drawn up to restrict freedom, but to ensure that the program is successful. The participants are subject at all times to the guidance and authority of the Directors who have the right to enforce appropriate standards of conduct. The Directors reserve the right to dismiss any participant for reasons which appear to them to be valid in their sole judgment. The Directors shall have the right to withdraw a student from the program without refund or credit if his/her conduct causes serious inconvenience for the rest of the group or for any actions or conduct, which the Directors consider to be incompatible with the interest, harmony, comfort and welfare of others or the reputation of the program. The use of illegal drugs and/or the excessive use of alcoholic beverages are not allowed and are grounds for termination of participation in the program. Each student will be required to indicate his/her compliance with these rules by signing a separate Student Conduct Agreement. The judgment of the Directors will be final in all matters of discipline. Students may not withdraw from classes without consulting with the Directors. [top of page]