This course will begin in January prior to travel to Costa Rica, with email discussions about the culture of Cost Rica as well as preparation for English language instruction. This will be followed by two additional evening seminars during the semester prior to departure, and additional email discussion during June and July. Due to the fact the schools in Costa Rica are not in session during January, the travel portion of the course will be at the end of August. Participating students will enroll, complete the seminars and participate in the e-mail discussion, in January, and receive an incomplete until the coursework is finished in the summer, usually in the last three weeks of August.

 During our two-week stay in a small village near Alajuela, students will be placed in schools where they have opportunities to observe, assist and teach children.  Immersion into the language and customs of Costa Rica through our home-stays will provide unique insights into the people of this country. In addition, weekend visits will be arranged to area volcanoes, coffee plantations, the ocean and the rain forest region to explore these ecological areas.

 Following our two weeks in the schools, we will end our visit with a 2 day stay on a hacienda in the rain forest -  writing and reflecting before heading back to the states.

 Prerequisites:  

Participants should be currently enrolled in the teacher education program.  This course satisfies a J-term requirement and can be substituted for EDU 268.

 Comprehensive Fee Includes:

 All air and surface travel, hotel accommodations in San Jose and travel to the rain forest and other sites as well as stipends for the homestay family. Meals are included in the two week homestay.

Fee:  $2400. (subject to change based on the international exchange rate)