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 August.

Students will extend their knowledge of the culture and history of the country by exploring geographically diverse regions such as the ocean and tropical rain forest. Conversing in Spanish with their families and teachers and providing English classes to the community will further expand students’ learning as they experience the culture and social interactions of Costa Rica first hand.

During the two-week stay in the a village near Alejuela, students will be placed in schools where they will have opportunities to observe, assist and teach children.  Opportunities to provide rudimentary English language instruction within the community will enable students to connect with the community and their beliefs and goals for their children’s education, and immersion in the Spanish language culture will strengthen their language skills.

Throughout our stay in Costa Rica students will have opportunities to visit the surrounding area and the city of Alejuela. There will be group trips on weekends to explore the ecological and historical aspects of the country. Specific trips to the ocean and into the rainforest will be scheduled, as well as a tour of the capitol city of San Jose. The experience will culminate with a two day stay at a hacienda in the rainforest where students can hike in the jungle and ride horseback to waterfalls