Developing Global Perspective in Costa Rica
Global Perspective: “A viewpoint that tries to understand the place or places of individuals, groups, cultures and societies in the world and how they relate to each other”
~Bell, 2014.
Designed for the new international traveler, this study abroad program will aid students in examining their own identities within the context of cultural and societal groups in the United States in order to better understand their own perspective. By comparison, and through the abroad experience, students will explore the culture of the host country, learning about its history, societal values, cultural and racial identity groups, and social issues. Current issues in the U.S. that may also be of significance to the host country will be explored, such as immigration, access to education, and environmental policy.
Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services.
San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It lies in the Central Valley on a plain surrounded by large forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, green savannahs, and working coffee plantations.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is situated at 4,662 feet above sea level and is home to a vast diversity of animals. Coffee and chocolate are also produced in the region.
All students will enroll in LA&S 492 Special Topics: Developing Global Perspective (3 credit hours) during the Summer term.
This course will meet on the University of Kansas campus for six sessions (2 hours each) in the weeks prior to travel. Days and times for the pre-program meetings will be announced prior to the application deadline.
On-campus course meetings will cover topics such as exploring culture and its intersection with personal identity, addressing bias and stereotypes, Costa Rican culture and issues of relevance to both Costa Rica and the U.S., sustainable tourism, and preparing for the international travel experience. Each of these topics will be explored in more depth throughout the nine-day study abroad experience in Costa Rica.
Students in Core 34 can complete their global culture requirement by participating in this study abroad program and co-completing UNIV 342, an asynchronous Canvas course.
While abroad, students will be housed in double occupancy accommodations at hotels in San Jose and Monteverde, Costa Rica. Breakfast will be provided daily. Many lunches and dinners are also provided.
While in Costa Rica, students will take a tour of San Jose to learn more about Costa Rica's capital city and visit sites of interest such as the National History Museum, National Theater, and Central Market. It's planned that the group will take a day excursion to nearby Cartago. While there, students will visit the Irazú Volcano National Park, Cartago Basilica, and have time to swim in hot springs. Students will learn about the current reality in Costa Rica, meet with a UCR professor and students in her Intercultrural Communications course, and participate in activities with them.
The group will also travel to Monteverde. On the way, it's planned the group will stop at an oxcart factory to learn about the intricately designed carts. Monteverde is in the heart of the cloud forest, so the group will take a tour, learn about Costa Rica's work with ecology and environmental issues, and spend some time volunteering. The group will take a night hike to learn more about Costa Rica's nocturnal wildlife and go on a chocolate, sugar cane, and coffee tour.
All students have unique things to consider when studying abroad. A Traveler Profile is a set of personal factors, characteristics or life experiences that could impact daily life abroad. Your individual Traveler Profile may include things such as your age, foreign language proficiency, gender, medical history, medication use, mental health, mobility, piercings and tattoos, travel experience, and more.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Before selecting a program, consider how your Traveler Profile may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Traveler Profile pages linked below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
- Adult Learners and Non-Traditional Students
- First Generation Students
- Physical and Mental Health Histories
- Religious, Spiritual, and Non-Religious Students
- Sexual and Gender Diversity
- Students of Color Abroad
- Students with Children
- Students with Financial Need
- Veterans, Active Duty, and ROTC
- Visible and Invisible Disabilities
This program is open to undergraduate students that are active participants in TRIO SSS at the University of Kansas. Preference will be given to students who have not previously participated in a study abroad program or had extensive experiences abroad. The class and study abroad program will be conducted in English; however, knowledge of Spanish would be beneficial.
Program Cost for Developing Global Perspective in Costa Rica
Financial support for this program:
- Tuition costs will be waived for active TRIO SSS participants.
- All participants will receive a $400 Study Abroad scholarship to help offset the Study Abroad required fee.
- All program participants will be considered for a $250 Nicole Horton Study Abroad Scholarship.
- All program participants will receive a CEOP TRIO Scholarship of at least $400.
- All program participants will receive a KU Office of Civil Rights & Title IX scholarship of $120.
Additional Financial Aid & Support Resources:
- Pell Grant recipients may be awarded summer Pell awards. Award amounts vary based on FAFSA results. Check with Kevin Foster for estimated amounts.
- Meet with Kevin Foster, the financial aid counselor for all TRIO students.
- Students can apply for KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement Merit & Financial Need Scholarship.
- Students can view more KU and other study abroad scholarships to check eligibility.
- KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement offers two pre-departure funds: the Airfare Assistance Program and the Christene Pederson Study Abroad Student Support fund. Click on the link to check eligibility requirements.
*No Federal Funds are used in support of the Developing Global Perspective class/program.
The course and study abroad program will be taught and directed by Maggie Borders and Jesus Cooper-Pereda, who have both previously led the program.
Maggie Borders, Assistant Director of Student Programming, TRIO SSS
mborders@ku.edu
Jesus Cooper-Pereda, Site Coordinator, Heartland CAMP
mjc.pereda@ku.edu
*No Federal Funds are used in support of the Developing Global Perspective class/program.
Info Sessions
There will be two info sessions to talk about the program. All interested students are invited to attend. Please email Maggie Borders (mborders@ku.edu) for the location of the in-person session or the Zoom link.
- November 13: In-person session from 3-4pm
- December 4: Virtual session from 5-6pm