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 first-time 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.
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 Theater and Central Market. The group will also visit the Irazú Volcano National Park and meet with Costa Rican professors to learn about their work with indigenous groups and intercultural communication.
The group will also travel to Monteverde. While there, they will tour the cloud forest, visit a chocolate and coffee farm, and have a free day.
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. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities 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 Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
This program is open to undergraduate students that are active participants in TRIO SES or TRIO STEM 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
All program participants will receive a $400 Study Abroad scholarship to help offset the Study Abroad required fee. In addition, all program participants will be considered for a $350 Nicole Horton Study Abroad Scholarship. A maximum of 10 scholarships will be awarded.
In 2025, KU's Impact and Belonging awarded the program scholarship money. Ten participants will be awarded $120 scholarships.
Tuition costs will be waived for active TRIO SES & STEM participants.
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.
The course and study abroad program will be taught and directed by Maggie Borders and Stacy Mendez.
Maggie Borders Student Success Coordinator, TRIO SES & STEM mborders@ku.edu
Stacy Méndez Director, Heartland CAMP smendez@ku.edu
*No Federal Funds are used in support of the Developing Global Perspective class/program.