| Name of Program | COSTA RICA: Sustainable Human Development in Latin America -- Long Term | |
|---|---|---|
| Location: | San Jose, Costa Rica | |
| Sponsoring Institution(s) | Kalamazoo College CIDH | |
| Dates | Long Term: late-August to mid-February | |
| Language of Instruction | Spanish and English | |
| Eligibility Requirements | Junior Standing (17 units) Participation by Kalamazoo students in this program is subject to annual enrollment limits: 18. Contact the Center for International Programs for details. See the College catalogue for selection criteria. | |
| Additional Recommended Prep | ||
| GPA | 2.70 minimum | |
| Language | Minimum: Spanish and English 201 (Spanish 202 recommended) Maximum: Spanish and English |
|
| Application Process | Application/Essay Required? Interview Required? Due Date for Applications |
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| Approved for Transfer of | Kalamazoo Financial Assistance/Scholarships Academic Credit | |
| Orientation on K Campus Required | Yes | |
| Academics | Study in San Jose is designed for those students studying within the Social Sciences who demonstrate a strong interest in Latin American Studies. | |
| Courses | The International Center for Sustainable Human Development (CIDH) is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization founded and based in Costa Rica. Students in the program typically enroll in a Spanish language course and four additional courses offered by the Center. We anticipate that non-language courses will be offered in English and progressively incorporate developing Spanish skills. Typical courses offered in the CIDH program include: 1. POVERTY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT IN LATIN AMERICA (SOC) : This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of the development process of Latin America, as well as analytical tools for a better understanding of the social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental reality of the region. Emphasis is given to the sustainability of human development. 2. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES IN LATIN AMERICA (ENV) : This course provides theoretical and practical knowledge concerning environmental issues which challenge the sustainability of the development process of Latin America. The use of case studies, the participation of guest speakers, and field trips will allow students both, to understand the major obstacles hindering the region's development, and to think critically and contribute to the discussion of relevant policies for the sustainability of Latin America's development process. 3. RURAL AND URBAN DIMENSION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The course analyzes the most important characteristics of Latin America's rural and urban development. It is designed to provide an understanding of the evolution of urban and rural development processes in the region and the policies that have conditioned that process. It includes an analytical approach to the successes and failures experienced in Latin America and how they have impacted, in particular, the local environment. 4. ECOTOURISM, CONSERVATION AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENT: This course introduces theoretical and practical issues related to ecotourism with emphasis in Latin America. It examines aspects of the relationship between tourism and local development, ecotourism and protected areas, and between local communities and environmental conservation, as well as the impact of tourism on ecosystems, culture, society and the economy. 5. SPANISH LANGUAGE (1 K Unit): Our intensive, small-group Spanish-language courses teach students to effectively communicate orally and in writing. A Spanish placement test will be given at the beginning of the program to determine the student's level of proficiency. Actual course offerings will be determined by CIDH faculty in April prior to the program's start. In January, students will complete an Integrative Cultural Research Project (ICRP). Cultures Credit: The following courses have been pre-approved as fulfilling the "cultures" requirement: Human Development and Poverty in Central America. Please see the Study Abroad Handbook regarding instructions for petitioning for "cultures" credit for other courses. | |
| Credits | Participants are eligible to earn six units of credit in the Long-Term program from the Spanish course, courses taken at CIDH, and the ICRP. The distribution of the earned credits depends upon the courses taken. Students are urged to consult with their academic advisers concerning course selection. Students may not under load or overload. The discipline of the unit depends on the nature of the courses taken. To receive Kalamazoo credit, courses must be within the liberal arts tradition. In order to be counted as one K-Unit of credit, a course must have 40-45 contact hours. In cases where students must combine courses to achieve the minimum number of contact hours for a unit of credit, both courses must be from the same discipline, e.g. history with history or economics with economics. Grades from all study abroad courses will appear on the Kalamazoo transcript but are not included in the Kalamazoo grade point average. The transcript will list the title of the course, the appropriate discipline, and a translation of the local grade into the Kalamazoo "A, B, C" grading system. Students must earn the equivalent of a "C" in the local grading system to receive credit for course work completed abroad. Consult the Study Abroad Handbook and the College catalogue for additional information. All course work, including the Integrative Cultural Reserach Project, must be completed and turned in before the end of the academic program or no credit will be given. | |
| ICRP/Field Study | The Integrative Cultural Research Project can be either a research project or an unpaid internship that explores global issues and the local circumstances, approaches and solutions while enhancing students' local language skills. Internship placements are typically with relief organizations, international agencies, women's groups, small businesses or Non-Governmental Organizations. The program staff assists students with project design, internship placement or both. All ICRPs are conducted in the San Jose area. The research or internship will result in a major paper (10-15 pages). The paper is due and must be turned in to the instructor or Resident Directors before the end of the academic program or no credit will be awarded. | |
| Housing | Students live in homestays as arranged by the CIDH. | |
| Co-Curricular Opportunities | Students have access to all university facilities including the University library, health center and computing services. Volunteer opportunities are available through CIDH and the University's International Office. | |
| Excursions | The CIDH program will include some excisions. The International Office and other campus programs occasionally organize outings for students which are available at a modest fee. Some courses have field trips. | |
| URL of Host Institution | http://www.cidh.ac.cr | |
| Comprehensive Program Fee | ||
| Program Fee | $22,646 | |
| Comprehensive fee includes | Tuition and fees, food and housing while classes are in session, round-trip international airfare from the designated point of departure, typically Miami, and limited excursions. | |
| Not included | Books, medical expenses, personal spending money, food or housing during vacation periods or after classes have ended, and independent travel. |
This document contains the most accurate information available at the time of publication. Statements contained herein are not contractual obligations, and verbal or other representations that are inconsistent with or not contained within the Academic Catalogue's offerings or policies are not binding. Kalamazoo College and the Center for International Programs each reserves the right to cancel, suspend, or change, without specific notice, programs, offerings, policies, procedures, qualifications, fees, and other conditions.