Costa Rica: Global-Local Challenges to Sustainability

Type of Program: Semester
Cities: Monteverde, Costa Rica, and various
When offered: Spring Semester Only

"Global-Local Challenges to Sustainability: The Costa Rican Experience" is a 15-week program open to all majors.  A cooperative program between Mount Holyoke College and Goucher, the program takes place at the Monteverde Institute and focuses on the meanings and implications of "sustainability," blending international study and applied research.   Nestled in the Tilaran mountain range of Costa Rica, Monteverde is located approximately 80 km northwest of San Jose, Costa Rica's capital.  Monteverde's beauty and exceptional biodiversity make it a destination for ecotourists and research biologists.

The program consists of four 4-credit courses, including three core courses: Spanish Language and Culture, Environmental Sustainability, and Development and Social Change in Costa Rica.  For the fourth course in applied research, students can choose between Field Methods in Tropical Ecology and Topics in the Social Sciences.  This unique Goucher program can fulfill up to four general education requirements towards graduation.  At least one prior semester of Spanish language study is strongly recommended for participants. 

The Costa Rican Experience program includes experiential site visits to San Jose, the Arenal volcano region, and Nicaragua.  While in Monteverde, students stay with host families.  All meals are provided by the host family unless other arrangements are made. There is a $2,000 tuition discount for this program.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Students must have declared a major and taken prerequisite courses.  Students are strongly urged to have one college level of Spanish or the equivalent.  Students must have completed three semesters in college-level residence.  Students must have a GPA of 2.70 or higher to apply.  A pre-requisite of one course in Biology or Ecology with a lab or feild work component is required for Tropical Ecology.

Application and Study Abroad Deposit Deadlines

FOR SPRING 2012: Application and $300 application fee due September 30, 2011. $200 study abroad deposit due November 4, 2011.

If interested, please contact Carol Donhauser for an application or additional information.

(Image by Dirk van der Made)

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