SFS-Costa Rica
Sustainable Development Studies
This program is offered in both the fall and spring semesters.
Influenced by the Central American Trace Act and foreign markets, Costa Rica is undergoing significant economic and social change, partly due to high growth. Students will analyze the impacts of globalization on Costa Rica, as well as consider alternative strategies. Cloud forests, dry forests, volcanic parks, lowland rainforests, and plantations in Costa Rica offer the opportunity to explore all of the diverse ecosystems and see the impact of globalization.
Maintaining and monitoring the Municipal Forest and Cacao watershed trail infrastructure, presenting research findings in Spanish to governmental agencies, and teaching U.S. culture and English to school children are some of the additional activities for SFS students.
Applicants for this program must have completed a college-level course in ecology or environmental studies, and are encouraged to have taken coursework in international development, economics, or anthropology. Additionally, students must have one college-level course in Spanish or otherwise demonstrate a working knowledge of conversational Spanish prior to participation.