ON THIS PAGE Prerequisites Field Study Courses Calendar Location Faculty Program Fee Application

Sustainable Global Stewardship Program
Intensive Spring Semester: February - April, 2009

Prerequisites
The Spring semester program has the following prerequisites:
•  A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4 point scale.
•  Successful completion of 15 semester credits at an accredited college or university, or prior approval.
•  Personal qualities that will facilitate a safe and supportive experience for all, as well as a sincere interest in learning and contributing positively to the program (see 'General Requirements').
•  Recommended (not required): Prior Spanish language study and/or other appropriate experience, and successful completion of an introductory environmental studies, global systems, community development, or related course.

	Typical field study: Learning about tropical forest conservation while touring a national park

Field Study & Volunteer Work
In addition to time spent in the classroom in San Ramón, the Spring semester program includes substantial field study in the region. This educational travel typically includes the following:
•  Two to three day-long field trips and four multiple-day field trips to appropriate sites in Costa Rica (e.g., sustainable businesses, organic farms, watershed conservation sites, renewable energy projects, private reserves, national parks, volcanoes, community ecotourism projects). See Field Study Locations for more information.
• An extended field excursion (typically four days) in Southwestern Nicaragua (e.g., Rivas, Managua, Masaya, Granada); including extensive field study, cultural events, and volunteer work.
• Approximately twenty-eight (28) hours of volunteer service-learning work over four or five days at selected sites in the vicinity of San Ramón. Possible sites include, but are not limited to, the following: Organic agriculture, sustainable businesses, environmental education, social work, environmental conservation, ecotourism, and housing construction for low-income families.
NOTE: See selected photos/video from previous years in the photo gallery and video gallery. For additional information on these locations, see the links page.

Course Work
This program provides an in-depth, hands-on learning experience in Costa Rica, as well as a field excursion to Nicaragua. Because the curriculum is extremely interdisciplinary in nature (and no Spanish is required), the program is suitable for all majors. Fifteen (15) academic credits are provided through Humboldt State University (HSU) in California, or through the University of San José (USJ) in Costa Rica. For more information, see the Academic Credit section of the 'Academics' page. Courses are listed below. All participants will typically enroll in the first four courses (12 credits), and select from the appropriate Spanish course (3 credits). If at the advanced Spanish level, participants may arrange other independent work in place of selecting a Spanish course (e.g., the Directed Research course, approval required). All courses are taught in English with the exception of the Spanish courses, which will include practical application of the language.

Sustainable Foundations and Futures (3 cr.). An interdisciplinary synthesis of the foundations of sustainability, with an emphasis on global-local connections in Costa Rica. Analysis of potentially sustainable futures. Includes lecture, class discussion, group activities, and guest presentations. No prerequisite, but successful completion of an introductory environmental studies, global systems, community development or related course highly recommended (3 cr.). Co-requisite of ENVS 482 (below). See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: Natural Resource Planning & Interpretation [NRPI] 480.
USJ Credit: Educación para Desarrollo Sostenible (BE 120).

	A few possible volunteer work sites: Organic farming, construction, and composting.

Applied Sustainability and Service-Learning (3 cr.). Experiential application of foundations and potential futures in sustainability, with an emphasis on local community, governmental, and non-governmental (NGO) efforts in Costa Rica/Central America. Includes field study and volunteer service-learning work in community development, conservation, social work, and/or other areas as appropriate. No prerequisite, but co-requisite of NRPI 480 (above). See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: Environmental Studies [ENVS] 482.
USJ Credit: Trabajo Comunal Universitario (TCU 107).

Tropical Ecosystems and Conservation (3 cr.). An overview of fundamental principles and processes of tropical ecosystems, with an emphasis on Costa Rica . Analysis of biological diversity, conservation, restoration, environmental services, and human impact. Includes lecture, field study, and class discussions based upon assigned readings. No Prerequisite. See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: Biology 180.
USJ Credit: Ecología y Evolución (EDB 010).

Costa Rican Culture Immersion (3 cr.). Exploration of Costa Rican society and culture: Foundations, behaviors, and patterns. Includes thematic explorations, guided cultural immersion, contrast of regional & home-culture variations, and practical ethnographic field work. No prerequisite. See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: Ethnic Studies [ES] 480.
USJ Credit: Educación Sociedad y Cultura (BE 116).

*Elementary Conversational Spanish (3 cr.). An intensive introductory Spanish course for students with little or no previous experience. Emphasis is on oral practice of themes used in everyday activities in order to provide the skills needed to communicate effectively in various aspects of the host culture on a day-to-day basis. No prerequisite. See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: World Languages and Cultures [WLC] 120.
USJ Credit: Español Básico y Laboratorio Pedagógico (BE 105).

*Intermediate Spanish (3 cr.). An intensive intermediate Spanish course for students who have recently completed at least one-year of college-level Spanish. Emphasis is on review of vocabulary and sentence structure, as well as oral practice. Prerequisite: One year of college Spanish, instructor approval required. See a tentative syllabus here (Microsoft word document).
HSU Credit: World Languages and Cultures [WLC] 120.
USJ Credit: Español y Laboratorio Pedagógico II (BEE 128).

**Directed Study (1-3 cr.). Individual research/study project. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing (special approval required).
HSU Credit: Natural Resource Planning & Interpretation [NRPI] 499.

NOTES:* Participants will enroll in one level of Spanish, depending on their experience level, unless they are advanced Spanish speakers.
**Optional substitute course, approval required.

Calendar
The unique INTENSIVE SEMESTER calendar of the program provides fifteen semester credits in a span of only three months, rather than the usual four. This arrangement facilitates an in-depth immersion experience, while still providing participants time on their own in San Ramón and during three extended weekends. A typical week consists of six days of programmed activities: Two to five in the classroom, and one to four in the field. Although this design requires more attention to studies during the program, it also allows for extra personal time before and after the program. In fact, participants often take advantage of this either by arriving in Costa Rica prior to the start of the program on their own, or by staying after it has ended (see 'Important Travel Notes' below).

In order to allow participants to make the most of their time, the Spanish courses are offered during the first month, and the culture class during the first two months. All other courses are offered for the duration of the semester, with the last month of the program providing participants with extra time to apply knowledge learned through additional field study and volunteer work. Participants are also provided with personal time to spend with their host family, do other travel, or attend cultural events. This includes extended weekends (3-4 days) once per month during the program. To view the tentative calendar for the semester, click here.

IMPORTANT TRAVEL NOTES:
1. Visitors to Costa Rica are only granted a 90-day visa upon arrival. Thus, if participants wish to arrive prior to the start of the program on their own, they must do so NO EARLIER THAN JANUARY 9, 2008. Early arrivals or extended stays will also necessitate purchasing additional travel insurance on your own. The included insurance is valid ONLY for the dates of the program.
2. When planning your flight, please note that IT IS NECESSARY TO COORDINATE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DATES/TIMES if you would like to take advantage of provided transport to/from the airport. See the 'Arrival' section on the 'Preparation' page for details.

Location & Accommodations
The principal location of the program will be San Ramón, Costa Rica, where participants will live with Costa Rican families. For more details, see 'Living Accommodations'. When in town, classes will be held at the San Ramón Campus of the University of San José, which also provides other facilities and logistical support. When traveling elsewhere in the region, lodging is provided by field stations, hotels, community projects, or other appropriate facilities. Selected pictures from past field study and volunteer work sites are available in the photo gallery and video gallery.

Faculty
Courses will be taught by regular EEI faculty. See the Staff section of the 'About Us' page for details on credentials, professional and teaching experience, and other information of interest. Additionally, specialists in the field will provide many guest lectures at different sites.

Program Fee
Participants pay a comprehensive fee for the program (see costs) in the amount of $7,800 USD. The fee includes most in-country expenses associated with the program, including the following:
•  Homestay costs while in San Ramón (lodging & three meals per day).
•  Fifteen (15) credits of academic credit from Humboldt State University
(Or from the University of San José) (Extra cost for additional credits).
•  In-country travel and lodging associated with field study.
•  Some food during field study (at least one meal per day).
•  Travel medical insurance (by reimbursement, with a deductible).
•  Use of the facilities of the University of San José in San Ramón.
•  Field site entrance fees (with a few minor exceptions).
•  Various other group activities.

Participants are responsible for purchasing international airfare, course materials, any additional health insurance, possible minor costs associated with volunteer work (e.g., local transport to & from the work site and/or some meals at work), and any personal expenses for such things as souvenirs, required personal items, some food during program travel, and any personal travel. For most participants, this averages approximately $300 per month. Scholarship money is available from other organizations that specialize in funding study abroad (see costs), and most financial aid can be applied to offset program fees.

Application
Application for this program is to be made directly to EEI. See the 'Admission' page for details. Please note the application deadline of 17 October, 2008 (or until program is full).

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