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

Sustainable Global Stewardship Program
Condensed Spring Semester: 19 February - 21 April, 2012

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:
•  Day-long and 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.
• Volunteer service-learning work at selected field study sites. 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 postings, photos & video from previous years in the MediaBlog.
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. Twelve (12) academic credits are provided through Humboldt State University (HSU) in California, or through the University of San José (USJ) in Costa Rica, with an additional three (3) credits of directed study available by special arrangement. For more information, see the Academic Credit section of the 'Academics' page. Courses are listed below. All participants will typically enroll in the first three courses (9 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 & extra fee required). All courses are taught in English with the exception of the Spanish courses, which will include practical application of the language.

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

Society & Sustainability (3 cr.). An interdisciplinary synthesis of social aspects of sustainability: Socio-economics, personal sustainability, and related ecological interactions. Emphasis on global-local connections in Costa Rica/Central America and personal integration of sustainable living practices. Includes lecture, class discussion, group activities, field study, and volunteer service-learning work in community development, environmental protection, social programs, and/or other areas as appropriate. No prerequisite, but successful completion of an introductory environmental studies, global systems, community development or related course highly recommended. Co-requisite of 'Environmental Sustainability & Field Planning'. Three undergraduate or graduate (post-baccalaureate) credits. See a tentative syllabus here (Adobe pdf document). Online course materials are also available.
HSU Credit: Environmental Management & Protection [EMP] 480/580 (graduate credit available).
USJ Credit: Educación para Desarrollo Sostenible (BE 120).

Environmental Sustainability & Field Planning (3 cr.). An overview of environmental sustainability, with emphasis on tropical ecosystem conservation in Costa Rica. Fundamental characteristics and classification of ecosystems, biological diversity, deforestation, and environmental management and protection strategies. Includes lecture, class discussions based upon assigned readings, field study and/or associated volunteer service-learning work, and associated program field planning. No Prerequisite. Co-requisite of 'Society & Sustainability'. Three undergraduate or graduate (post-baccalaureate) credits. See a tentative syllabus here (Adobe pdf document)
HSU Credit: Environmental Management & Protection [EMP] 480/580 (graduate credit available).
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 (Adobe pdf document).
HSU Credit: Ethnic Studies [ES] 480/680 (graduate credit available).
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 (Adobe pdf 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 (Adobe pdf 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 (optional additional or substitute course by special approval, extra tuition applies). Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. See examples of past projects in the MediaBlog.
HSU Credit: Environmental Management & Protection [EMP] 499/699 (graduate credit available).

NOTE:* Participants will enroll in one level of Spanish, depending on their experience level, unless they are advanced Spanish speakers.

	Tentative Spring 2011 calendar (click to view as Adobe pdf document)

Calendar
The unique condensed semester calendar is approximately nine (9) weeks in length, yet affords the participants twelve to fifteen (12-15) credits of academic credit along with significant field study and volunteer work. This arrangement facilitates an in-depth immersion experience, while still providing participants personal time on their own in San Ramón and during extended weekends. A typical week consists of six days of programmed activities: Two to five days in the classroom, and one to four days in the field. Although this design requires more attention to studies during the program, it has the benefit of ending early during spring semester, thus allowing participants to stay in-country after the program has ended (or arriving prior to the start of the program) for either additional volunteer opportunities or personal travel on their own (Note: See 'Important Travel Notes' below). To view the tentative calendar for the semester, click here (Adobe pdf document).

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 MID-JANUARY. 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 postings from past field study and volunteer work are available in the MediaBlog.

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 in the amount of $8,000 USD (see costs). The fee includes the vast majority of in-country expenses associated with the program, including the following:
- All homestay costs in San Ramón (lodging, three meals per day & laundry service)
- All in-country transportation, including airport pickup & drop-off
- Field study travel costs: Lodging, entrance fees, translation, & accompaniment
- Twelve units of academic credit from Humboldt State University (regular courses)
- Travel & medical insurance (by reimbursement, with a deductible)
- Personalized pre-departure planning & advising
- Use of our partner university facilities in San Ramón (e.g., computers & internet)
- Some meals during field study travel (1+ meals/day)
- In-country orientation & most cultural activities
- Fourteen days of field study travel in Costa Rica
- Four day field excursion to Nicaragua
- Local personal, logistical & emergency support
- Additional volunteer opportunities

Participants are responsible for purchasing international airfare, course materials, any additional health insurance they may desire, personal expenses for such things as souvenirs, required personal items, some food during program travel, and any personal travel not associated with the program. Please note that there may also be a few minor additional costs (e.g. local bus fare) associated with field study or volunteer work, and additional tuition fees apply for the optional Directed Study course if requested. For most participants, personal costs average approximately $100 per week. 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 1 November, 2011.

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