ON THIS PAGE Description Itinerary Preparations Course Fee Application

Description
Deep ecology is a holistic approach to the role of humans within the natural world that includes awareness of cognitive thoughts, feelings, values and actions. This course will thus consist of an investigation of our personal and collective relationship with the Earth through an exploration of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of humans as a part of nature. In particular, discussions, field activities, and individual and group exercises will address the concepts of self-awareness, eco-psychology, ritual and ceremony, voluntary simplicity, and spirituality. Together we will create a cooperative, nurturing environment for exploration of these concerns. Within this context, we will explore avenues for improved integration of sustainable living practices into our daily lives. This will be complimented by local field site visits where we will meet and hear from individuals in Costa Rica who are making similar efforts, both individually and communally. Prerequisites for participation are primarily personal in nature: A sincere desire for self-reflection and interested in contributing to a safe and supportive experience for all (also see 'general requirements'). The course will be facilitated in English, with translations as needed. No Spanish is required, and academic credit is available (see below). More information on deep ecology is available online, as are sustainable living resources. Further detail on the course can be found in the tentative syllabus, available here (Microsoft word document).

Itinerary
The town of San Ramón will serve as our departure point for exploring the Western Central Valley, the Northern plains surrounding Arenal Volcano, and a visit to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The course will include group discussions, ceremonies, classroom and field exercises, presentations from local experts, and site visits. Likely sites will include an Eco-Lodge, medicinal plant garden, organic coffee farm, nearby pacific beach, and the Madre Verde (Green Mother) community reserve. We will learn about these sites from local experts, interact with the land, explore our connection with Nature, and contemplate how we might achieve a more sustainable lifestyle, both personally and collectively. Please note that although we will not be doing strenuous exercise, participants should be prepared for light hiking in tropical environments, and have required field study items with them at all times. Housing conditions will consist of middle-range hotels and lodges. Participants will also have a limited amount of personal time, both in smaller towns and in nature. The tour will be facilitated by the Earth Education International staff.
NOTE: See selected postings, photos & video from past field sites in the MediaBlog.
For additional information on these locations, see the links page.


Participant Preparations
This section is provided to assist in preparing you for this course. Properly preparing yourself will allow you to get the most out of the experience, and allow us to facilitate a safe and enjoyable learning experience for all. Thus, please review the following information and appropriate links to other sections of this web site:

1. General Information
A wealth of information is available on this web site in order to assist you in preparing. The table of contents for this information is on the Participants page. In particular, the In-Country Information page includes information on what things cost in Costa Rica, local foods, banking, shopping, relevant Spanish vocabulary, and the like. Links to additional information about the country are also provided for your convenience. We highly recommend that you peruse that information as appropriate to acquaint yourself with conditions in Costa Rica, well before departure. This will allow you to get the most out of your time here.

2. What to Bring
Detailed general information on what to bring on your trip can be found in the packing section of the 'Preparation' page. There you will find lists of appropriate items to bring, as well as recommendations for packing & traveling. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SECTION B: REQUIRED FIELD STUDY ITEMS. For both logistical and safety reasons each participant will be expected to have those required items with them upon arrival.

3. Program Policies
Please review the program policies section in detail. You will be held accountable to those policies during your visit, and required to sign a form agreeing to them upon your arrival.

4. Arrival in Costa Rica
We will meet you at San José international airport upon arrival for group transport to San Ramón. Because you will be making your own international flight arrangements for this course, it is necessary to coordinate arrival and departure dates/times. Thus, if you would like us to pick you up and drop you off at the airport, YOUR FLIGHT MUST ARRIVE (OR YOU MUST MEET US AT THE AIRPORT) ON THE FIRST DESIGNATED DAY OF THE COURSE BY APPROXIMATELY 1PM. The same applies to flight departures, which must be no earlier than approximately 1pm on the last designated day of the program. Alternatively, upon arrival you may find your own transportation from the airport (taxi, approximately $30), but you must arrive no later than the time & date indicated above. For both safety and logistical reasons, late or night arrivals should be avoided. Please also keep in mind that orientation will begin the first afternoon of the course, after arrival.

5. Meeting at the Airport
Because the exit from the airport can be very hectic, it can be difficult to find each other upon arrival. Thus, when you exit from the terminal, make your way through the crowd, turn to your RIGHT, and walk down the sidewalk past the pay phones and benches. Wait by the large glass windows and doors (right side). We will meet you there. To assist with you identifying me, see my picture here. In case of any problems, difficulties or delays, I can be reached on my cell phone at 8812-7766 (preceded by 011-506 from the U.S.A.). If necessary, this can be dialed from a courtesy phone at one of the rental car agencies inside the airport PRIOR to exiting. NOTE: You cannot re-enter the airport once you have exited for any reason.

Course Fee
Participants pay a comprehensive fee for the course (see costs) in the amount of $2,500 USD. The fee includes most in-country expenses associated with the course, including the following:

Participants are responsible for purchasing international airfare, some meals during program travel, and any personal expenses or travel not associated with the program. Participants may also wish to acquire extra health insurance (above & beyond what is included). For most participants, personal costs average approximately $75/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.

Academic Credit (optional)
Three (3) units of academic credit are available for this course from Humboldt State University (U.S.A.), or from the University of San José (Costa Rica) if preferred. Participants may receive credit at either the undergraduate or graduate level (Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation 480/580). An additional cost in the amount of $150 USD applies for those requesting academic credit. As with all EEI offerings, current students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in order to participate.



Application
Application for this course is to be made directly to EEI. See the 'Admission' page for details. Please note the application deadline of 22 April, 2011 (or until full).

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