Located in the heart of Latin America, Costa Rica has a rich history and culture, and contains unique biodiversity not found anywhere else on the planet. These unique features contribute to the ways in which Costa Rican society functions sustainably, from their food and business practices to their education system and government policies. In the spring prep course, students will compare and contrast the US and Costa Rican approaches to education and food production, studying these practices through the lens of sustainability.

From visits to local schools to teach and be taught by Costa Rican students, an excursion to a volcano with the world’s largest and most accessible craters, to experiencing the unique and diverse offerings at the San Jose Central Market, students will truly be immersed in Costa Rican daily life. After completing this experience, your external perspective of the world as well as how you view food and education will be forever changed. Visits with local grade school and university students, the home-stay experience, and a Latin dance workshop will give you an authentic experience of the Tico lifestyle.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in environmental science, education, Spanish language, sustainability, health & wellness, sustainable food & business practices, or eco tourism.

The academic course associated with this program is ENV/EDU 398: Costa Rica: Sustainability Through Food & Education. It will be taught by Drs. Greg Pillar, Tosha Arriola, & Amy Thornburg.

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*