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WISE Costa Rica, June 3-30, 2012

Deposit deadline extended to Friday, April 6th!


View current information sheet

Download program application - Due February 17th

View travel grant information - Due February 17th

Download acceptance packet

Study Abroad Medical Report Form - Costa Rica - Must be completed before March 30th.


Important Dates:

February 17, 2012 - application due

March 30, 2012 - Deposit due $1,000

April 30, 2012 - Final payment due $2,685


Program information: The Western Illinois Spanish Experience-Costa Rica program (WISE Costa Rica) offers a four-week immersion in Spanish language and culture while also providing on-site guidance and mentoring by a Department of Foreign Languages faculty member. Excursions and tours of historical and cultural sites provide a greater understanding of Costa Rican history and culture. Lodging with host families improves your Spanish proficiency and gives you opportunities to make life-long connections. Extracurricular activities such as Costa Rican cooking, Tropical Dance lessons, and yoga classes allow you to explore other facets of Costa Rican culture and interact with your fellow WIU and Veritas students.

This Study Abroad Program is conducted in cooperation with the Center for International Programs at Universidad Veritas in San José, Costa Rica. Founded in 1975, it enjoys an excellent reputation within the Latin American academic community and is accredited by the Ministry of Education of Costa Rica as a degree granting university. Its location in San José provides convenient access to the natural beauty of Costa Rica as well as the rich cultural heritage found in the capital city. With an enrollment of over 1,500 students, it offers much more than Spanish instruction; it is a niche for you to develop your cultural abilities.

 

 Course information: SPAN 361 (taught by Dr. Daniel Brown) plus 1 Spanish language course taught by Universidad Veritas instructors (equated to appropriate WIU course). Placement in the Spanish language course is dependent on courses previously taken and is determined by Foreign Languages. You are required to attend a pre-departure orientation session conducted by the Office of Study Abroad.

Class participation, including attendance, is expected in all phases of the Program. You must attend and participate in your Spanish course, interact appropriately with your host family, other group members, and other students at Veritas, and participate in all scheduled activities. Attendance, active participation, and other assignments are required for the SPAN 361 course. Questions about the course content/requirements for SPAN 361 should be directed to Dr. Brown (contact info on reverse).

 

Price: Based on 10 participants: $3,685(est.)

Included:

  •  Round-trip airfare from Chicago
  •  Homestay accommodations (2 students per homestay)
  •  Airport transfers and transportation to required activities
  •  Course materials
  •  Required Veritas fees (registration and course fees)
  •  Entry fees to scheduled sites
  •  All breakfasts and dinners (inc. with homestay)
  •  Costa Rican airport exit tax

 

Not included:

  •  WIU tuition
  •  WIU student health insurance
  •  Passport
  •  Lunches (approximately $150)
  •  Transportation to/from Chicago
  •  Personal expenses

 

You should monitor the U.S. dollar/Costa Rican colon exchange rate and budget accordingly.