Costa Rican Agriculture & Sustainable Development

Snapshot

Program Details

Location(s)	San Jose, Costa Rica
Term	Spring 2018
Credit	INAG 361 (Agriculture) or BAT 300/600 (College of Business), 3 sh
Class Sessions	Sunday evenings January 21, 28, February 11, 18, 25, March 4 and 25, 2018. Exact times and location TBA.
Travel Dates	March 7-17, 2018
Housing	Student housing & Hotels
Passport	Required

Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	No
Pre-requisite	BAT 300 only--Completion of 45 sh
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior

 

About Program

What you will learn

Agricultural products, practices and growing conditions in Costa Rica are quite different from those found in the Midwest.  Yet, despite the differences, it's useful for US students to study Costa Rican agriculture to learn more about sustainability, environmental management, international trade and development issues, key parts of farming operations.  By partnering with EARTH University, a world leader in tropical agriculture and sustainability, you'll learn about these issues first hand while experiencing Costa Rica's natural diversity, food and culture.

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required--Must be valid until at least September 30, 2018

Visa required if not a US citizen

All travelers must pay Costa Rica exit tax before departure.  Current cost: $29  not included in program cost

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you will be on your program.  Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) purchased through IMG.

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk 3-5 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  Walking will sometimes be over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage. 

Environmental - Excursions will be conducted outside.  Average temperatures in Costa Rica in March are mid-60s at night to the 80s during the day.  Humidity levels can be high.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.  Most lodging locations do not have air conditioning.

Zika - Cases of Zika virus have been reported.  Pregnant women should not travel to Costa Rica.  All other travelers should read about traveling to areas with Zika on the CDC website and discuss any concerns with your health care provider.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$3,760
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging, entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	EXTENDED!!   December 3, 2017
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 7, 2017
Non-refundable Deposit	$1,000 due December 8, 2017
Second payment	$1,000 due January 5, 2018
Final payment	$1,760 due February 1, 2018

    * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: January 19, 2018  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2018

 

Academics

Credit offered

INAG 361 - Option for Global Issues credit.  Counts as an upper-division elective for Ag majors/minors.

BAT 300 - Option for Gen Ed Multicultural Studies credit. 

BAT 600 - May count towards graduation requirements for Master's of Business Administration

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Kevin Bacon .