International Criminal Justice: Costa Rica

Snapshot

Program Details

Location(s)	San Jose, Costa Rica
Term	Spring 2018
Credit	LEJA 417/617, 3 sh
Class Sessions	On-line Spring 2018.  Exact start/end dates TBA
Travel Dates	May 14-June 2, 2018
Housing	Home-stays
Passport	Required

Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	None
Student Year	Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior

 

About Program

What you will learn

Criminal Justice professionals encounter people from various countries and cultures in their work.  It's essential to recognize and have a basic understanding of the differences between cultures to be a successful law enforcement professional.  This Study Abroad Course gives you that opportunity through a case study of the Costa Rican criminal justice system.  You'll learn about the legal system, law enforcement practices and criminal policies from knowledgeable lecturers and guest speakers as well as site visits to criminal justice agencies.

 

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least December 10, 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.  

Environmental - Excursions will be conducted outside.  Average temperatures in Costa Rica during this time are mid-60's at night to the 80's during the day.  Humidity levels can be high.  Sun protection is strongly recommended.  Lodging locations may 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 - 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*	$3,800-$4,000
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (home-stay), entry fees to scheduled sites, meals
Application Deadline	November 19, 2017
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 7, 2017
Non-refundable deposit	$800 due December 8, 2017
Second payment	$1,000 due February 1, 2018
Third payment	$1,000 due March 1, 2018
Final payment*	$1,000-$1,200 due March 30, 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: February 1, 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

LEJA 417 - Counts as an upper-division open elective for LEJA majors/minors. 

LEJA 617 - Counts towards completion of a MA in Law Enforcement and Justice 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. Myers.