Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	Good status
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	None
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until at least November 30, 2024.  For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 10-13 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your ETIAS, visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

Visa may be required if not a US citizen. It is your responsibility to check the website of the Costa Rican Embassy in Washington, DC  for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost. 

 

Health Insurance

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

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG)

 

Health Precautions

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to follow the policies of your host country, the CDC and TSA.  It is your responsibility to know and understand these policies.  If policies change before or during your Course, it is your responsbility to comply with the new policies.  Failure to do so can result in removal from your Course and/or the host country, financial consequences and academic consequences.

Walking/mobility/travel - Walking included in excursions but varies in length and intensity.  Expect to walk 5-8 miles per day.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day, sometimes over uneven terrain and up/down flights of stairs.  Some excursion sites and historic areas have limited handicapped accessibiity.  Sidewalks in these areas can be narrow with uneven surfaces. 
You will also be responsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Average daytime temperatures are in the upper-70s to mid-80s for this time period.  May is the beginning of the rainy season (Costa Rican "winter").  Excursions and some portions of the Course will be conducted outside, regardless of the weather.  Sun protection and rain gear are strongly recommended.

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

Vaccination - No vaccinations are required for entry into Costa Rica.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility - Accessibility and accommodation are 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*	Homestays:   $3,550-$3,750 Hotels:   $3,930-$4,145
Included in the program	Round trip airfare, in-country transportation, lodging (double/multi-bedded occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	October 31, 2023
Payments
Non-refundable deposit	$1,075 due December 8, 2023
Second payment	$1,200 due January 31, 2024
Final payment*	Balance due March 1, 2024

* Costs subject to change based on student enrollment and flight costs.

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 31, 2024.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and increased costs.

MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2024

Academics

Credit offered

BAT 300 - Option for Gen Ed Multicultural Studies credit

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

BAT 600 - May count towards completion of Master's of Business Administration 

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

Objectives/Activities

• Study the adaptation of standard business and agricultural techniques to multinational settings  
  
• Understand the interconnectedness of countries and cultures through the supply chain
  
• Examine the execution of business strategy, marketing mix, management techniques, and agricultural growing conditions in a foreign environment
• Gain an understanding of how culture affects the business and agricultural practices of goods and services
• Develop an appreciation of a diverse culture  
  
  

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  You 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 Ms. Susan Creasey or Ms. Jana Knupp .