Study Spanish in
Costa Rica
Winter Intersession 2009-2010
¿Qué vas a hacer durante las vacaciones?
Are you looking for. . .
. . .an opportunity to travel abroad without having to “go it alone”?
. . .the chance to use your Spanish in real-life situations?
. . .the cultural experience of a lifetime?
. . .a way to learn Spanish in small, individualized classes (3-5 students)?
. . .a fun and engaging way to finish your foreign language requirement?
. . .a great way to earn three credits during the Winter intersession?
Then you need to travel with this faculty-led program, study Spanish
in San José, Costa Rica, live with a Costa Rican family, and earn UMSL Spanish credit (Span 2101, 2171, or 3271 depending on level).
This experience has been designed for those intermediate students wishing to complete their Foreign Language Requirement while simultaneously immersing themselves in Costa Rican culture. The Program Coordinator, Kimberley Sallee, will be available at all times to assist each student in making this experience all that it can be.
Dates:
December 27, 2009 - January 9, 2010
Location:
San José, Costa Rica
Costs:
Instructional Fees for 3 credits: $773.40*
Program Fees: $1,575.00
Total: $2,348.40
Program fee includes includes round-trip airfare, housing with a Costa Rican host family, 2 meals per day (breakfast & dinner), laundry, health insurance, 35 hours of Spanish instruction, and excursions (including transportation and lodging).
*non-degree seeking participants wishing to participate with a non-credit option would pay a $500 non-credit fee in lieu of Instructional Fees noted above.
*Students earning credit for the Service Learning project will be assessed an additional $257.80 in Instructional Fees and will earn a total of 4 credits.
Students will need to budget appropriately for personal expenses, such as lunch daily, optional activities, souvenirs, nightlife, personal expenses, etc.
Courses:
Students will be enrolled in language courses developed and administered
through the Costa Rican Language Academy. Classes meet each week day from 8:00am until 2:00pm or 3:00pm, with a break for lunch. Additional conversation, cooking and dancing classes are offered, free of charge, in the afternoons. Class size is limited to 5 students and courses are tailored to students’ needs and abilities.
Students will earn credit for Spanish 2101, 2171, or 3271, depending on their level and may take an optional 1 credit service learning course, FLL 2192.
Housing:
Housing is arranged through the school with Costa Rican homestay families
in the area, and the room and board costs are included in the program
fees. Students will have their own rooms and the families will provide
breakfast and dinner each day, as well as laundry services. Students will
be asked to submit a housing form on which they state living preferences
that will be matched, to the best of the school’s ability, to families
available.
Excursions:
Two excursions are planned during the program. This year, students will participate in a 3-day, 2 night excursions to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano national park and to Playa Panamá, both in Guanacaste province, expenses for which are covered in the Program Fees.
Travel:
Participants will travel as a group to San Jose on or about December 27
and will return to San Louis on or about January 10. Airfare is included
in the program fees. However, any baggage fees assessed by the airlines are the responsibility of each participant.
Service Learning:
Students will have the option of participating in a one-credit Service Learning experience
which will require preparation before departure and reflection upon our return to St Louis. In Costa Rica, students will participate in an approved service learning activity that will. . .
- allow them to practice and further develop their oral proficiency in Spanish,
- encourage group work to draw on the strengths of each individual and his/her own background and preparation at the University of Missouri – St Louis,
- develop a better understanding of the complexities and richness of Costa Rican culture,
- permit them to engage in meaningful, one-on-one interactions with Costa Ricans, in Spanish, and
- leave behind a lasting tool and/or positive imprint on the organization served.
Tentative Calendar:
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Dec 27
Fly to San José |
Dec 28
Orientation and Scavenger hunt |
Dec 29 8-9 placement 9am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-2pm class 2-3 orientation 3-5 add’l classes |
Dec 30 9am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-3pm class 3-5 add’l classes
|
Dec 31 Excursion to Rincón de la Vieja in Guanacaste |
Jan 1 In Rincón de la Vieja (hiking tour, etc) |
Jan 2 Leave Rincón de la Vieja and spend the day at Playa Panamá before returning to San José |
Jan 3
Free time
|
Jan 4 9am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-3pm class 3-5 add’l classes
|
Jan 5 8am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-2pm class 2pm-Service Learning OR 3-5 add’l classes |
Jan 6 9am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-3pm class 3-5 add’l classes Group dinner |
Jan 7 8am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-2pm class 2pm-Service Learning OR 3-5 add’l classes |
Jan 8 9am-12pm class 12-1pm lunch 1-3pm field trip 3-5 add’l classes
|
Jan 9 Return to St Louis |
Mandatory Orientation:
All students are required to complete the online orientation for the program as well as an in-person group orientation, organized by the Program Coordinator. More information, including the fall orientation date, will be announced shortly after your acceptance.
Application:
Applications are due Friday September 25 along with a $375
non-refundable deposit, which will be applied to the Program Fees.
Once
accepted, an $800 payment toward program fees is due by Oct. 16 and the remaining $400 balance is due November 18.
Program fees must be paid by check or money order only and payable to UMSL. Instructional fees will be billed to your student account, as normal. Applications may be printed below or obtained at the Study Abroad Office in 261 MSC or from either of the Program Coordinators.
Application Materials:
1. UMSL Study Abroad Application Form
2. Non-refundable $375 deposit (due at time of application - check payable
to UMSL, credit cards not accepted )
3. Scholarship application and scholarship essay (UMSL students only - must be taking class for credit)
Payment Schedule:*
September 25: $375 non-refundable deposit due (will only be refunded if
not accepted in program)
October 16: $800 payment due
November 18: Remaining balance due ($400)
*Program fee deposit: non-refundable except if not accepted into program
Remaining program fees: 50% refundable until October 26. Following October 26 at 5:00 pm NO refunds are given.
Program Coordinator
Kimberley Sallee, Associate Teaching Professor of
Spanish
University of Missouri–St Louis
Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures
550 Clark Hall
314-516-6865
Study Abroad Office
Jenny Bazzetta
Center for International Studies
261 Millennium Student Center
314-516-6983