Study Spanish in
Costa Rica
Winter Intersession 2011-2012
University of Missouri-St. Louis Faculty Led Program
¿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 1199 or 2199 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 Faculty Director, Andrew Bennett, will be available at all times to assist each student in making this experience all that it can be.
Read about one 2012 participant's experience here!
EXTENDED Application Deadline: October 14, 2011
Location: San José, Costa Rica
Course: Spanish 1199 and 2199 Special Topics: Language Immersion
Dates: December 29-January 12, 2012
Professor: Andrew Bennett
Eligibility Requirements: UMSL Study Abroad Eligibility Requirements
Course Information: 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.
Service Learning: (subject to availability)
Students will have the option of participating in a 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.
Excursions: Students will participate in two excursions. One to Arenal and a one-day excursion to Punto Coral.
Housing: Housing is arranged 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.
Estimated Costs:
Program Fees: $2175.00 and UMSL tuition & technology fees ($810.90/3 credits**)
OR
Program Fee: $2175.00 plus $750.00*
Program fee includes includes round-trip airfare, Costa Rican host family accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, laundry, health insurance, 35 hours of Spanish instruction, and excursions (including transportation and lodging).
Not Included in the Fees: Anything not listed above such as personal expenses, lunch daily, optional activities, souvenirs, nightlife, Passport Costs, etc.
Travel: Participants will travel as a group to San Jose on or about December 29 and will return to San Louis on or about January 12. Airfare is included in the program fees. However, any baggage fees assessed by the airlines are the responsibility of each participant.
For Additional Information:
Professor Andrew Bennett, UMSL Spanish Language Instructor (BennettAnd@umsl.edu)
Amy Fillo, Study Abroad Coordinator (FilloA@umsl.edu, 314-516-6497)
Important Dates:
Priority Application Deadline: September 23, 2011
Application and Deposit Deadline: October 7, 2011 (extended to 10/14/11)
Acceptance Documents Deadline: TBA
Remaining Program Fee Deadline: TBA
Online Orientation Completion: October 30th, 2011
Mandatory SA In Person Oriention: November 4, 2011
Mandatory Program Orientation:
Tuition Payment Deadline:Non-UMSL Students must pay 2 weeks prior to departure
Program Dates: TBA
Application Process:
Please review the Faculty Led Application Instructions: Students will need to submit the following documents to the Study Abroad Office. Forms are available online only. Space is limited and awarded on a first come - first served basis.
1. UMSL Study Abroad Faculty Led Application Form
2. Non-refundable*** $500 deposit (due at time of application)
3. Scholarship application and scholarship essay (UMSL students only)
4. One ID sized photo
5. Non-UMSL students must also submit a letter of recommendation and transcript
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Study Abroad Office, 261 MSC
Attn: Costa Rica Winter Intersession
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
We offer a priority deadline of Friday, September 23, 2011 for all Faculty-Led Winter Program Applications. This allows you to have priority reviews of your application or early acceptance. If possible, please return documents and fees before their deadline. The program fees are payable by check or money order payable to UMSL.
Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation:
Faculty-led program participants are required to complete the online study abroad orientation. Participants have to attend an in-person orientation; you will be notified by the program coordinator via e-mail regarding the specific requirements for your program. Non-UMSL students residing in the St. Louis area are welcome to attend. Please notify the Study Abroad Office if you will be attending so that we may send you a parking permit and directions.
Important Information Regarding Fees and Registration:
Fees:
There are two fees for faculty-led programs:Tuition & Technology Fee and Program Fee. Each fee must be paid separately.
1. Program fees must be paid by check or money order made out to UMSL and sent or brought to the Study Abroad Office. Credit cards are NOT accepted for program fees.
2. Tuition/technology fees will be billed to your student account by the Cashier's Office after registration is complete. Non-UMSL credit participants will be notified via e-mail by the Study Abroad Office as to how they can make payments online or through the Cashier's Office. If not participating for credit, the non-credit fee is payable by check made out to UMSL and must be sent to the Study Abroad Office. Please write a seperate check for your non-credit fee.
Registration:
Registration Instructions will be sent to you via e-mail by the Study Abroad Coordinator. DO NOT try to register without receiving information from the Study Abraod Office about the correct procedure for your program.
* UMSL reserves the right to revise the program fee if there are fluctuations in the exchange rate. Participants are responsible for any increase in rates.
***Deposit will be refunded only if you are not selected to participate in the program. No Refunds are given.