Costa Rica: People, Culture, and the Land
This course will be offered Summer 2019. Rolling Deadline Application apply early to guarantee a spot. Final Deadline March1st During a 18-day international service-learning experience in Turrialba, Costa Rica you will learn about and be immersed in Costa Rica’s culture. In Turrialba, you will serve daily in a community-based setting such as a school, national park, or social service organization. Late afternoons will be spent studying Spanish and participating in critical reflection. Educational field trips to other parts of Costa Rica will be scheduled during the weekends. They are designed to enhance your understanding and learning about Costa Rican history and culture as well as current social, political, economic, and environmental issues. Spanish language skills are not required. Students stay with host families. This Capstone is open to PSU juniors and seniors in all majors.
Students apply to participate in this capstone. Applications are available at the link below and due no later than March 1st. Please contact Jenna Padbury, padburyj@pdx.edu, for more information.
Find cost, sample itinerary and an application on the education abroad website 
https://vikingsabroad.pdx.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10040
Course Goals
By the end of this course, students will:
- Deepen their understanding of Costa Rican culture, history, and current affairs;
- Enhance their appreciation for human diversity through travel and service in a cross-cultural setting;
- Explore concepts of international development; and
- Examine the ethical dimensions of tourism and service in a cross-cultural setting.
In your service groups, you will determine a final product that will provide a direct benefit to your community partners in Costa Rica. Final products will vary depending on the service site.
