Program Overview

Did you know that Spanish is the second most-spoken language by native speakers in the world? The best way to improve your skills is to be immersed in the language and culture on a daily basis.

Come spend 4 weeks studying in the colonial town of San Joaquín de Flores where you will live with a host family and study at a local institute. Costa Rica has been ranked the world’s happiest country a number of times in recent years! It is known for its hospitality and natural beauty so whether you are a major or minor or just looking to improve your language skills, this program will help you to learn Spanish in a much more engaging way than a traditional classroom.

Each component of the curriculum will involve a number of excursions outside of San Joaquín. We will explore both small and large towns in the Central Valley, visit a coffee plantation and a volcano, and learn to salsa dance, among other adventures.

You will also have the opportunity to travel independently on two separate weekends to a variety of sites across the country: you can relax on the beach, hike to a waterfall, go white water rafting, or even walk along bridges above the rain forest. The excitement awaits you! The faculty director will be in San Joaquín the first and last weeks of the program to support students as they settle into the program and prepare to return home. The excellent staff at the Instituto San Joaquín de Flores will also provide support and assistance.

Dates: June 2 - June 29, 2013 (tentative)

Accommodations: Homestay with a Costa Rican family

Program Costs:

$3,600 (Includes, tuition, room, meals, program-related travel and excursions.)

Additional (estimated) costs: airfare ($750-$850), passport ($135), independent travel/miscellaneous ($300-$500).

For detailed information on additional costs and expenses please click here.

 

Excursion to Pejivalle:

The first weekend in Costa Rica we will go on an excursion to the small town of Pejivalle where students will be able to experience an off-the-beaten-path adventure and participate first hand in ecotourism, one of Costa Rica’s signature industries. We will explore La Marta Wildlife Refuge, visit a family-run organic farm, and participate in service projects with local children in order to gain an understanding of how globalization has affected this Costa Rican community.

 

Curriculum

Students will receive a total of 6 credit hours for courses they complete on the program. All students will register for one credit hour of Spanish 300, two credits of either Spanish 350 or FL 943 and three credits of either SPA206 (Intermediate Spanish II) or SPA307(Advanced Conversation).

SPA 350 or FL943 - 2 credits, Seminar “Culture in Context in Costa Rica: Globalization”

This seminar will meet once a week for 6 weeks beginning after Spring break. The course will focus on globalization with a close look at the impact of this phenomenon on the culture of Costa Rica. Students will be required to complete in-depth readings, reflections, excursions, and projects. The pre-departure classes and readings will enhance each student’s understanding of globalization in their home communities and around the world while preparing students to maximize their learning while living in Costa Rica. Participation in the program is dependent upon successful completion of pre-departure classes.

Those at the 300-level will be required to complete all assignments in Spanish, while students at the 200 level will have the option of writing in Spanish or English. Pass/Fail grading may be elected by the non-major.

Professor: Callie K. DeBellis

Spanish 206 OR 307 (These will be taught by faculty from the local institute.)

SPA 206 - 3 credits:
Spanish 206 is the second level of intermediate Spanish and focuses on building upon the speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture skills learned in beginning level classes. The course in Costa Rica will cover language topics covered at Meredith, while taking advantage of the local environment in San Joaquín. Spanish 206 counts towards the completion of both the Spanish major and minor.

Prerequisites: SPA205 or the equivalent.

SPA 307 Advanced Conversation - 3 credits:
This course is designed to help students improve oral communication in Spanish. Discussion will include a variety of topics with a focus on issues relevant to the US and Latin America. Students will be evaluated through class participation and oral presentations. Spanish 307 counts towards the completion of both the Spanish major and minor.

Prerequisites: SPA206 or the equivalent.

SPA 300 Life and Study Abroad - 1 credit

All students will earn one credit for four weeks of intensive study and home stay with a Costa Rican family.
Pass/Fail grading only.

 

Upon successful completion of the program, students will fulfill the Global Perspectives General Education requirement.

Eligibility:

Students must be in good social, financial, and academic standing (2.0 minimum GPA) and meet all prerequisite requirements.

Deadline for Applications: February 1, 2013

For More Information Contact:

Program Director:
Callie K. DeBellis
Dept. of Foreign Languages and Literatures

919-760-8195
debellis@meredith.edu
Martin 114

 

Meredith reserves the right to make changes to the program itinerary, schedule, cost, academic program, etc., as necessary.