About the size of West Virginia and with a population of almost 4 million, Costa Rica is an exemplar for the conservation of natural resources and economic sustainability. Almost one-third of its land is protected by land management laws, more than any other country on Earth. Costa Rica's traditional agricultural export economy (including coffee and bananas) has been supplanted by tourism and high tech exports.

Course Offerings - 6 credits
Students will earn 6 upper-division credits from the University of Utah.  Both courses can be applied towards the Environmental Studies major.

ANTH 3969 Two Thousand Years of Rainforest Use in Central America
Dr. Rick Paine: 801.581.4021 richard.paine@anthro.utah.edu
The tropical rainforests of Central America are among the most biodiverse landscapes on earth, home to an incredible array of animals and plants. They are also fragile. Humans have used numerous strategies to exploit them. Some have been successful. Some have not. This class will explore the successes and failures of human exploitation of Central American rainforests from Classic Maya farming to contemporary ecotourism and bioprospecting in Costa Rica.

PHYS 3160 Renewable Energy
Dr. Miguel Mostafa: 801.581.4785 mostafa@physics.utah.edu
While Costa Rica is very well known for its conservation policies and ecotourism, the Central American country also stands out for its environmentally oriented policies and energy sustainability. Currently, 99.2% of its total primary energy supply is of renewable type! Learn about renewable technologies for the developing world in a country that has taken a concerted structural approach to the issue of sustainable development

Honors Coursework Opportunities
If you are a student in the Honors Program, it is possible to register for these courses and receive Honors credit.

The Honors Program is also offering a $1,000 scholarship to Honors students participating in the Honors Study Abroad Program. Contact the Honors Program for more information: 801-581-7383.

Excursions and Activities
The program will begin in the coastal town of Manuel Antonio before moving to Santa Ana where students will stay with local families. Participants will then travel to Tortuguero, La Selva Biological Research Station, and the towns of La Fortuna and Monteverde. Along the way students will see an active volcano, banana and coffee plantations, and the cloud and rain forests. Students will have the opportunity to travel at their own expense after the program.

Tentative Itinerary

Program Cost
$2,850.00
Includes: Tuition, lodging, some meals, scheduled excursions, and international health insurance.
Does Not Include: Airfare, passport, airport tax, some meals, personal expenses, local transportation, and independent travel

Getting to Costa Rica
Air travel should be arranged by program participants. You may want to meet others on the program at pre-departure meetings to arrange airfare together. All students will receive detailed instructions about when and where to meet the group in Costa Rica.

Accommodation
Students live with host families in Santa Ana, double occupancy hotels or lodges at environmental field stations.

Financial Aid and Scholarships
Most financial aid (student loans, grants, scholarships, etc.) can be applied to the program cost. Visit a Financial Aid Counselor for more information in SSB 105 or call 581-6211.

The International Center also awards scholarships to students. Obtain the application online.

The Honors Program is also offering a $1,000 scholarship to Honors students participating in the Honors Study Abroad Program.

Application Process
Eligibility Requirements
. Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA.
. Minimum age of 18.
. No previous Spanish experience necessary.

Application Deadline
February 8, 2008
Late applications will be accepted with an additional $50 fee.

Application and Payments
Applications are available in the International Center (Union Building , Room 159) and online.

The application and $500 initial program payment should be presented to the Cashier's Window, 165 Student Services Building. The cashier will issue a receipt and stamp your application "Paid."

Return the application materials to the International Center . All applications will be reviewed by the program director and International Center staff to determine eligibility. Applicants will be notified by email of their acceptance into the program. Non U of U applicants should submit their initial program payment directly to the International Center .
Additional pre-departure materials will be emailed to all accepted participants. If an applicant is determined ineligible for program participation the $500 payment will be refunded in full.

U of U students, students at other colleges or universities, alumni and qualified members of our community are welcome to apply to participate in U of U study abroad programs.

Refund Policy
$200 plus any unrecoverable costs to the International Center at the time of withdrawal are non-refundable. To withdraw, the applicant must formally file a Withdrawal Form with the International Center. If an applicant is determined ineligible to participate, the $500 deposit will be refunded in full.

Pre-departure Orientation
An orientation session will be held to provide program and cultural information. Participants will be contacted when this is arranged. At this meeting you will receive travel details, as well as meet others in the group.

Phone: 801.581.5849
Fax: 801.581.5914
www.sa.utah.edu/inter/sap

Photos courtesy of OTS Education Program