Experiential Learning Abroad Programs

  Costa Rica

• San Jose: 
San Jose

Term: Summer, Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Description: The ISA Experiential Learning Abroad Program (ELAP) facilitates hands-on learning through community involvement in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, and Argentina. Volunteerism and internships enable participants to address the needs of a community abroad, while applying the lessons from the experience to their own personal growth. Experiential learning has been shown to improve life skills and professional development, while adding enjoyment to the abroad experience and compassion to a participant's perspective on the world. Personal initiative and self-motivation are key characteristics of a successful volunteer or intern, as well as flexibility, an open mind, and the desire to participate and learn. The program is designed to result in a greater sense of social responsibility and inspiration for continued involvement in a participant's home community upon his or her return.

Participation in volunteer or internship opportunities abroad is an excellent way to immerse oneself in another country's way of life. In effect, experiential learning adds another dimension to the study abroad experience through daily exposure and interactions, resulting in a greater understanding of the language, culture, and community of the host country.

In the company of on-site resident staff, participants will benefit from a strong support structure offering encouragement and assistance during the program. ISA staff members work in collaboration with the host organizations to facilitate the participant's experience, including the coordination of on-site orientations and reflection exercises. At ISA we emphasize the value of commitment, and we believe that each participant will reap countless benefits throughout the program.

Highlights:
- Social work
- Education
- Ecology/Conservation
- Healthcare
- Policy/Legislation
- Museums

Experiential Learning Abroad Programs Overview

ELAP may be incorporated into ISA's study abroad program or pursued as an individual program independent of the study abroad component. All programs include room and board, medical insurance, pre-departure information, support of the ISA resident staff, volunteer or internship placement, on-site orientation, cultural activities, an excursion, Spanish instruction and tutorial assistance with the Spanish language. The details of the Spanish instruction and the excursion depend on the program site, as each site is somewhat different. If there are other ISA excursions during the time you are on-site you may add these on individually.

Excursion: All ELAP programs have an excursion included. Entrance fees to museums and monuments and ground transportation are included on all organized excursions. If there is not a regular ISA excursion planned during your program dates, the director will arrange an excursion for you. You will consult with your resident director upon arrival to determine what excursion you will do. Excursions are subject to change, but here are some possible options: Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna, Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and Monteverde. Also, optional excursions to Panamá and Nicaragua are available during the year.

Students who incorporate ELAP into an ISA study abroad program will pay a supplementary fee of $800 for semester/trimester sessions. For students who participate in ELAP independent of the study abroad program, the following information applies: 2-4 month programs will include an intensive month of Spanish language courses at the beginning of the program, followed by 2 to 3 months of experiential learning. 2 to 4 month participants will complete 60-90 hours of instruction (4-6 semester hours or 6-9 quarter units) during the intensive month program, and will receive an official transcript from the host university upon completion. If you would like to opt not to include the Intensive Month of Spanish, the program cost is adjusted to include 1 week of Intensive Spanish taught at the ISA office. Please contact the ISA office for updates and more information.

Qualifications: Participants must be 20 years of age or older or have at least 2 years of college education and a 2.5 GPA. Contact the ISA office if you do not meet this requirement.

Spanish proficiency required:
* 2 to 4 month programs: Intermediate or Advanced level of Spanish proficiency
* At least three semesters or five quarter units of college-level Spanish or the equivalent, preferably four semesters or six quarter units of college-level Spanish (2 of these semesters must have been taken within the past year)
* 6-week summer programs: Advanced level of Spanish proficiency
* At least four semester or six quarter units of college-level Spanish or the equivalent (2 of these semesters must have been taken within the past year)

Cost in US$: See prices below

Please inquire with the ELAP Coordinator at ISA for programs including:
1) An intensive week of Spanish language instruction
2) ISA summer program
3) ISA semester program

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Has the following characteristics: Personal initiative/Self-motivation, Patience with others, Patience with yourself, Reliability, Flexibility/Open-mindedness, Comfortable with minimum supervision, and Desire to participate and learn.

Age Range: 18 is the minimum age

This Program is open to American, Canadian and World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Costa Rica Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad

ELAP's Mission Statement: To provide enriching volunteer and internship opportunities to participants. To enhance each participant's understanding of community and social responsibility within our global society.

Year Founded: 2003