USC: COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES: DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES, LITERATURES AND CULTURES


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USC Program in Liberia, Costa Rica
July 5-August 2, 2008

Costa Rica is considered the most stable and peaceful country in Latin America. Liberia, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, is a small colonial city with a cowboy tradition, and is the gateway to many of Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches and other natural parks and wonders. San José, the capital city of one million residents, is a lively and friendly city nestled in the hillsides of the country’s central valley. It has an active nightlife and is convenient to nearby beaches, volcanoes, and rainforests.
USC students will live in Liberia and attend classes through Veritas University, a fully-accredited and prestigious university based in San José.

Details of the program:
The program is a collaboration between USC and CEA (Cultural Experience Abroad), an experienced study abroad agency with offices in San José and strong ties with Veritas University. The program will be supervised on-site by Dr. D. Eric Holt. Additionally, the full-time staff and office of CEA in Liberia and San José will be available to answer students’ questions and deal with any emergencies or special needs that might arise.

Housing: Students will live with Costa Rican families chosen for the quality of the home and the neighborhood and the enthusiasm of the family members in hosting and interacting with foreign students. Students receive two meals daily, breakfast and an ample dinner. Of course, Spanish is the language of the home.

Classes: All classes will be taught in Spanish by Veritas University faculty. In the first part of the morning, USC students will be placed in a two-hour Spanish language class. After a break, students continue with a culture course on Costa Rica and Central America. Students sign a pledge to speak only Spanish while on campus, as well as on all program activities.
Note: A minimal language prerequisite for participation in the program is completion of the SPAN 209 course at USC or equivalent.

Students will receive three credits for SPAN 350 for the language course and three transfer credits from Veritas for the elective course. Both courses may be applied to the Spanish major or minor, or for general university credit.

Excursions: Included in the program price are a daytrip to a national park near Liberia, and a long weekend excursion to San José, which will include a visit to a nearby coffee plantation, and a waterfall and butterfly and hummingbird sanctuary. Other reasonably-priced optional excursions will also be available.

Activities: Liberia is convenient to beaches, mountains, and volcanoes where students can participate in outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, exploring the rainforests, and observing the underwater ecology. There will be many activities through the program, such as conversation partners, dance lessons, and sports to help students become immersed in Costa Rican culture and meet Costa Rican students.

Orientation: After arrival, students will receive an extensive orientation. Topics include: Costa Rican cultural norms, cross-cultural adaptation, academic policies, use of local transportation system, currency issues, and a review of “survival Spanish.” During orientation, students will participate in a city tour, a visit to the campus, and a welcome lunch. At the end of the summer program, we will be treated to a farewell meal.
Costs: The program cost of $2,975 (tentative; plus USC tuition and fees of approximately $1,050 and airfare of approximately $650)
Included:
• Room and two-meals daily with a family
• Excursions as listed above
• All airport transfers, and Costa Rica departure tax
• Orientation and social activities arranged by CEA and Veritas
• On site-staff and facilities of CEA
Not included:
Airfare to/from Costa Rica. We will look into arranging a group fare from Columbia or Charlotte. You may also arrange your own travel and meet the group in Liberia.

Deadlines: (UPDATED)
01/31/08 Application, Conduct/Language Pledge, Deposit ($100; nonrefundable) Two passport-sized pictures (or color copies) with SSN and name on the back

02/29/08 Second Payment ($1000) 03/31/08 Third Payment ($1000)

04/25/08 Final Program Balance (TBA) 07/01/08 USC tuition & fees for 3 in-state credit. hours due directly to USC Bursar

Students cancelling after April 15 will be charged a significant fee by CEA as per their standard policy.

To apply, please complete the Application form for Costa Rica

If you are intersted in applying for a travel stipend, please complete the
SPANISH PROGRAM SUMMER STUDY ABROAD TRAVEL STIPEND APPLICATION

Contact Information:
Dr. D. Eric Holt at holt@sc.edu
Director, USC Program in Liberia, Costa Rica
Dept.of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
University of South Carolina, Columbia SC 29208

Links of Interest:
• USC sponsored summer program application information: http://www.sa.sc.edu/sa/forms-summer.htm
• Costa Rican government: http://www.go.cr/
• US Embassy in San José, Costa Rica http://sanjose.usembassy.gov/
• US Dept of State information on Costa Rica http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2019.htm
• Lonely Planet Guide to Costa Rica http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/central-america/costa-rica/

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