San José, Costa Rica

At A Glance

Term: E 2007

Project Opportunities: IQP

Housing: Shared student apartments

Director: Prof. Susan Vernon-Gerstenfeld

Preparation: 1/2 unit preparation activity (knowledge of Spanish language is not required)

Application Deadline: September 28, 2006 (before 1 p.m.)

Location

Costa Rica is a land of contrasts: banana plantations, flaming volcanoes, misty black sand beaches and a thriving modern capitalist economy. A remarkably stable country, politically and economically, Costa Rica offers an opportunity for students to become immersed in a Central American culture where democracy, economic development, and concern for the environment are a permanent part of the landscape. Students stay in the capital city of San José, but ample opportunity is found to visit the country’s attractions. Many projects have fieldwork associated with them.

Projects

Costa Rica’s unique environment provides students opportunities to focus on environmental conservation and sustainable development by working with government agencies dedicated to those issues and with selected museums and private organizations. Prior knowledge of Spanish language is not required for participation. All students, however, must complete a two-week intensive language program on site.

Take a look at some recently completed projects...

Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses	$550 40 210 100 + 800 $1,700	Travel to site (RT airfare) Taxi from residence to airport Groceries Dining out (10x term) Weekend tourist activities Estimated total out-of-pocket expenses
Expenses Included on your WPI Bill:	+ 2,072	Housing and required language course
Estimated total expenses	$3,772	(tuition and on-campus housing not included)

Subject to change due to fluctuations in exchange rate

Note:

In calculating the extra expense to participate in an off-campus project experience, compare this figure to expenses incurred while living on campus (groceries or meal plan, entertainment expenses, transportation, etc.)

Some scholarship assistance for students going to this project center is available for those who are U.S. citizens and Pell Grant recipients. Apply to the Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship Program.

San José, Costa Rica

At A Glance

Location

Projects

Note:

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