Summer '96 in Costa Rica

As the brilliant red, blue, and green colors of the Scarlet Macaws and Toucans flash by, one can see in the distance flaming red colors of the erupting volcano. The sounds of the jungle and the sound of the volcano vie for attention. But so does the raft, waiting to be loaded for the whitewater adventure down the river. Yet, how can one ignore the midnight nesting of the giant green turtles or the beautiful beaches upon which they nest?

All of this and more exists for the IQP students on weekend adventures in this most beautiful and stable democracy in Central America. During the week, the adventure continues at the project sites in and near the capital city of San Jose. The opportunity to be part of a heretofore unfamiliar but very compatible culture, to work with dedicated professionals on projects that will make a difference to the sponsoring organizations and to the country, to experience the sweet taste of success of making friends among residents of Costa Rica and doing an excellent job are opportunities not to be missed.

In its fourth year of operation, the Costa Rican Project Center will have a wide range of projects available, both to students who speak Spanish and to those who do not. Of course, Spanish Sufficiency students will have unlimited opportunities to practice their language skills.

For whatever the students interests, there will be projects that will intrigue and challenge the holder of those interests. Project opportunities will be varied. For example, students may choose to work for environmentally friendly organizations, perhaps even in a rain forest. Or they may puzzle out how to improve quality or processes in a private company that operates multinationally. The government, too, may provide opportunities through organizations such as the national communications or power authority or through the economic development or tourist authorities.

Several openings still exist for the adventuresome student interested in doing an IQP in E-term 1996. And some of the off-hours excursions will be offered without additional charge. Pick up your applications in the Project Center or call Professor Vernon-Gerstenfeld for information at 831-5708.