Costa Rica

Department: Latin American and Iberian Cultures.

Director: Karen  P. Pérez perezk@usc.edu.

Dates: May 19 – June 14, 2025.

(4 weeks in Costa Rica).

Location: San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Quepos, Guanacaste.

Course Description:

This course explores the ecological culture of Costa Rica by studying its history and culture paying special attention to sustainable practices and activities that  promote conservation of natural resources.

Students will explore beaches, go on boat rides, hiking excursions and other field trips that show historical, cultural and conservationist interest. The locations to be visited are San José, La Fortuna, San Luis (Monteverde), Quepos, and Guanacaste.

The program will offer, tentatively, one week of homestays in Monteverde. If, for any reason, homestays are not available, students will stay at other student housing accommodations. The Costa Rica Maymester incorporates a service project with the community, at an elementary school or help with a reforestation, water quality project or helping at one of the local farmer’s locations.

Lastly, students will also experience a hands-on cooking class of Costa Rican food and take a dancing lesson.

CLICK HERE to view the tentative syllabus.

Course credit:

This is a 4-unit English or Spanish-taught course that counts as an elective for most majors. Based on demand, a number of applications and applicants’ proficiency, the course may be taught only in Spanish so that students can receive appropriate credit towards their Spanish major or minor.

*Application & Google Form Deadline:  Monday, December 9, 2024 by 11:59 p.m

*Please note: You need to fill out both, the LAIC Program Information Google Form and the Dornsife Faculty Led Programs Application in order to complete the application process. Please access both of the links below:

1. CLICK HERE to access the LAIC Program Information Google Form for 2025.

2. CLICK HERE to access the Dornsife Faculty Led Programs Application.

Eligibility:

This is a class open to all undergraduate students and all majors.

Graduate students are ineligible to apply. Progressive students must contact the FLP office for eligibility prior to applying (flp@dornsife.usc.edu).

Intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required: Clearance of SPAN 220 by the end of spring. Students can apply in fall if currently taking SPAN 150 and will enroll in SPAN 220 in spring. If students have not taken any Spanish courses at USC, took Spanish at other locations, or learned Spanish at home or by other means, please contact program director directly.

Info Session:  Friday, October 18, 2024

ZOOM LINK: https://usc.zoom.us/j/94610021402

Flyer:

CLICK HERE to access the flyer.

Estimated Costs (Excluding Spring Tuition):

PLEASE NOTE:

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due upon student acceptance of a Maymester course. While most fall courses allow for an add/drop period, Maymester courses require immediate commitment due to travel arrangements and budgeting.

If a student cancels his/her participation after being accepted into the program, the $500 deposit will not be refunded under any circumstances, even if there is still time to drop the course according to the regular semester schedule.