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SFS: Costa Rica - Sustainable Development Studies (Outgoing Program)

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  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 
  • Program Cost: Fall
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year Final Application Deadline Decision Timeline Start Date End Date
Spring 2024 10/01/2023 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be contacted shortly after all application materials are completed.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.8
Subject Areas: Biology, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, International Studies Housing Options: Residence Hall/Dormitory
Program Sponsor: School for Field Studies Research/Independent Study: Yes
Program Description:


CONNECT WITH SFS


SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIES,
COSTA RICA


PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Credits: 18 semester-hour credits
  • Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
  • Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
  • Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans


OVERVIEW

The program examines different development and resource management models that Costa Rica uses to protect the biodiversity of its ecosystems while promoting socioeconomic benefits for its people. Students will examine the effects of globalization on development issues such as agriculture, biodiversity protection, economic development, urban sprawl, population growth, waste management, and water quality.

Visits to cloud forests, dry forests, volcanoes, lowland rainforests, farms, and plantations offer opportunities to examine management schemes, identify benefits of protected areas, and determine which systems offer the best options for economic development, the maintenance of cultural norms, and the preservation of biodiversity.


PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Take an extended field expedition to Nicaragua to compare and contrast development and resource-use issues: hike the volcanoes of Isla Ometepe; explore the rich cultural history of Granada; and study impacts of tourism in the region
  • Visit several national parks to investigate the pressures of ecotourism on small gateway communities and learn about tropical forest ecology
  • Explore the biodiversity and cultural significant of cloud forest habitats such as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
 

DIRECTED RESEARCH

Through Directed Research (DR)—as opposed to basic, applied, or independent research—students conduct research on a specific topic that is part of the SFS Center’s long-term strategic research plan, which has been developed in partnership with local community stakeholders and clients.

The course, taught by resident SFS faculty, provides students with the opportunity to apply the scientific process in a mentored field research project that addresses a local environmental issue. Through the DR project, students contribute to a growing body of scientific research that informs local conservation and resource management decisions.
 


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Application Process for Other Approved Programs
This program is offered through one of our approved program partners. In order to participate you must apply through, and be approved, by both St. Thomas and the program.
 
Application Process
  1. Attend a first-step session. Dates posted online at stthomas.edu/studyabroad.
  2. Schedule an advising meeting. This meeting will review:
    1. any questions you have about studying abroad, including program selection if you are considering multiple programs.
    2. the course approval process
    3. how to apply to Other Approved Programs
  3. Notify your study abroad advisor of final program selection.
  4. Complete all St. Thomas application materials by the St. Thomas application deadline.
  5. Complete program application via the program’s website by their deadline.
 
University of St. Thomas application deadlines:
October 1 for January Term and spring semester programs
March 15 for summer, fall semester and year-long programs.
Please note that some programs have deadlines earlier than St. Thomas.
 
St Thomas Criteria for Participation
  • Minimum grade point average of 2.5.
  • Students may not apply for, maintain an approved application, nor participate in a Study Abroad program while on academic or conduct probation. Any disciplinary records may be a consideration for approval to participate in an off-campus programs.
  • View all eligibility requirements for study abroad through St. Thomas: stthomas.edu/studyabroad > Explore & Plan > Student Policies.
  • Some programs have additional criteria.
 
Financial Aid/Scholarships
Financial Aid Awards (grants, loans and scholarships) typically apply to semester study abroad. Visit stthomas.edu/financialaid for instructions.

The Office of Study Abroad, and other approved program partners, offers scholarships. Visit stthomas.edu/studyabroad, and the program’s website, for details.


Program Information
For additional program information, contact the program partner.


For application procedures contact Study Abroad:
Office of Study Abroad
University of St. Thomas
MHC 212 (Mail 5026)
2115 Summit Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105-1096 USA
Tel: 1.651.962.6450
Fax: 1.651.962.5199
Email: studyabroad@stthomas.edu
www.stthomas.edu/studyabroad