Costa Rica

Social Justice and Cultural Understanding

Open to all undergraduates and graduate students, the Costa Rica program starts in San Jose, is where students will get used to being abroad and these new surroundings and cultures in which they will immerse themselves. There will be lectures taught about sociopolitical climate in Nicaragua and how this impacts Costa Rica regarding migration, and refugees. Discussions will be held for students to gain knowledge about the cultural context and other social and issues in order to compare it to their own communities. Community projects will take place in the cities of Bolson and Ortega which is considered the western coast of Costa Rica. These cities are perfect for learning more about the history, economy and people of this region. This voyage allows for you to become a member of their community, taking a walk in their shoes for the time being to become more aware and well educated. These communities are surrounded by sugar plantations which is a major source of economic activity. You will be taken on a boat tour of the Rio Tempisque where the plantations are located. Here, you will learn more about the workers, the job itself, and how it benefits certain individuals of this community. These community projects also include different work with children, women and the elderly.