COURSE SIGN UP BEGINS JANUARY 28, 2008. See below for more information.
General overview:
This 12-day service adventure features opportunities to traverse rainforests, work with local community organizations, and participate in conservation and environmental studies while discovering the magnificent natural beauty of Costa Rica. Students will be afforded the opportunity to explore the natural environment and community health of Costa Rica through various immersion opportunities rooted in service learning. Special emphasis will be placed on developing a service and outdoor ethic within an environmental world view. In addition, students will learn and practice a variety of outdoor skills (rafting, snorkeling, hiking); interpersonal communication development opportunities; problem solving opportunities; all the while developing a cross-cultural awareness with preplanned service projects.
Procedures for Course Sign-up.
January 28 - Registration for the course will begin February 28 at 12:00pm at ORAC (Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center) located in the Preston Center. To register, you will need to provide a $250 non refundable deposit. You may use cash, check, big red dollars, visa, master charge, or discover card. ORAC is open Monday-Friday from 12:00 - 6:00 pm. Completing this step will get you registered for REC 482.
March 19 - The first installment of the course fee, in the amount of $1000, is due by cash, check, big red dollars, visa, master charge, or discover card to ORAC.
March 21 - Attend the first trip planning session at 3:00pm at the Preston Center, racquetball court 9.
April 9 - The final installment of the course fee, in the amount of $750, is due by cash, check, big red dollars, visa, master charge, or discover card to ORAC.
May - Make sure you have paid your tuition to the registrar in the amount of $150.
Essential Information:
PASSPORT: All students are required to obtain a passport prior to departure for Costa Rica. For more information on obtaining a passport, please visit the US Department of State home site. Students who have never applied for a passport will need to do so in person. Students renewing passports may do so through the mail. Please plan on a two month turn around time for your passport. START THIS PROCESS IMMEDIATELY.
STUDY ABROAD APPROVAL FORM: Students participating in a WKU study abroad course must complete an approval form prior to departure.
HEALTH INSURANCE: All students are required to have verifiable health insurance while in Costa Rica
PARENT INFORMATION: For parents who would like to learn more about WKU Study Abroad, please visit the program web site.
Scholarship Information:
SCHOLARSHIP: Applications for the World Topper scholarship are due March 19, 2008 to the Study abroad office located at 128 Grise Hall..
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Photo by Volunteer Association for the Protected Areas (ASVO)
La Asociación de Voluntarios para el servicio en las Áreas Protegidas
Tenorio Volcano National Park - Photo by Volunteer Association for the Protected Areas (ASVO)
La Asociación de Voluntarios para el servicio en las Áreas Protegidas
Santa Elena - Photo by Ron Ramsing
For information regarding the Costa Rica trip, please contact Luke Bartlett at 745.6542 or Dr. Ron Ramsing at 745.5482. Questions regarding the academic portion of the course should be directed to Dr. Ramsing.
