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*Embedded: ERM 499 - Costa Rica: Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources - University Park (Spring Break) (Outgoing Embedded Program)

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  • Locations: Alajuela, Costa Rica; Guanacaste, Costa Rica; Limon Province, Costa Rica; Monte Verde, Costa Rica; Pacuare Reserve, Costa Rica; Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica; Santa Ana, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Spring- Embedded
  • Host Program Website: Visit host website for more information
  • Restrictions: PSU applicants only
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Type of Program: Embedded
Program Description:

Program Overview     

ERM 499: Costa Rica Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources, College of Agricultural Sciences -  Environment Resource Management
This 3 credit course meets on campus during the spring semester and travels over Spring Break. In the first half of the semester, expert faculty will guest lecture to prepare you for the topics you will learn about in Costa Rica. While in-country during spring break, you will explore the ecosystems and culture of Costa Rica, learning about how conservation and community are intertwined. Upon returning to Penn State, you will submit a travel journal to help reflect on what you have learned and the skills you have developed, and deliver presentations to your classmates and instructors about your experiences in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is located in Central America, situated between Panama and Nicaragua. The country consists of vast environments including tropical rainforests, dry regions, and coastal ecosystems. Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Students will have an opportunity to utilize the many resources the university has to offer including:

  • Sustainable agriculture production
  • A banana plantation
  • A butterfly sanctuary
  • An integrated dairy farm
  • A renewable energy activity
  • Visits local farms
  • Assist a local farmer to build a biodigestor
  • Poás Volcano

Dates     

March 2 - 9, 2024

Program Quicklinks     

Eligibility
Housing and Meals
Program Costs
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More Information
How to Apply
Other Useful Links

Eligibility

Any pre-requisite courses are established by the faculty leader or department hosting the course.  The following have been listed as pre-requisites for consideration to enroll in this course and travel on the embedded education abroad program:
  • Students at a second-year standing or higher from the College of Ag Sciences at Penn State University are eligible to apply.
  • GPA and student conduct records will be checked and the course leaders reserve the right to limit enrollment at their discretion.
  • Admission in the course and permission to travel with the group are at the discretion of the faculty leader and/or academic department hosting the course. Academic standing and disciplinary or conduct issues may impact eligibility.
  • The education abroad program may involve swimming, kayaking, rafting, boating, and/or snorkeling that is part of the official program itinerary or an optional activity during free time.?Students must complete a Water Safety Acknowledge of Risk form in order to participate on the program. 

Housing and Meals

During the embedded travel component, housing will consist of overnight accommodations in a hotel/hostel.

Program Costs

Students pay regular Penn State tuition (either in-state or out-of-state) for the credits associated with the embedded course.  Travel costs, lodging, meals, excursions, and other fees are determined by the program budget which is set by the program leader.  Please consult the program leader for additional information.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Embedded Programs Scholarship is issued through Penn State Global Education Abroad for students studying on approved Penn State embedded programs. There is no application required to be considered for this scholarship.  The Education Abroad scholarship selection team will utilize course rosters submitted by the embedded course leaders and will determine eligible scholarship recipients based on financial need. 

Because of the volume of eligible candidates, awards usually go to students with the highest level of financial need as determined by the Office of Student Aid.  Among those with the highest need, preference may be given to students with higher cumulative grade point averages and/or to those with no prior Penn State education abroad experience.

For More Information

For more information about this course, please contact the program leader: Tammy Shannon by emailing tmb5352@psu.edu.

How to Apply

The process for enrolling in an embedded course varies according to the instructor and/or department.  The program leader has indicated that in order to enroll in the course and travel component, students must contact the program leader, submit a written application, and have an interview.

Studying Abroad with a Disability

Many students with disabilities successfully study abroad each year. Please note that other cultures may have different attitudes and available accommodations regarding disabilities. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged in consultation with our office, the Student Disability Resources office, and our partners abroad. To prepare for success, students are strongly encouraged to research the country and program location to consider if and how they will manage their disabilities abroad in advance of selecting a program. Students with disabilities and other diverse backgrounds can begin their research on our Diversity Awareness Abroad page.


Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.