Rigorous Academics + Spanish + Meaningful Vocational Ministry + Christian Mentoring + Adventure + Travel
Students International (SI) is providing a transformative opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica and to volunteer in Christ-centered ministry + service sites related to personal academic and vocational interests.
Gain hands-on experience in fields like: Sports, Women’s Health and Fitness, Women’s Social Work/Microfinance, Tutoring/Education, Boys and Girls Club, Creative Arts Workshop and much more.
Travel
Experience various cultural and historical treasures in Costa Rica through frequent excursions. These are subject to change, but often include beaches, eco-parks, and national parks and a mid-semester travel/service week, usually to Nicaragua.
Calendar
In-Country Orientation
Intensive Spanish
Weekend Excursions
Ministry Sites
Debriefing
Housing & Meals
Live with carefully selected host families. Build relationships with them and learn from their culture. Try a variety of local foods for breakfast and dinner and packed lunches. SI works to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
In collaboration with Crown College
SEMESTER ABROAD COSTA RICA PROGRAM DETAILS
Cost: $9500 + Airfare
SEMESTER | 14 WEEKS | 16 – 18 CREDITS
The Fall Term runs from late August to early December. The Spring Term runs from early January to early May.
Orientation + Team Building – Weeks 1-3
Intensive Language school – Week 4
Outreach – Week 5-7
Intensive Language school – Week 8
Outreach – Week 9 – 13
Debrief + Return Home – Week 14
A survey of the biblical and theoretical basis for Christian mission with a special focus on the church’s ministry to the poor. Major attention is given to key paradigms for mission and their application to the students’ ministry practicum context. Drawing on students’ experiences in their ministry sites, this course will address social, cultural, political and spiritual issues with an emphasis on holistic ministry responses and the gospel’s impact on both individuals and society. Special attention is given to Latin American perspectives on ministry and unique aspects of ministering in Latin American contexts.
“Pura vida” (pure life or full life) is a common phrase used in many contexts in Costa Rica. In this class, offered completely in Spanish, students will explore the pura vida of Costa Rican culture with special attention given to the history, politics and religion of this Central American nation along with issues of race, immigration, class and family relationships that are unique to the country. Course sessions will be led by Costa Ricans with expertise in each of these areas and students will make visits to various sites of cultural significance.
"I would encourage everyone I know to have an experience like this because it will change you."
SUMMER ABROAD COSTA RICA PROGRAM DETAILS
SUMMER ABROAD COSTA RICA PROGRAM DETAILS
Cost: $5900 + Airfare
SUMMER | 8 WEEKS | 11 CREDITS
Orientation from May 24 to 28
Language school (one course) May 29 to June 16
Outreach from June 19 to Jul 1
Language school (one course) from July 3 to 21
Debrief July 22-25; return July 26
The internship entails acquisition of knowledge of the Hispanic culture and application of Spanish communication skills in authentic contexts through service work in Spanish-speaking communities.
Choose from beginning to advanced courses. Receive personal instruction at language school.
Elementary Spanish I – 3 Credits
Elementary Spanish II – 3 Credits
Intermediate Spanish I – 3 Credits
Intermediate Spanish II – 3 Credits
Advanced Spanish Abroad – 3 Credits
Spanish Conversation and Composition – 4 Credits
Literature and Culture of Spanish America – 4 Credits
Advance Spanish Grammar and Communication – 4 Credits
"The experience is very wholistic and is stretching in so many good and yet challenging ways."
Why Study Abroad?
A semester abroad in Costa Rica can be a life-changing experience, providing a unique opportunity to challenge yourself while immersing yourself in a different culture. Taking an extended period of time, such as a semester, summer, or year, to study abroad can provide students with invaluable benefits and experiences that can have a lasting impact on their lives. One of the most important aspects of studying abroad is the cultural exposure one gains from living and learning in another country. Students have the opportunity to learn about customs, beliefs, languages, and ways of life they may not be familiar with before. They can also foster relationships with those from other countries and share cultures with each other.
Another benefit for students who study abroad in Costa Rica is they develop an appreciation for diversity by understanding how individuals from different backgrounds interact and view the world around them.
On top of cultural exposure, studying abroad in Costa Rica provides students with an excellent opportunity to improve their Spanish skills. Not only do they get practice speaking in another language, but they also get to make mistakes without any judgment or embarrassment. Additionally, living independently allows students to develop important organizational and problem-solving skills that will help them down the road in their studies or career pursuits.
Lastly, studying abroad gives students access to academic courses that may not be available at home universities. This helps build knowledge on specific subjects beyond what is offered locally, while allowing students to explore new interests they may not have known existed before.
Whether it’s taking part in study tours or research projects in remote areas or enrolling in specialized classes – there are countless possibilities for learning abroad that wouldn’t otherwise exist at home universities. Overall, studying abroad can provide tremendous benefits for those willing to take the plunge into another culture and way of life. From gaining invaluable cultural insights to developing language skills and exploring new academic opportunities; there is no doubt that taking extended time out of your studies at home can be extremely rewarding both personally and academically – making it an unforgettable experience you’ll cherish forever!