PLEASE NOTE: SRJC may sponsor a Study Abroad program in Costa Rica in Summer 2009. We will post details here as soon as plans are complete.

Why Study in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is well-known for its enlightened approach to conservation. About 27% of the country is protected in one form or another, and Costa Rica boasts some of the finest rain forests in the world. Costa Rica is a nature-lover's paradise, where one can see monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, exotic birds, and insects in their natural habitat. With both Pacific and Atlantic coasts, there is no shortage of beaches. Additionally, the country boasts several active volcanoes, surrounded by thermal pools (aaah!). Do you like camping, horseback riding, whitewater river rafting, fishing, or hiking? How about a slow boat ride down one of Costa Rica's many rivers, surrounded by flora and fauna you never dreamed you'd ever see? Costa Rica is the place for you.

And if that is not enough, there is the added attraction of the most stable political climate in Latin America. Costa Rica has had democratic elections since the 19th century and is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. Since 1948, there has been no standing army. Costa Rica is safe and the people are friendly. When the word "ecotourism" is mentioned, most people think of Costa Rica first, and in the '90's tourism surpassed bananas and coffee as the nation's biggest industry. This means Costa Ricans are increasingly good at accommodating visitors. Indeed, our students may find it easier to arrange a reasonably-priced weekend excursion in Costa Rica than here in the United States. Costa Rica is a country that begs to be explored and rewards the adventurous with lots of surprises. What a great place to learn Spanish!

Highlights:

• Open to students age 18 and older who have graduated from high school and have completed 12 units of college course work with a minimum 2.0 grade point average
• Take lower division courses that are transferable for Bachelor's degree credit
• Low cost flights, shared accommodations with a host family
• Three meals per day with weekly limited laundry service
• Three day - two night excursion to Tortuguero National Park
• Three day - two night excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano