Location

Cuidad Quesada, Bahia Ballena National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica

Program Description

Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime by going on this study abroad program to Costa Rica! Join us for a transformative learning experience of teaching English as a foreign language to dedicated students in a bilingual school in Cuidad Quesada.

The program will provide the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the global educational landscape by honing on cultural sensitivity, humility, diversity, equity, and justice. This experience will equip students with practical teaching strategies and cultural immersion. Engaging in this program will expose students to different teaching methods, educational philosophies, and cultural perspectives. This exposure has the potential to challenge one’s preconceived notions and enable individuals in becoming more adaptable and open-minded, which is a valuable trait in any teaching or professional career.

This study abroad program is designed to support and empower students by providing them with the tools, experiences, and perspectives they need to thrive in the global educational landscape and to champion equitable and diverse education. It will ultimately help students to become transformative educators and professionals who will make a positive impact on their students and their communities.

Location Description

The program consists of four full weeks, starting with the week of traveling to Bahia Ballena National Park and Manuel Antonio National Park with stops to admire the Nauyaca Waterfall and explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica.

Following the week of exploring the country’s rich culture, customs, and flora and fauna, the program will equip students with the knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language through a three-credit-hour special topics course and one-credit-hour practicum at the same bilingual school where the next three weeks will be spent working with students and faculty at a PreK-11 private school.

On weekends, excursions will be provided to La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, and Poas Volcano National Park with a coffee tour.

Director

Katya Koubek | koubekex@jmu.edu | EFEX

Accommodations

Students will stay with host families in Cuidad Quesada for the entirety of the program. Students will stay in hotels during the first week of travel to Zona Sur as well as an additional weekend in La Fortuna. All accommodations will be furnished with internet access and laundry facilities.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided as a part of the program.

Additional Items to Consider

No visas or vaccines are required.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to all undergraduate majors and class levels. 

Students must successfully complete TESL 300 prior to the start of the program.