Description

Nowhere in the world is it easier to be "at one with nature" than in Costa Rica. Exploring the misty cloud forests, volcanic mountain ranges and tropical rain forests will reveal an unmatched biodiversity. During this two week adventure, we'll hike just about every day, horseback ride, raft Class III-IV whitewater, go kayak touring, snorkel, ride the zip-line through the forest canopy and plant trees to reduce our carbon footprint.

Amid all this physical activity we'll interact with the locals to learn about the culture and improve our Spanish, learn about the flora and fauna of the country, better understand the importance of habitat conservation and even share a meal with a local family to get a true picture of life in Costa Rica.

This trip is designed for outdoor enthusiasts eager to be involved in a rigorous, high-energy, active learning experience. One Physical Education credit is available for active participation. Attend one of the information sessions to learn more about the trip details.

UGA Costa Rica Campus
During the program, students will stay at UGA's beautiful campus at the head of the San Luis Valley, adjacent to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The campus is high enough in elevation to offer a temperate climate year-round. With wide verandas overlooking the valley, a dining room with soaring ceiling, and computer facilities, the student union is a popular place to congregate. Participants are housed in spacious bungalows nestled into the landscape, each room with its own private bath.

Highlights

- Most days begin with breakfast between 6 - 7 a.m. - always plenty to eat to fuel you for the day's activities. Most physical activity is in the morning while afternoons and evenings will find us learning a new skill or engaging in a cultural activity taught by a native Costa Rican.
- Travelling from place to place will be via 7 passenger van or 30 passenger mini-bus on roads that are less smooth than here in the US , but we will have AC! The scenery is always interesting so keep your eyes open as it's fun to catch a glimpse of a toucan, howler monkey or sloth!
- Most every day will find us doing some kind of hiking - from 1/2 mile to 8 miles often for 3-6 hours at a time. Our guides will teach us about the plants, animals and historical culture of Costa Rica . Hiking on the Carribean Coast will be in hot, humid conditions with rain likely every day. At the higher elevations, it won't be as hot, but rain is more likely. The rain makes everything so green, is soothing to listen to and provides some great scenic effects. It's a great time to enjoy being out in the rain like we did when we were kids stomping in puddles!
- Horseback riding will be a guided trail riding tour for 2 hours. Most likely your horse will respond to a kissing sound to avoid problems with the language barriers so pucker up!
- Cow milking will be an udderly tactile physical experience!
- Bird watching will be a leisurely guided walk with eyes peeled and binoculars ready to spot beautiful Costa Rican birds like the mot mot and resplendent quetzel.
- The zip-line tour will find students harnessed into the cable pulley travelling between platforms at speeds of 5-25 miles an hour at heights of 25-200 feet above ground. This will be as close to Six Flags as you'll get on this trip!
- For kayak touring students will paddle their boat across the lake with the possibility of experiencing wind and a choppy water surface- but at the base of a volcano that's not too bad! * Rafting will be a 2 day/overnight eco/tent camping experience. Students will actively paddle under a guide's instructions to maneuver the raft through Class II-IV whitewater rapids. They do say "rest" every so often amid "paddle hard"!!
- Waterfall swimming will be available at various points along the trails. This is a great opportunity to get that "water up your nose" feeling!

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Leisure Study
• Sports

Cost in US$:

2,750 USD

Program Fees Include:

The cost of the program covers lodging, three meals per day, study abroad insurance, hotels, meals, entry fees, carbon offset and in-country transportation.

Airfare is paid separately by the students.

Tuition is paid separately to the UGA Bursar's Office.

***Note: Out-of-state students pay in-state tuition.
The HOPE scholarship applies to study abroad tuition.

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

30-60 days

University of Georgia - Costa Rica's Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide excellence in academic programs and research opportunities while serving as the best equipped social, cultural, environmental and international facility of the University of Georgia. Our Vision is to work under the principles of environmental, cultural, social and economic stability, as well as to serve as an example of sustainability to the academic and non-academic communities of Costa Rica, Latin America and the World.

Year Founded

1785