Latin American Studies ProgramProgram Overview In conjunction with the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, George Fox students can participate in the Based in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Latin American Studies Program allows students to experience cross-cultural living, to deepen their understanding of the Lordship of Christ in an international context, and to explore the economic, political, social and cultural realities of North America's relationship with its Latin neighbors. THIS PROGRAM IS APPROVED FOR SPANISH MAJORS.Course Content For the first six weeks, students attend intensive daily language classes at the Instituto de Lengua Espanola. In the weeks following, interdisciplinary seminar classes explore Latin America's history, politics, economics, religion, culture, and ecology. Four specialized concentrations are available to LASP students: International Business: Management and Marketing in the fall semester; Environmental Science and Sustainable Development in the spring semester; Advanced Language and Literature; and Latin American Studies (to meet the needs of Spanish majors). No language pre-requisite except for Spanish majors.Service Opportunity/Internships LASP students not participating in a concentration spend two weeks of the semester in a service opportunity or internship in Costa Rica to get hands-on experience working in a developing country. Opportunities are available in a variety of areas, such as education, development, health, agriculture, and environmental stewardship.Program Fees Students pay their regular George Fox tuition and room and aboard and continue to receive all of their financial aid.

• Uganda Studies Program

Due to the high cost of some programs an may be charged. The student is responsible for round trip airfare. There also may be an additional charge for a visa. The fee does include emergency travel insuranApplication The student will fill out two applications:.The LASP application should only be completed after being informed from the Director of Study Abroad that you are accepted for an off-campus study semester.Eligibility APPROVED FOR SPANISH MAJORS. There is not language requirement for non-Spanish majors, but some Spanish is very helpful.Housing Students are housed with Christian Costa Rican families chosen by the LASP. Costa Rican homes may be relatively simple, so students may share a room with a 'sister' or 'brother.'

When appropriate, students should expect to help out around the house. Meals will likely be very simple and students will be served the same food that their family eats. Rice and beans are staples in Costa Rica and are usually eaten once or twice a day.

The Universidad Latina - Heredia is a highly regarded private university and part of the Laureate International Universities network. The campus is made up of a number of buildings interspersed with sun-lit courtyards, green spaces and quiet tropical gardens. Founded in 1985 as the Universidad Internacional de Costa Rica, the school's undergraduate and graduate programs are also fully accredited by the Costa Rican Ministry of Education.Today, it offers undergraduate courses in a wide area of practical sciences, education, and business-related fields. The Universidad Latina strives to make education accessible to both the traditional full-time student and the non-traditional working student. The university's enrollment is currently growing at a rate of about twenty percent a year, a strong testimony of the school's value and quality. Designed for students at the advanced level of the Spanish language (4 or more semesters of college-level Spanish), this program is an ideal option for those hoping to have an immersive experience in Costa Rica.You will have the opportunity to take classes from the regular course listing at the Universidad Latina, where you will learn alongside Costa Rican students and be taught by faculty at the university.

You will also be able to enroll in a variety of Latin American Studies and Spanish Language courses, where you will benefit from intimate classroom settings with fellow ISA students.You can combine the Spring + Fall OR Fall + Spring sessions at a discounted price. For more information about this option, please contact your ISA Costa Rica Program Manager. ExcursionsOrganized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience.

These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions. Comprehensive Advising and SupportA team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Site Specialist will assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad.

This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more. 24-Hour EmergencyThe ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7.ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance. Bridging Cultures ProgramThe Bridging Cultures Program (BCP) encompasses the ISA on-site orientation which will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. The BCP is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.

ISA Discovery ModelISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery:1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5.

EnvironmentalThroughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities. InsuranceA Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy.

Uganda Studies Program

A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.

Official Transcript from the Host UniversityUpon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. Letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations. Professional Development ToolboxThe Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences.

This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad. Svaja PakalniskisProgram Manager, Costa RicaSvaja grew up speaking Lithuanian in a western suburb of Chicago. Her family's connection to its heritage allowed her to spend her childhood summers in the capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, and instilled in her a passion for travel and language at an early age. She received a B.A. In Spanish and English at The Ohio State University, and studied abroad with ISA in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since then, she has devoted many months traveling through North America, Latin America, and Europe. Svaja believes that her time in Argentina was one of the most enriching, thrilling, and constructive experiences she has had and is delighted to help others embark on their own journey.

In her free time, Svaja enjoys reading books, playing volleyball, attending concerts, and daydreaming of future travels. ISA Heredia homestays allow students to experience aspects of Costa Rican or 'tico' lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. All housing is located in middle to upper class neighborhoods near the Universidad Latina and offers glimpses of everyday life with easy access to city amenities. Homestays include breakfast and dinner every day (except for excursion days) and laundry service once a week.

In your homestay you will have your own bedroom, although there may be another ISA student living in the same homestay. This will be a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a new place and live as a local would, so take advantage, immerse yourself in the 'pura vida', and let yourself become a Tico!