The
intent of this program is to help students improve language
skills to better serve Spanish speaking clients. Students
will be enrolled in an intensive language program
appropriate to their skill level at the University of Costa
Rica. Classes meet daily and include intensive Spanish
language training as well as studies of hispanic culture, in
particular Costa Rican culture. Participating students will
also enroll in a three credit hour course through the School
of Social Welfare to gain knowledge of the social service
system in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It lies in the Central Valley on a plain surrounded by large forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, green savannahs, and working coffee plantations.
The Universidad de Costa Rica was established in 1843 under the name Universidad de Santo Tomás and was restructured in 1940 and re-named the Universidad de Costa Rica. It is the oldest and largest university in Costa Rica, with a population of 35,000 students.
The University of Kansas-Universidad de Costa Rica exchange program, initiated in 1958, is the oldest inter-university exchange of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Initiatives such as the collaborative short-term study abroad programs designed by the KU School of Social Welfare and the Universidad de Costa Rica build upon and strengthen the bond between the two universities.
Students will live with Costa Rican host families. Three meals daily are provided.
May 30–July 1, 2007 (one-month session)
May 30–July 29, 2007 (two-month session)
Open to KU BSW, MSW & Doctoral students with one year of Spanish coursework or the equivalent. Minimum 2.5 GPA required (exceptions considered after submission of a petition).
CreditSix hours of credit are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program. Three hours may be applied towards the MSW degree requirements. Contact the School of Social Welfare for more information.
Program Fee: Approximately $2,600 for the one-month session or $3,650 for the two-month session. The program fee includes undergraduate tuition, fees, accommodations, meals, transportation and entrance fees for excursions, orientation, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, and administrative expenses.
Additional costs: Airfare, books, passport fees, and personal expenses.
KU students who qualify for summer financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program.
Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is March 1.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2007. Early application is strongly encouraged.
Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad. You can also download the application.
(Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download an application. If your computer does not have Acrobat Reader you can download it for FREE.)
All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.
Additional program information and course descriptions are available on the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare website at: www.socwel.ku.edu/academics/CostaRica/index.shtml
Melanie Hepburn, Assistant Dean
The University of Kansas School of Social Welfare
phone: 785-864-8937
e-mail: melanieh@ku.edu
The University of Kansas
Office of Study Abroad
Lippincott Hall
1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Room 108
Lawrence, KS 66045-7515
phone: 785-864-3742
fax: 785-864-5040
e-mail: osa@ku.edu
