Globalization and Contemporary Issues in Costa Rica

As a supplement to its Social Work curriculum, the College of Health and Public Affairs has designed a study abroad program for both upper-level Undergraduate and Graduate students interested in social work at UCF.

This course is designed to broaden intercultural competence and strengthen understanding of the effects of globalization as expressed in social problems, social change efforts, individual and family functioning, formal and informal social and health care services systems and community capacity building in Costa Rica.

Participants will travel to Puntarenas, Costa Rica for two weeks of classes and service learning. This program is hosted by University of Costa Rica – Puntarenas and will be the location of language and culture classes while rural areas in Costa Rica will provide the backdrop for a variety of interactive service learning.

Participants will visit governmental, non-governmental, and community social services, environmental protection, and health service programs as well as attend presentations by Costa Rican professionals and community leaders to promote understanding of the differences in issues of social justice and service delivery between the USA and Costa Rica.

Students on this program should plan to arrive in Puntarenas, Costa Rica  by noon on the starting day of the program in order to be in country to transfer to the hotel.  Please note, check flight schedules carefully before booking. Students are encouraged not to purchase their flights until after the application deadline and the applicants have been informed that the program has met its minimum numbers.

Students may register for either SOW 4955/5957 or SPN 4941 and earn 3 credits.  A total of 6 credit hours may be earned by taking both SOW 4955 (Undergraduate) or SOW 5957 (Graduate) – Globalization and Contemporary Issues in Costa Rica and SPN 4941 – Spanish Internship.

This program is open to non-majors and students without prior Spanish language courses.  While in Costa Rica, students are expected to remain engaged in the program’s experiences, speak in Spanish, and try new things.

Payment Breakdown based upon the minimum number of students:

Payment 1:  $100 (non-refundable)
Payment 2:  $1000
Payment 3:  $700
Payment 4:  $700

• Demonstrate increased intercultural competence by employing respectful interpersonal engagement in context while studying abroad
• Recognize the economic, social and familial impacts of globalization on the host country and USA immigrants originating from the host country
• Provide examples of social or health problems, human rights concerns, formal and informal service systems, family and individual development concerns, or community capacity building efforts in the host country arising from interdependent global-local linkages
• Compare and contrast differences in challenges to social justice and the delivery of formal and informal social and health care services between the USA and host country
• Apply social work values of self-determination, integrity, and trustworthiness an professional boundaries in research papers, peer learning, and group activities.
• Demonstrate increased intercultural competence by employing respectful engagement in context while studying abroad.

Students must be either a junior or senior standing or graduate student

The following services are included as part of the program fee:

• Shared accommodations in Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Most meals:
• Breakfast is included on: 5/10- 5/12, 5/14- 5/19, & 5/21- 5/24
• Lunch is included on: 5/9- 5/12, 5/14- 5/19, & 5/21- 5/23
• Dinner is included on: 5/9- 5/10, 5/12, 5/15, 5/18- 5/19, & 5/23
• Airport transfers
• Welcome meal and farewell party
• Zona Sur excursion
• Medical insurance including repatriation
• Administrative fee

The following services are not included as part of the program fee:

• Round trip air between Orlando, Florida and Puntarenas, Costa Rica
• Passport or visa fees
• Incidentals
• Meals except as listed above
• Currency exchange fees
• Personal travel not associated with the program
• Tips and gratuities for tour guides and private charter buses
• UCF tuition