The Outdoor Pursuits Program and the Recreation Studies department at Ohio University are sponsoring this exciting winter study abroad experience to the adventure and eco-tourism capital of Latin America, Costa Rica.

This unique opportunity will allow students to develop leadership skills and greater self-efficacy by exploring the diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica through adventure based activities. Students will problem solve by navigating through the rainforest and pristine jungle rivers of central Costa Rica. Participants will rappell off of waterfalls, wander through hidden caves and get a better understanding of environmental responsibility by listening to local residents share their knowledge of Costa Rican flora and fauna.

Students will learn the basics of whitewater rafting on the Savegre River, camping and hiking in the pristine rainforest ecosystems, and surfing at Manuel Antonio National Park.  In addition to gaining technical outdoor skills, students will get the chance to relax on sandy white beaches, travel amongst monkeys, iguanas, sloths and tropical birds, and practice their Spanish as they stay with local families, immersing themselves in Costa Rican culture and daily life.

Students will learn about the seven principles of ecotourism according to Martha Honey's book "Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns Paradise?" Students will also engage in reflective reading and writing about the ecotourism industry in Costa Rica.

To learn more about this program, check out this presentation.

Program dates
January 2 - 11, 2014 (tentative)

Application Deadline

Eligibility and selection process
This program is open to all OHIO undergraduate students with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Students who have a judicial record and will be on probation for a judicial offense at any point during the program may petition to study abroad. Click here to read the entire judicial policy.

All applicants will be required to sign this waiver as a condition of their acceptance into the program.

Living arrangements
Participants will live in homestays with Costa Rican families. Students will be provided with breakfast and dinner each day in the homestay. These meals will be traditional Costa Rican cuisine where students will have the opportunity to help with the meal preparation.

Courses and credits
Students will receive 3 OHIO credit hours for REC 4920: Ecotourism Destinations.

COST

Additional Information on Costa Rica
To learn more about this study abroad destination, please visit the CIA World Factbook.

Health and safety
Ohio University Office of Education Abroad suggests you follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control for healthy travel to your destination: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.aspx. Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.
Refer to the State Department site for information related to safety and security at this destination: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html.

Requesting accommodation for disabilities
If you plan to participate in an Ohio University-sponsored study abroad program and wish to request accommodation, you should contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) to schedule an appointment to complete an Education Abroad Disability Accommodation Request Form. We recommend you do this as early as possible to allow sufficient time to determine what accommodations may be made for this program. 

Entry and exit requirements
U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States.  If you plan to study or travel abroad in the next year, apply for your passport now: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
Some countries also require a visa to legally enter and reside in the country.   Entry and exit requirements for this country can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.

US citizens may need a visa or other special documents to enter the country for the length of this  program. You may need to show sufficient funds to support yourself while in-country.  Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program.  Please familiarize yourself with these recommendations and requirements prior to applying to a program.

For more specific visa related information please visit OEA's Visa Information Page.

Information for NON-US citizens can be found here.

For more information on this program contact:

Dan Vorisek
Program Director
Ping Recreation Center 100L
Tel: (740)597-1485