Maymester in Costa Rica
The ecological beauty of Costa Rica is marvelous. Stunning beaches, an active volcano and exotic wild animals are only a few of the things that one experiences in Costa Rica. The scenery, unique flora and fauna and the warmth of its people make this region so special and worth visiting. Coastal Carolina University is pleased to send its students on this three·week Maymester program to San Jose, Costa Rica. This is an excellent opportunity to earn university credit while acquiring or improving conversational Spanish skills in a uniquely beautiful country. To supplement your academic experience, the following excursions have been included in the program: a guided bus tour of San Jose; a walking tour of the area surrounding the school; Latin dance class; cultural cooking class; visit to National Park and Beaches of Manuel Antonio; visit to Arenal Volcano and Hot Water Springs; and visit to the National Museum. While in San Jose, students will live with carefully selected host families. Room and board will consist of a private room with breakfast and dinner provided each day. Students will be met at the airport by a representative from the language school and be driven to their respective homes to unpack and settle in. The next morning a host family member will escort the student to classes and return that afternoon to acquaint the student with the bus route. If a student has particular dietary needs, he or she will be placed with a family who can accommodate those needs.
Preliminary Itinerary:
Date |
Location/Types of Activities |
|
May 12, 2013 |
Depart from Myrtle Beach International Airport |
|
May 13, 2013 |
Orientation and beginning of classes |
|
May 14, 2013 |
Spanish classes (4 hours) with IECR instructors plus sight-seeing tour of San Jose |
|
May 15, 2013 |
Spanish classes, (4 hours) with IECR |
|
May 16, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 17, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 18, 2013 |
National Park and Beaches of Manuel Antonio. Hotel Accommodation |
|
May 19, 2013 |
National Park and Beaches of Manuel Antonio. Return to San Jose in the afternoon |
|
May 20, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 21, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 22, 2013 |
Tour to Rainforest Aerial Tram |
|
May 23, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 24, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 25, 2013 |
Volcano Arenal and hot springs |
|
May 26, 2013 |
Visit hot springs. Return to San Jose in the afternoon |
|
May 27, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 28, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 29, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 30, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
May 31, 2013 |
Spanish classes, IECR (4 hours) |
|
June 1, 2013 |
Free Day |
|
June 2, 2013 |
Transfer to the airport |
Meet The Program Leaders
Jose Luis Mireles
E-Mail: jmireles@coastal.edu
Phone: 843-349-2442
Mr. Jose Luis Mireles is a Senior Instructor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Coastal Carolina University and has taught at the University since '99. He has multiple-year experience taking groups of students abroad and has been taking students to Costa Rica for the University's Maymester program since ‘06.
Alberto Perez
E-Mail: japerez@coastal.edu
Phone: 843-349-2447
Dr. Jorge Alberto Pérez has many years of experience teaching Spanish in Nicaragua and the U.S. He is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures at Coastal Carolina University and has taught at the University since 2002. He has several years of experience taking groups of students abroad. He first accompanied students to Costa Rica in 2003 and has also traveled to Spain with students for the University's Maymester program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the deadline for application?
The priority deadline for this program is Friday, Nov. 2, 2012. The general application deadline is Nov. 30, 2012, but some programs may be full by this deadline and so applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
How do I apply for the program?
Applications for all short-term study abroad programs must be submitted via the online link at: https://www.coastal.edu/academics/international/studyabroad/application/. Each complete application will include personal contact information, health form and participation fitness certification, acceptance of the terms of the study abroad agreement, statement of purpose, academic reference, personal reference and copy of your transcript, along with a deposit of $500 toward the cost of the respective program paid to Student Accounts. Should you not be accepted for the program, your deposit will be returned to you; otherwise your deposit will be applied to program costs. The priority deadline for submitting a complete application is Friday, Nov. 2, 2012.
When does this program take place?
This Maymester program takes place May 12 - June 2, 2013.
What is the cost of this study abroad program?
The cost of this program is $2,990 and includes:
- Language instruction at the Instituto de Espanol Costa Rica S.A. (IECR)
- Lodging and meals
- International air and local transportation
- Field trips
- Trip insurance
Coastal Carolina University tuition will be billed separately at the rate of $290 per credit hour. Maymester tuition bills are due May 9, 2013.
When are payments due for the program?
|
Deposit |
$500 due with application |
|
Second Payment |
Dec. 14, 2012 - 1/3 of remaining balance |
|
Third Payment |
Jan. 18, 2013- 1/3 of remaining balance |
|
Fourth Payment |
Feb. 15, 2013- pay remaining balance |
|
Final Payment – tuition only |
May 9, 2013 |
All payments are to be made to the Office of Student Accounts for credit to the respective study abroad program. The payment due dates are fixed. If payments are not received on or before the due dates, students will be dropped from the program.
What is the refund policy?
If after submitting your application and paying the $500 deposit, you are not accepted into the program, your deposit will be refunded within two weeks. If Coastal Carolina University finds it necessary to cancel the program, all payments made will be refunded. In the event the participant finds it necessary to cancel, we will make every effort to refund monies paid, less the $500 deposit and any funds already committed to vendors for the program.
How many credit hours can I complete during this program?
Three credits will be awarded for either SPAN 130: Introductory Spanish III or SPAN 330: Approaches to Literature and Culture. Upon your return with your certificate from Instituto de Espanol Costa Rica S.A. (IECR), you will receive three transfer credit hours for SPAN 350: Spanish Language Study Abroad.
Does this course/program satisfy core curriculum requirements?
Spanish 350 has been approved to fulfill Goal 5b requirements.
Are there any prerequisites for this study?
SPAN 120 is a prerequisite for SPAN 130; SPAN 210 is a prerequisite for SPAN 330.
Are scholarships or financial aid available for this program?
The Horry County Higher Education Commission International Awareness Award is available to assist graduates of accredited high schools in Horry County to participate in these programs. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ACCEPTED INTO A SHORT-TERM STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM TO APPLY FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP. To determine whether you have additional eligibility for financial aid during the summer short term study abroad programs, please see your financial aid counselor in Kingston Hall. Scholarship applications are due in Office of International Programs by Nov. 2, 2012. The application for the scholarship can be accessed here: Horry County Higher Education Commission International Awareness Award, 2012-13.
Do I need vaccinations to participate?
Coastal Carolina University adheres to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. Please visit the website http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for information regarding your particular destination.
What are the physical demands for this program?
Participants should be in good physical condition as extensive walking is involved.
For More Information, Please Contact:
The Office of International Programs & Services
Geoffrey Parsons, M.Ed.
Director, International Programs & Services
843-349-2054 / parsons@coastal.edu
Singleton Building 119
Lori Patterson, M.P.S.
Coordinator/Advisor, Study Abroad
843-349-2684 / lori@coastal.edu
Singleton Building 119