JWU Costa Rica Study Abroad 2014- Program Overview

JWU Costa Rica Study Abroad 2014- Program Overview

Academic Focus: Eco, Nature-based, Adventure, and Sustainable Tourism
Satisfactory completion of the Costa Rica program fulfills all requirements for a concentration in Adventure, Sport and Nature Based Tourism. This is a physically active and comprehensive program. Satisfactory completion of the Costa Rica program fulfills all requirements for a concentration in Adventure, Sport and Nature Based Tourism. This is a physically active and comprehensive program. 

Satisfactory completion of the Costa Rica program fulfills all requirements for a concentration in Adventure, Sport and Nature Based Tourism. This is a physically active and comprehensive program. 

Areas of the Country we will visit: San Antonio de Belen Heredia, Tortuguero Limón, La Virgen de Sarapiqui Heredia, Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna, Jaco, Puntarenas

Program Educational Components:

• Learn about the natural history of sea turtles
• Experience the rain forest and spot wildlife.
• Introduction Lecture Sustainability in Costa Rica, a development model
• Students to choose field work project assignment as outlined by TBR and students will conduct guided research throughout the two weeks and compile for presentation at end of TBR program
• Principles of Eco-Tourism Costa Rica
• Introduction Lecture Sustainability in Costa Rica, a development model
• Students to choose field work project assignment, students will conduct guided research
• Sustainable Tourism Certificate  
• Other certification programs: Best Practices from Rainforest Alliance, Blue Flag Awards.
• Agro-tourism - Corsicana Organic Pineapple Farm, Coffee Plantation & Black Pepper Plantation
  Visit 3 different farms. Compare small scale to large scale operations
• Principles of Sales and Marketing related to tourism, Different perspectives on ecotourism marketing in Sarapiqui region.  
• Protected Areas Management Plans.
• Limits of Acceptable Change, Charge Capacity
• Protected areas and Tourism: Costa Rica history.  Tourism in National Parks. 
• Study eco-system of butterflies and tropical insects

Excursions: 

• Adventure Horseback Riding Tour -On this ride you will explore rivers, mountain slopes, pasture fields and primary and secondary forest. 

• Ecotermales La Fortuna Hot Springs-This family owned and operated natural hot springs, allows only a limited number of guests each day; providing a private and relaxing oasis for visitors. There are four pools, one of which features a cascading waterfall, which reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no better way to unwind after a long day than by visiting the hot springs and treating your body to its naturally replenishing effects. We will dine in the authentic, home-style Costa Rican restaurant

• Eco Farm- We’ll visit retired school principal Don Juan at his Farm for a special Costa Rican agricultural and culinary experience. Learn about this ecological farm's organic and sustainable production techniques as you help to harvest and plant native fruits and vegetables, meet his cows, visit the biodigester, flex your muscle in the manual processing of sugar cane and sample the fruits of your labor and enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

• Hanging Bridges / Nature walk in the Cloud Forest- The treetop walkway tour consists on 1.9 miles of trails in which visitors will encounter eight bridges of various lengths which range between 170 feet and 560feet. Each bridge features 5 foot width and capacity of 80 people per bridge which makes the treetop walkways at Selvatura Park not only the longest bridge system in Costa Rica but also the safest and strongest.

• Hummingbird Garden- Imagine yourself in a beautiful garden. Now imagine over 100 beautiful hummingbirds flying cheerfully around you! That is what the incredible Hummingbird Garden has to offer you. More than 10 species of hummingbirds will amaze you with their incredible aerial maneuvers and bright lively colors.   Definitively a photography fan's treat! No matter what mood you are in these small daredevils will cheer you up and give you an unforgettable air show.

• Butterfly Garden & Nature Center - The Monteverde Butterfly Garden, or Mariposario, is one of the area’s original and most visited attractions. The Mariposario offers a biodiversity center, medicinal plant garden, live leaf cutter ant colony, in addition to four climate-controlled butterfly gardens where visitors can observe some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects in the Tropics

• Crocodile Safari – Mangrove Adventure – boat trip -The adventure takes place on the Tarcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the wild with individuals up to fifteen feet long. In addition to the crocodiles, over fifty different kinds of birds can be seen on site, including the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowl. Iguanas and Jesus Cristo lizards are very common as well.

• Manuel Antonio National Park-Scenic Manuel Antonio National Park is a perfect combination of warm Pacific waters and rainforest that grows right down to the three white sand beaches. Nature trails take you along the beach strand and over a forested, rocky promontory. This park, in the humid tropical zone, protects several habitats, including primary relative isolation and secondary forest, mangroves, beach vegetation and marine resources. Because of its relative isolation and small size it is probably one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to see wildlife, particularly sloths, coatis, agoutis, White-faced Monkeys and the tiny Squirrel Monkey.

• Sarchi Ox-cart Factory- The artisan town in Costa Rica, Sarchi is best known for the vibrant and pretty oxcarts that are handcrafted here and sold all over the country. Available for a reasonable price, these oxcarts are a must buy for any visitor. A national symbol of Costa Rica, the oxcart plays a key role in the country’s history, as they were used to transport coffee beans to nearby and faraway markets. Highly ornate, these oxcarts are elegantly craved and are usually painted with bright colors. The largest and oldest oxcart factories are in Sarchi, and are considered to be the birthplace of oxcart handicrafts in Costa Rica

I had the honor of witnessing first hand immersed int the Costa Rican Culture as The best story in the World Cup will continue as  Costa Rica survived fatigue and penalty kicks to beat Greece and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time in its history.