| TURRIALBA, COSTA RICA Turrialba, Costa Rica University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica (UCR) Three weeks after the spring semester |
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This program provides students with the unique experience of learning about a developing country in Latin America while living with and interacting with its people. Students fly into the busy capital of San Jose then travel by bus to Turrialba, a small city located in a lush agricultural valley about two hours southeast of San Jose. Turrialba is the home of the main campus of the University of Costa Rica, Atlantic branch, and here students are welcomed by the UCR students they hosted at FSU in January. Students live with host families in Turrialba and gain first hand experience of the importance of family and friendship in the Costa Rican culture. FSU students also visit two other cities, Paraíso and Guápiles, which are home to the other campuses of the Atlantic Branch. Visiting these three cities shows the great diversity of life in Costa Rica, from city dwellings to rural family homes.
Students learn about university life by visiting classes with the UCR students and perform some volunteer activities in public schools or daycare centers. The UCR students participate in many of the program activities and often host weekend and evening activities for FSU students. Participants learn about Costa Rica’s natural beauty by going on day trips to a volcano, archaeological ruins and nature preserves. Students will also have the opportunity to volunteer on a banana farm which is run by the UCR.
The FSU group will also volunteer for two days with a local indigenous group, the Cabécares. This indigenous tribe is one of the largest and most conserved in Costa Rica; however, they are struggling to keep their ethic identity alive while also trying to acculturate into mainstream society. They recently opened a school for their children to learn their native language, Cabécar, and other necessary skills. The FSU group will collect essential school supplies to donate to the school prior to going to Costa Rica.
During the last three days of the exchange the group will be in San Jose. While in San Jose the group will visit the National Theater and the National Museum. There is also a small cultural market in downtown San Jose which students will be able to purchase artifacts made locally. The group will stay in a gated Hostel and each student is responsible for their meals while in San Jose.
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» University of Costa Rica to FSU - January 29-February 13, 2007
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