May 8–16, 2019

Program Description

This 9 day program will have students learn about the environment, culture and language of the "Rich Coast." At its heart, Costa Rica boasts an epic landscape that is home to nearly 5 percent of the world’s biodiversity. Discover how fragile these endangered ecosystems are as you travel through different rainforest preserves and unearth dazzling displays of color and sound.

Students of Spanish will practice the language of the Ticos, the name used to refer to the people of Costa Rica. All abilities in Spanish are welcome on this trip, including students who are not familiar with the language. Chances are high that exposure to the beauty and simplicity of the “Pura Vida” lifestyle in Costa Rica will encourage return trips and further language study!

Academic Requirements

Students will be responsible for the following:

  • GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • AG 297 or SPAN 297 - 0.5 credit - Spring 2019 AND 0.5 credit - Summer 2019
    • Satisfactory completion of study abroad orientation, preparatory meetings, and travel in Costa Rica

Program Costs

Program Costs Include:

  • Airfare to/from Pittsburgh and Costa Rica
  • In-country transportation
  • All meals while abroad in Costa Rica
  • Tour of the following sites:
    • Poás Volcano
    • Arenal hot springs
    • Boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
    • La Fortuna Waterfall
    • Santa Elena Cloud Forest
    • Experience a canopy adventure including zip lining
    • Central Pacific Coast
    • Rainforest adventures
    • Manuel Antoio National Park
    • Coffee plantation

Other Expenses

  • $135 -Passport
  • $150 - Immunizations
  • $150 - Personal expenses
  • ~$500 – 0.5 credit *
    * You will be registered in Maymester for .5 credits. Cost dependent on your semester standing and number of credits accrued.

Program costs vary depending on time of enrollment. See Education First website for details.

Registration Process

Register by Feburary 1

  • Education First (EF) College Study Tours
  • Study Abroad Office
    • A limited number of participants will be accepted.
    • Your judicial and academic records will be checked as a part of the registration process

Other Deadlines

  • November - register Spring 2019 for AG 297 or SPAN 297 course
  • February 1 – Complete Global Programs CANVAS Pre-Departure requirement
    Complete Travel Safety Network on-line requirements

Program Leaders

Kitty Mussett
Assistant Teaching Professor, Spanish
Kitty Mussett received her AB in Spanish from Davidson College (1991) and her MA in Hispanic Language and Literature from the Pennsylvania State University in 1994. She serves as the Coordinator for World Languages at Penn State Altoona as well as the Liberal Arts College contact representative. She is the 2013 recipient of the Grace D. Long Award for Academic Excellence. This will be Prof. Mussett's second opportunity leading a student group to Costa Rica.
Contact: [email protected] | 814-949-5211.

Gail Good
Assistant Teaching Professor, Agriculture
Gail Good holds a BS in agriculture and MPS in adult education from Cornell University. She teaches agriculture courses, serves as the College of Agricultural Sciences contact representative, provides academic advising for agriculture students and serves as a co-adviser for the Penn State Altoona Ag Club and Collegiate FFA. Prof Good has accompanied students on numerous occasions travelling to Germany, France, Greece and Mexico.
Contact: [email protected] | 814-949-5506.