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National Theatre, San Jose

Hope Partners Costa Rica

March 8-15, 2020

An alternative spring break experience for students seeking a culturally immersive experience while supporting the growth of a foreign community through the creative process.

Program Description

A seven-day excursion that allows students to experience a level of cultural submersion through service to the community. Students will be partnering with both Murals Talk (an Altoona based non-profit Art Organization) and Hope Partners, Costa Rica for a unique service opportunity. Students will work with both Altoona-based elementary students and community members leading into the trip, as well as working with students at the Pacifica Fernandez Elementary School in San Jose, Costa Rica and community members. Students will participate in several aspects of the process including landscape maintenance and clean-up, interactions with elementary age students in the classroom setting, and mural painting. Students will also have the opportunity to explore the culture of the region and interact with Costa Rica citizens of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Students can also earn HD FS credit by completing specific course requirements while traveling.

Program Costs

$1,195 Land Portion Includes:

  • Hotel accommodations (eight days, seven nights)
  • Community service five-day project
  • All materials for facility improvement project of the wall preparation
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
  • Full-time bilingual translator
  • Tour of San José Historic District
  • Day off adventure to Pacific Beach or Waterfall Gardens

$700

  • Airfare from BWI (subject to change until ticket is paid in full, first and second checked bags are free per person per direction, subject to change).

Other Possible Expenses

  • $135 – Passport
  • Transportation to BWI
  • $150 – Personal expenses
  • Immunizations (There are currently no immunizations needed for travel to Costa Rica)

$2,180 – Tentative Total Program Costs
Subject to change based on current market rates and number of participants

Academic Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5GPA
  • Registered for Spring 2020

Application Process

  1. Apply by December 20 online
  2. Judicial and academic records reviewed

Study Away

  • Upcoming Programs
    • Alternative Spring Break: Community Collaborations International (CCI) Puerto Rico Project
    • Nursing: Impacting Community Wellness in a Developing Country (Panama)
    • London Calling: Ordering the World
  • Past Programs
    • Environment and Culture in Costa Rica
    • Hope Partners Costa Rica
    • Intercultural Studies in Ecuador
    • Ireland: Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship
    • Maymester in Mexico
    • Motorheads: Engineering Program in Southern Germany
    • Penn State Altoona Nursing Program in Cuba
    • Sheetz Fellows in Europe: Italy and Switzerland
    • Women's Soccer in Costa Rica
  • Study Away Grants and Scholarships
  • Support Penn State Altoona’s Study Abroad Programs

Study Away

Beth Seymour
Study Away Coordinator
125E Eiche Library
814-949-5335
[email protected]

Victoria Hesser
Program Assistant
125D Eiche Library
814-949-5212
[email protected]

Study Away Grants and Scholarships
Find Out More
Pennsylvania map showing Penn State's campuses with Penn State Altoona highlighted

Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
  • facebook
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Welcome from the Chancellor
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • College Leadership
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Find Your Admissions Counselor
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Student Success Center
    • The Help Tool
    • Tutoring
    • Student Affairs
    • Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
    • Safety at Penn State Altoona
    • Career Services
    • Eiche Library
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
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    • Facilities
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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