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Photos from Costa Rica

Environment and Culture in Costa Rica

May 15–23, 2023

Program Description

There’s nothing quite like the rainforests of the “Rich Coast” to get the adrenaline pumping. At its heart, the Central American country boasts an epic landscape home to nearly five 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.

Academic Requirements

Students will be responsible for the following:

  • GPA of 2.5 or greater
  • Enrolling in INART 297 or SPAN 297A
    • Satisfactory completion of study abroad orientation, preparatory meetings, and travel in Colombia

Costs

Program $2974—Costs Include:

  • Airfare to/from Pittsburgh and San José
  • In-country transportation
  • Program Itinerary
    • San José
      • Walking tour of San José, Capital of Costa Rica
      • Visit Poás Volcano, the largest active volcano in Costa Rica
      • Visit Arenal hot springs, naturally heated pools
    • Los Chiles
      • Day trip to Los Chiles, a bustling community only a few miles from the Nicaraguan border
      • Boat tour of Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, featuring rare and endangered animals
    • Monteverde
      • La Fortuna Waterfall, a spectacular 200-foot cascade surrounded by green cliffs
      • Visit Monteverde, a region consisting of flora and fauna across six ecological zones
      • Visit community-run Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and plant a tree!
      • Walk through the clouds on a canopy adventure.
      • Visit the Central Pacific Coast, an area popular with outdoor enthusiasts for its beautiful scenery and exotic wildlife.
      • Visit Rainforest Adventures and experience: Aerial tram ride, nature hike, butterfly garden, local plant, and animal life
    • Central Pacific Coast
      • Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts a diverse array of marine life and white sand beaches.
      • Enjoy a crocodile river tour for an up-close view of crocodiles and exotic birds.
    • Sarchí
      • Visit Sarchí, a craft center known for its brightly painted ox carts
      • Visit a coffee plantation, learn about beverages and how they are produced, and sip samples

Other Expenses

  • $165: Passport
  • $150: Immunizations
  • $150: Personal expenses

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

Registration Process and Deadlines

  • December 16
    • Environment & Culture in Costa Rica (SU23) registration page
      • A limited number of participants will be accepted.
      • As a part of the registration process, your judicial and academic records will be reviewed.
    • Register for Spring 2023 Inart 297 or SPAN 297A
    • Register with Education First (EF) College Study Tours
  • April 1
    • Complete Global Programs CANVAS Pre-Departure requirement
    • Complete Travel Safety Network on-line requirements

Program Leaders

Kitty Mussett, Associate Teaching Professor of Spanish

[email protected] | 814-949-5211
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.

KT Huckabee, Teaching Professor of Integrative Arts and Dance

[email protected] | 814-949-5441
KT Huckabee holds a BFA in dance from East Carolina University and MFA in dance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is a Certified Movement Analyst from the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies in New York. She teaches courses in dance technique and theory and serves as the Coordinator for Dance Studies and Performing Arts at Penn State Altoona. She is Artistic Director for Ivyside Dance Ensemble and Allied Motion Dance Company.

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.
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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
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
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3000 Ivyside Park, Altoona, Pennsylvania 16601 814-949-5000

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