Spring Semester - 17 weeks (January 2 - May 1, 2010)
Summer - 16 weeks (early May to late August)
Fall Semester - 16 weeks (early September to late December)
Academic Year

Spring Semester 2010 closed

Sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Social Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

This is a 17-week immersion program at EARTH University in the lush, humid tropics of Costa Rica.  EARTH University (Escuela de Agricultura para la Región Tropical Húmeda) is a premier international university in Latin America, dedicated to the preparation of vanguard professionals to find solutions to the problems of the humid tropics, including rapid deforestation, non-sustainable agricultural systems, degradation of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, poverty, and social deterioration of rural communities.

Students from all academic majors are encouraged to apply for this program, especially students with an interest in development in Latin America, as well as those desiring to improve their Spanish-language skills.  Students can select courses from a variety of disciplines including biological and environmental sciences, natural resource management, agricultural sciences, and community development.  This program provides opportunities for students to learn of contemporary environmental, social, and economic issues associated with development in Latin America; to hear the perspectives of students from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds; and to establish lifelong friendships with Latin American students.

The program is also enriched with a week-long refresher Spanish program and an orientation to Costa Rican culture and life in San José, including a stay with a Costa Rican family.  Numerous trips are scheduled in the program including a week-long trip throughout Costa Rica and weekend trips to tropical rainforests, volcanoes and world-class beaches.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Where does it take place?

The HUMID TROPICS is one of the world’s greatest biological resources, containing over 50 percent of the total number of plant and animal species on our planet.  Yet, due to increased population pressures, economic constraints, and inappropriate management practices, the ecosystems within the humid tropics are being threatened.  The survival and vitality of the humid tropics, perhaps the last ecological and agricultural frontier, depend upon the ability of society to develop environmentally, economically, and socially acceptable and sustainable strategies for agricultural and natural resource management.

COSTA RICA is considered the Switzerland of Central America.  Christopher Columbus recognized the natural beauty and wealth of this land and thus named it “Rich Coast” in 1502.  Although the entire country is significantly smaller than Michigan, it has a highly varied landscape.  Volcanic mountain ranges with cloud forests run through the center of the country separating the humid tropics of the Atlantic coastal lowlands from the drier regions of Guanacaste Province in the Pacific northwest of Costa Rica.  San José, and the neighboring cities of Alajuela, Heredia, and Cártago, are located in the Central Valley and possess a spring-like climate due to the relatively high altitude, between 915 and 1500 meters above sea level.  The EARTH campus is located approximately 60 miles from San José and can be reached by students, easily and inexpensively, via public transportation.

The Costa Rican people, “Ticos,” are culturally diverse with more than 80% of the population being of European descent.  In the geographically isolated Atlantic coastal regions of Limón, the people are predominately black with a uniquely Caribbean culture.  Costa Rica prides itself in being one of the oldest democracies in Latin America and enjoys great freedom and peace.  The country does not even have a military force.

Tourism is the largest industry within Costa Rica, followed by banana and coffee production.  Foreigners are attracted to Costa Rica because of its emphasis on eco-tourism and the opportunity to visit cloud forests, hike up the slopes of three active volcanoes, swim and snorkel in numerous world class beaches along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, observe green sea turtles, whitewater raft on mountain rivers, and watch exotic birds, butterflies, and wildlife in the tropical rainforests.

EARTH University, a private institution established in 1990 with a total enrollment of only four hundred students, provides a unique learning and living environment for study abroad students.  The university is located in the tropical lowlands of Costa Rica near the base of the Turrialba Volcano, among beautiful rain forests and banana plantations.   Students attend classes and are housed with Latin American students from nineteen different countries.  The distinguished international faculty members live on campus and are committed to the personal and professional development of the students.  The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning, team projects and community involvement, thus enabling students to supplement their conceptual education with practical first-hand experiences in field laboratories, community service projects, and numerous trips within Costa Rica.

What can I study?

Each student is required to enroll in a minimum of fourteen (14) credits of coursework at EARTH.  Students may select and enroll in nearly any course offered by EARTH during that semester of enrollment.  Programs of study are developed for each individual student in consultation with the student’s departmental academic advisor.  Since most EARTH courses are approved by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, courses are recommended to students that will either satisfy or waive course requirements within the student’s major.  During the semester prior to the program, admitted students will select the courses at EARTH University and complete an MSU Approval and Equivalency form with the assistance of the EARTH program coordinator, Dr. Irvin Widders.

The following are examples of MSU courses for which study abroad students at EARTH may receive credit:

ISS 200	General credit (200 level)(pending)	4 cr.
ANR 475	International Studies in Agriculture and Natural Resources	2-6 cr.
ANR 489	Integrated Approaches in Agriculture and Natural Resource Problems (waived)	3 cr.
ANS 315	Anatomy and Physiology of Farm Animals	4 cr.
ANS 480	Animal Systems in International Development	3 cr.
CSS 210	Fundamentals of Soil and Landscape Science	3 cr.
FOR 220	Forests and the Global Environment	3 cr.
HRT 341	Vegetable Production and Management	3 cr.
RD 326	Introduction to Waste Management	3 cr.
RD 460	Resource and Environmental Economics	3 cr.
SSC 496	Field Study Abroad	3-4 cr.

Course prerequisites may apply; see Course Descriptions (on the MSU Website) or program leader for details.

What are the requirements?

This program is open to MSU students only who are in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 at the time of application.  Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Since nearly all courses at EARTH are taught in Spanish, participants in this study abroad program are required to have successfully completed Spanish 202 (or its equivalent) with a grade of 3.0 or higher prior to the spring semester.

Additionally, students must also submit an essay with their application stating why they wish to participate in this program.

Enrollment is limited.  Decisions on admission to the program will be based upon fulfillment of the Spanish requirement, GPA in completed coursework, and a statement of interest.  Preference will be given to students who are in their junior or senior year.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

During the first week in Costa Rica, students will live with a family in the San José area.  These families will provide breakfast and dinner, plus involve students in family activities in the evening.  This experience will enable students to transition into the Costa Rican culture, improve their Spanish-language skills, and establish lasting friendships.

While studying at EARTH University, students will be housed in modern dormitory complexes on campus.  Each student will be assigned a roommate from a Latin American country.  All meals are included in the program cost and are offered at an on-campus cafeteria.

Security on the EARTH campus is excellent.  Several facilities on campus, such as computer laboratories, are open 24 hours a day and thefts are extremely rare.

A well-staffed medical clinic with a doctor on-call and ambulance services are also available to students on the EARTH campus.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dr. Irvin Widders
Department of Horticulture
Bean/Cowpea CRSP
321 Agriculture Hall
Phone: (517) 355-4693

Rhonda Crackel
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
121 Agriculture Hall
Phone:  (517) 353-8878

Oumatie Marajh
College of Social Science
201C Berkey Hall
Phone: (517) 353-9202

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport to enter other countries and return to the United States.  If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date.  If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of eight to ten weeks is usually required for processing.  During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required.  Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices.  They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose.  The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early.   It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult the embassy or consulate of the countries you will visit to learn their document requirements.

A valid passport and tourist visa are required for participants in this program. Upon enrollment in courses, EARTH University will process the necessary paperwork with the Costa Rican Ministry of Migration to obtain student visas for all participants.  In addition, EARTH will also issue participants a “student identification card” (with photo) that should be carried at all times when traveling within Costa Rica.  Upon departure, Costa Rica requires all individuals on extended stays to purchase an “exit” visa.  EARTH will assist students to obtain this visa; however, students will need to reimburse EARTH for the cost of the exit visa, typically under $50.00.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

If you will be staying in Europe for longer than 90 days, you will need to contact the consulate(s) of your host country(ies) for advice on visas.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations or medications are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

For further health information and recommendations visit the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook.

How much does it cost?

The program fee for Spring 2010 is $6,589 and includes the following:

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

Excluding tuition and fees*, these additional costs are estimated at $2,800 for Spring 2010.  Students may request a cost sheet which lists both the program fee and an estimate of additional expenses by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee.  Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses.  (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid. 

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing.  This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA scholarships.   Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need.  Requirements are listed in the scholarship application.  The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for spring semester programs.  

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resource and the College of Social Science also offer their students special study abroad scholarships.  Check with Rhonda Crackel (CANR) or Oumatie Marajh (CSS) for further details.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for spring semester participation.  We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year.  Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required.  Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program.  Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records.

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Return to the Study Abroad Home Page