| Program |
We will begin our program in San Jose, where we will get acclimated to our destination and engage in lectures about the sociopolitical climate in Nicaragua and its impact on Costa Rica, particularly in the issue of migration, refugees, and university students who are now in exile. We will have discussions to gain a better perspective of the cultural context and the social issues, and to compare and contrast to our own communities.
For our community projects, we are going off the beaten path to the small rural communities of Bolson and Ortega, located about an hour from Liberia, closer to the western coast of Costa Rica. This is a perfect location to learn about the culture, history, economy, and people of the Guanacaste region. You will come away from this experience with many new friends and amazing memories! This opportunity allows you to become immersed in the community and to become a short-term member of the community.
The two communities are surrounded by sugar plantations, the primary economic activity. Much of the sugar cane work is done by Nicaraguan migrant workers. This provides another unique opportunity to gain a better understanding and awareness of labor workers, migrant issues/abuses.
Community projects will include work with children's groups, youth and adolescents, women, and the elderly population. Community members and our local partners will give talks about Nicaragua and Costa Rica relations and Guanacaste. Local guides will take us on a boat tour of the Rio Tempisque, we will visit sugarcane plantations and talk with Nicaraguan workers, make tortillas with a local family, and learn about the customs, dance, music and the community's Chorotega and Spanish ancestral roots. We will end by taking a short beach excursion to relax, unwind, and reflect on our adventures.
The study abroad program will be arranged and led by VN Abroad, which offers cultural immersion activities that include:
- Homestays with local families including three meals per day and filtered water; two to three students are grouped together in one home
- Community projects based on identified needs of the community including work with women, teens, children, senior citizens, and other social groups to provide education and short-term interventions to community members
- Spanish Language Immersion Classes: local teachers and community members provide language instruction during the program
Students attending the program will register for a 3-credit course that can be applied to a Liberal Arts Exploration requirement, or possible elective approved by your program of study or major. The course is taught by our community partner, VN Abroad, in Costa Rica, who will run the class in a blended format online and remote meetings. Not only do students cover information to help them prepare for the in-country experience, but students also prepare their projects with guidance by VN Abroad and implement these projects once arriving in the community.
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| Faculty |
Bronwyn Cross-Denny, Ph.D., LCSW
Phone: 203-371-7762
Email: cross-dennyb@sacredheart.edu
Christine North, PhD MPH
Phone: 419.772.2055
Email: c-north@onu.edu
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| Accommodations |
Students will stay with local families in homestay experiences.
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Costs |
Spring 2020 Program Costs
The total program cost due to Sacred Heart University is $1,995
$815 confirmation fee, $1,100 program fee, $35 emergency fund fee, and $45 application fee.
Payment Due Dates:
Upon acceptance- $815 confirmation fee, $35 emergency fund fee + $45 application fee (paid online via credit card or by check made payable to Sacred Heart University. Checks can be mailed to Molly Higbie 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825)
December 1, 2019- $1,100 program fee (paid online via credit card or by check made payable to Sacred Heart University. Checks can be mailed to Molly Higbie 5151 Park Ave Fairfield, CT 06825)
PROGRAM FEE INCLUDES: Program orientation, international airfare from NY area, U.S. and local ground transportation from NY area, housing in a shared homestay, all meals, program excursions, and mandatory basic international health and evacuation insurance.
PROGRAM FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Free day excursions, snacks, major medical insurance, visa/resident permit fees (U.S. residents do not need a visa), and all personal expenses
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Scholarships |
Suggested organizations for possible scholarship money is provided in the Fundraising Guide available here: CHP/CON Fundraising Guide Sept 2017. |
Contact |
Molly Higbie
Assistant Director of Global Health Programs
Phone: 203-396-6578
Email: higbiem@sacredheart.edu
Location: College of Health Professions - Center for Healthcare Education N104 |
Location |
Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica |
Duration |
Friday, February 28 - Saturday, March 7, 2020
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