UCI Costa Rica Program

Thank you for visiting our page! The Costa Rica Program has been on hiatus during the pandemic. We hope to have updates soon on reinvigorated experitiental learning opportunities in partnership with the UCI Sustainability Resource Center. 

Now in its 8th year, the Costa Rica Program is an academic experience and travel abroad program sponsored by Student Housing, the Division of Student Affairs, and the Division of Undergraduate Education at UC Irvine. The undergraduate students who are selected as participants travel to various locations in Costa Rica during their spring break to immerse themselves in the local community and culture of Costa Rica and experience global sustainability in action. Prior to travel, participants complete a winter quarter class and, upon return, a spring quarter class aimed to further their learning around themes of leadership, cultural competencies, and environmental justice. The program aims to prepare participants to be effective advocates and social change agents to advance sustainability here at UC Irvine and beyond.

Quick Facts For 2019:

• Program Dates: Winter 2019-Spring 2019
• Program Cost: $1,500 * paid in installments; payment plans & funding options available
• Required Overnight Retreat: Friday, January 25th – Sunday, 27th, 2019
• January Travel / Aboard Dates:  Friday, March 22nd, 2019 – Sunday, March 31st, 2019

Participants/Staff Involved in Trip:

• 14 Student Participants
• 1 Student Coordinator assisting with program academics
• 1 Student Coordinator assisting with social media and outreach
• 2 staff member serving as the Program Coordinator
• 1 staff member serving as Program Director and Instructor

 

Ready to Join?

We sure hope so! The UCI Costa Rica Program is open to undergraduate students from all academic disciplines.  Participant applications become available in early Fall, with interviews occurring in November, and selection concluding in early December. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get notifications when our application goes live!

The application period is now closed but you may preview the application here.

You can also join as a CRP Student Coordinator!

Join our Costa Rica Program leadership team to assist in implementing new initiatives, support students learning through peer mentoring, help with leading the travel experiences, and work on program logistics.

Academic Student Coordinator Position:

• Advise participants on their research project
• Serves as a Teaching Assistant for the Costa Rica class
• Serves as a peer mentor and oversees initiatives to develop strong team dynamics

For a more detailed description of this position, please follow this link.

Outreach and Social Media Student Coordinator Position:

• Planning and implementing campus outreach programs and events
• Managing the program’s website and social media platforms and publish content to engage online networks
• Serves as a peer mentor and oversees initiatives to develop strong team dynamics

For a more detailed description of this position, please follow this link.