“IFSA allowed us to have so much independence and flexibility, which allowed us to engage with the local culture and explore the city right from the start.”
Application Deadline
WINTER : November 1
Min. gpa for consideration
2.00 GPA
Typical credit load
3 U.S. Semester Credit Hours
Housing
Apartments/Flat
Language of instruction
English
Language Prerequisite
Class taught in English. No Spanish required.
Academics at January in Costa Rica
Courses
Ecology and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica
(3 U.S. Semester Credit Hours)
Exploring environmental conditions in Costa Rica through practical field experiences, this course addresses the importance and challenges of ecological recovery, preservation, and protection. Using interdisciplinary approaches, students will confront the task of society to raise awareness for conserving natural resources long-term in Costa Rica and globally. Students will also expand theoretical concepts of ecology and its history in Costa Rica by examining the socio-economic and political relationships that promote—or sometimes prevent—sustainable goods and services such as ecotourism, development, and conservation research.
Experiential Learning
To make the most of your three weeks in Costa Rica, IFSA takes your learning outside the classroom with multiple co-curricular activities each week – to introduce you to an incredible, biodiverse landscape and the locals who are committed to protecting it. These experiences may include:
- A day trip to the Irazú volcano and a nearby coffee plantation.
- Hiking in national parks and discussion of Costa Rica’s national park system and management.
- A day trip to Sarapiqui to participate in a native tree reforestation project.
- A visit to a sustainable chocolate farm and processing plant.
- A meeting with owners of environmentally friendly hotels to discuss eco-tourism.
Transcript
After you return to the U.S., IFSA will send an official Butler University transcript to your home university with your coursework converted to the U.S. credit system. You will also have access to an unofficial transcript in your IFSA Student Portal. The transcript reflects courses taken, credits attempted, and grades earned during your term abroad. This service is included in your study abroad program at no additional cost.
Dates and Fees
Dates and fees
Program DatesProgram Start Date
December 28, 2020
Program End Date
January 16, 2021
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
$2,645
Housing
$650
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
$3,295
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$700
Meals
$275
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$60
Visa
$0
Personal Expenses
$120
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$1,155
Program DatesProgram Start Date
December 28, 2020
Program End Date
January 16, 2021
Program dates are subject to change. Your IFSA Program Advisor will alert you when it is time to purchase your flights.
Program FeesTuition
$2,645
Housing
$650
Insurance
Included
Total Program Fee
$3,295
Tuition is inclusive of pre-arrival advising, orientation, co-curricular activities, on-site guidance, 24/7 emergency support, and post-program transcript. Students pay a $500 program deposit upon confirmation of attendance. The deposit is applied to the total program fee.
Estimated Costs Airfare
$700
Meals
$275
Books and Supplies
$0
Local Transportation
$60
Visa
$0
Personal Expenses
$120
(Includes utilities, laundry, entertainment, expected start-up costs, etc. Does not include personal travel.)
Total Estimated Costs
$1,155
Meet Your Program Advisor
What Our Students Say
Rachel Fishman
,
Jackson Cannon
,
“The biggest thing I learned is the value of immersing oneself in a culture unlike that which you come from. Even though Australia speaks English, the culture has taught me to relax and take everything one step at a time.”
Theo Prentice
,
“I enjoyed the academic and personal freedom of my IFSA program. Being able to take whatever classes I wanted/needed in order to satisfy my requirements for major and what happened to interest me set the foundation for my study abroad experience.”
Sloan Livaccari
,
“For two years, I have tried to manage and exist with depression and anxiety. Coming to New Zealand enlivened me and gave me the tools to function and create the life I want and need. I was able to live somewhere for the first time away from family and friends and thrive in it. It allowed me to realize my potential and ability.”
Taruni Donti
,
“I’ve learned about the culture my family comes from, more about the world in general, and the different ways there are to simply live. Above all, I think I’ve learned a lot about myself and my behavior—how I tend to act and react in situations. I’ve also become more assertive, courageous, and confident through this experience.”
Cole Wilsey
,
“My IFSA program was amazing. They really do a great job making sure you adjust well and are well equipped for your time abroad.”
Wilnaphekie Taloute
,
“Through IFSA, I learned to enjoy the small things in life, was able to better understand a culture different from mine, developed intellectually through independent study, and improved my Spanish.”
Anne Ridenhour
,
“The connections I made during my time in Scotland was the most enjoyable aspect of my IFSA study abroad abroad experience. I was able to connect with peers on the program, IFSA staff, and the local culture. Being part of the St. Andrews basketball team really facilitated my relationship with the campus and its students.”
Erin Harris
,
“Through my IFSA program, I volunteered at a travel startup where I initiated and developed a six-month lesson plan for the first English teaching program in a Mayan community, created a cost plan for program volunteers, and translated itineraries.”
Unpacked: Student Stories
