Explore our programs

This faculty-led program explores green criminology through the lens of Costa Rica’s environmental, social, and legal landscape. Students examine how environmental crimes and harms intersect with conservation, sustainable development, tourism, natural resource management, and the rights of communities and environmental defenders.

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Through lectures with environmental lawyers, conservation professionals, sustainable fishing advocates, and other local experts, students investigate Costa Rica’s environmental laws, protected areas, sustainable tourism practices, and the challenges surrounding environmental activism. The program combines academic discussions with immersive field experiences, including visits to wildlife refuges, fishing communities, protected areas, and conservation initiatives.

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Traveling from San José through La Fortuna, Monteverde, and the Central Pacific coast, students experience firsthand the complex relationship between people, natural resources, and environmental protection. Activities such as visiting the Tarcoles fishing community, exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, meeting potential local activists, and visiting Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala provide opportunities to connect classroom concepts with real-world environmental issues.

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The program concludes with a service-learning project at Escuela La Joya, a primary school focused on sustainability, allowing students to engage directly with a local community while reflecting on the broader social and environmental themes explored throughout the program.

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Overall, the program offers students a multidisciplinary exploration of environmental crime, environmental justice, conservation, sustainability, and activism in Costa Rica, connecting academic theory with meaningful experiences in the field.

This faculty-led program examines migration, human trafficking, and human rights in the Costa Rican and Central American context. Through lectures with migration specialists, international organizations, legal experts, and community advocates, students explore the social, political, and legal factors that shape migration and trafficking in the region.

 

The program combines classroom learning with immersive field experiences, including visits to ACNUR (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (OIM), RET International, Cenderos, and organizations supporting vulnerable and migrant communities. Students gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and other at-risk populations, while learning about the organizations and policies working to protect their rights.

 

Travel throughout Costa Rica provides additional opportunities to examine migration and community development outside the capital, including service-learning experiences along the Guanacaste coast. Discussions of Costa Rican migration and human trafficking laws, human rights advocacy, and the experiences of marginalized communities help students connect academic concepts to real-world issues.

 

The program concludes by bringing together these perspectives through reflection, project work, and discussions with local experts, giving students a deeper understanding of migration, trafficking, human rights, and the complex social and economic forces influencing mobility throughout Central America.

This faculty-led program explores Costa Rica’s public health system, healthcare access, and community health practices through a combination of academic lectures, institutional visits, and immersive field experiences. Students gain insight into how Costa Rica approaches healthcare, public health policy, emergency preparedness, and health services across urban and rural communities.

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Throughout the program, students visit local clinics, hospitals, universities, and organizations such as UCIMED and ACNUR, while engaging with health professionals and experts on topics including the Costa Rican healthcare system and the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Field experiences in La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio, and surrounding communities provide opportunities to consider how geography, environment, tourism, and socioeconomic factors influence public health.

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The program also incorporates cultural and environmental experiences, including visits to Manuel Antonio National Park, a mangrove ecosystem, and local agricultural and community projects. These experiences help students understand public health within the broader context of community well-being, environmental health, and social determinants of health.

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By combining classroom discussions with firsthand experiences in Costa Rica’s healthcare and community settings, students develop a deeper understanding of the strengths, challenges, and unique characteristics of the country’s public health system.

This faculty-led program explores criminology, criminal justice, law, and human rights in the Costa Rican context. Students examine the relationship between crime, society, law, and justice while gaining insight into Costa Rica’s legal and correctional systems through visits to universities, legal institutions, and organizations working in the field.

 

Academic and experiential activities include visits to the Penitentiary Museum, Costa Rican National Bar Association, University of Costa Rica Law School, and Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), where students learn about the history of incarceration, mediation, legal education, human rights, and access to justice. Service-learning opportunities further connect students with organizations addressing justice and human rights issues.

 

The program combines these academic experiences with cultural and environmental exploration throughout Costa Rica, including visits to the National Museum, Irazu Volcano, wildlife conservation initiatives, and Manuel Antonio National Park. These experiences allow students to consider criminology within a broader social and cultural context while developing a firsthand understanding of Costa Rican society.

 

By combining academic study, legal and justice-focused site visits, service-learning, and cultural immersion, the program gives students a unique opportunity to explore criminology beyond the classroom and gain an international perspective on crime, punishment, law, and human rights.

This faculty-led program offers an immersive exploration of ecotourism, conservation, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship in Costa Rica. Students examine how tourism can support local communities and protect natural resources while also considering the environmental, economic, and social challenges associated with tourism development.

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Through guest lectures and field experiences, students engage with topics including Costa Rica’s ecotourism industry, national parks and conservation systems, scientific tourism, sustainable agriculture, biological corridors, indigenous ecology, and sustainable resource management. Visits to organizations and initiatives such as the Monteverde Biological Reserve, La Selva Biological Station, Cahuita and Manuel Antonio National Parks, sustainable fishing cooperatives, permaculture farms, and community-based tourism projects provide firsthand perspectives on conservation and sustainable tourism.

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The program also highlights the important role of local communities and cultures in Costa Rica’s tourism model. Students meet with local business owners, farmers, conservationists, indigenous communities, and other community leaders while exploring how tourism can contribute to economic development and cultural preservation. Experiences such as the Bri-Bri Indigenous community visit, sustainable fishing initiatives, and service-learning at Escuela La Joya encourage meaningful cultural exchange and community engagement.

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Traveling from the Central Valley to the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, students experience Costa Rica’s remarkable geographic and biological diversity while examining the different approaches communities use to balance tourism, conservation, economic opportunity, and cultural heritage. The program provides a comprehensive, hands-on perspective on why Costa Rica is recognized internationally as a leader in sustainable tourism.

This high school graduation program combines meaningful community service, cultural immersion, adventure, and exploration into an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica. Students begin their experience by participating in a hands-on service-learning project at Escuela La Joya, connecting with the local community and giving back before embarking on their adventure.

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From there, the group travels through some of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, experiencing the country’s incredible biodiversity and landscapes. Students visit the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, explore the cloud forests of Monteverde, walk across hanging bridges, experience a rainforest chocolate tour, and enjoy an exciting night hike. Adventure activities, including the option of a canopy zipline or hanging bridges, add an element of excitement and celebration to the trip.

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The journey continues to the Pacific coast, where students explore Manuel Antonio National Park, enjoying its beaches, rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Along the way, stops in Sarchi, Zarcero, Jacó, and other communities provide opportunities to experience Costa Rican culture, traditions, and local life.

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Designed as a celebration of an important milestone, the program balances service, adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation, giving graduates the opportunity to build lasting memories and friendships while discovering Costa Rica together.