GBL 252 COSTA RICA: LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND ECOTOURISM
The course is an interdisciplinary study combining language, culture, society, and the environment. Course objectives include improving conversational Spanish ability, basic understanding of Costa Rica's development and current issues. Elon students will live with Costa Rican families in a suburban neighborhood and will use public buses and taxis to get around the city. Eight nights will be spent outside of the San José area near national parks. Unlike other Central American countries which experienced political turmoil in the 1980's, Costa Rica has a long-standing democratic tradition which makes it the most peaceful nation in the region. Over 60 years ago, Costa Rica abolished its army and devoted its resources to education, health care and economic development. It has since become a popular destination for ecotourism. Elon's program is based in the capital city of San José, a metropolitan area with a population of 600,000 whose inhabitants enjoy a mild climate which requires neither heating nor air conditioning.
Prerequisite
Acceptance into program and completion of
GBL 152 and
SPN 121 or two years of high school Spanish
Course Types
Civilization; Society; Experiential Learning Requirement; Latin America Studies Elective
Offered
Offered winter.
Notes
Application, acceptance and additional travel fee required. Counts as an elective for the
Latin American Studies minor.