Menu
Wish List
READ REVIEW
Location
  • Costa Rica
Term
Fall
Subject Areas
Sociology Sustainable Development

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Starting Price
5000
Jan 09, 2019
Jan 11, 2012
Wish List
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Come study abroad in the beautiful city of San Jose in Costa Rica with the International Center for Developmental Studies (ICDS). The Environment, Sustainability, and Development program offers a unique view of the challenges faced in Latin American countries to securely sustain their development. The program is comprehensive, taking many different angles at the issue, including both the environmental and non-environmental factors (such as economics, politics and culture).

Students will take four classes focused on the topic at hand, and one Spanish language course, which varies by prior language proficiency. The primary core courses are Human Development & Society, Current Environmental Issues, Rural & Urban Sustainable Development: Global & Local Perspectives, and Sustainable Tourism & Local Development.

This program is no longer offered. View more programs from International Center for Development Studies (ICDS).

Video and Photos

ICDS students out to lunch in Costa Rica
ICDS students in a group exercise in San Jose

Related Programs

22 reviews
Thumbnail
AIFS Abroad in San José, Costa Rica: Semester
23 reviews
Thumbnail
CEA CAPA Education Abroad in San José, Costa Rica
new reviews
Thumbnail
Costa Rica: Heredia - Spanish Language, Ecological, and Latin American Studies

Program Reviews

4.00 Rating
based on 1 review
Leave a Review
  • 5 rating 0%
  • 4 rating 100%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
janeor
31
Female
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Loved it!

Jan 11, 2012

Costa Rica is a wonderful country for the student of sustainable development and this program takes good advantage of this. Classes were not as challenging as my classes in the US but the subject matter was very engaging, particularly in the Rural and Urban Development class and the Sustainable Tourism class. The homestay experience was fantastic and the program staff are extremely helpful. San Jose is very accesible and living there allows you to travel all over the country. In order to make the most of the language aspect you MUST sign up for the lit of film class in Spanish--even if you don't feel very confident about your Spanish.

37 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Read my full story

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Jane Olmstead-Rumsey

Program
ICDS: Environment, Sustainability & Development Program

Why did you decide to study abroad with ICDS in Costa Rica?

Jane: I wanted to do a program in Latin America and because of my interest in environmental protection in the developing world, ICDS's "Environment, Sustainability, and Development" program seemed perfect. The responsiveness and helpfulness of the program's staff during the application process was also a factor in my decision to study at ICDS.

Jane studying in Costa Rica with other ICDS students

What made your study abroad experience unique and special?

Jane: Costa Rica is a wonderful place to study sustainable development and ICDS utilizes its location well: weekend trips, class field trips, and case studies presented in classes all took advantage of Costa Rica's position as an environmental and social leader in Central America. Professors are fun and engaging for the most part and bring a diverse body of expertise to the program. Program staff are generally helpful and responsive to student concerns. My group of fellow students was also passionate and fun.

Jane and friends in Costa Rica!

How has this experience impacted your future?

Jane: I know that I have to go back to Costa Rica again, whether for travel or to live and work. It is a fantastic place. My perspective on potential solutions to environmental problems in the developing world has broadened considerably, especially with respect to the importance of tourism and involving local stakeholders. The chance to learn Spanish in a Spanish-speaking country was also extremely valuable for my future.

Location

Location:
Costa Rica
Currency:
Costa Rican Colón
Weather:
Jan-Mar
83 F / 67 F
Apr-Jun
85 F / 69 F
Jul-Sep
85 F / 69 F
Oct-Dec
83 F / 67 F
Airports:
Juan Santamaría International Airport
( SJO )
Limón International Airport
( LIO )
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
( LIR )

A pioneer of ecotourism, Costa Rica draws many tourists to its extensive series of national parks and other protected areas. Costa Rica began reversing deforestation in the 1990s, and they are moving towards using only renewable energy. Head to the cloud forest, relax on the beautiful beaches, or visit a coffee farm.

About International Center for Development Studies (ICDS)

The International Center for Development Studies is located in San José, Costa Rica. ICDS has partnered up with Universidad Latina de Costa Rica (ULatina), Hospital Clínica Bíblica, and countless non-profit community work sites to offer experiential learning programs and study abroad programs. Our mission at ICDS is to empower global citizens...

Other Programs You Might Like