International Career Development and
Spanish Language in
Costa Rica
May 23 - July 18, 2008
The International Career Development and Spanish Language Program (ICDP)
program is coordinated by Northern Illinois University’s Study Abroad Office
(SAO) and Costa Rica Study Abroad, S.A. (CRSA) located in Costa Rica, in
cooperation with the NIU Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
PROGRAM DATES
Students should plan to arrive in San José, Costa Rica on Friday, May 23,
2008. The academic portion of the program will begin with the commencement of
classes on Monday, May 26, 2008 and will end on Friday, July 18, 2008.
Students may stay with their family the night of July 18 and depart on
Saturday, July 19, or depending on the date of arrival, they may stay on with
their host families for up to three additional days.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
This unique eight-week study abroad program provides students with the
opportunity of living in Costa Rica, while also expanding their international
career options through intensive language training and work experience. A
growing number of students are exploring the possibility of working overseas.
They often find that their prospective employers prefer a candidate with a
demonstrated ability to function effectively in another country. An experience
abroad is a vital step in enhancing one’s professional development and
competitive position in the job market. The International Career Development
and Spanish Language Program is specifically designed to introduce
participants to most of the essential skills and knowledge required for an
international career.
Prior to the student's arrival preliminary arrangements are made by Costa Rica Study Abroad staff to facilitate the design and implementation of a field experience (work experience) related to the student's area of professional preparation. During the first three weeks of the program the student concentrates on the development of Spanish language and human resource skills. During weeks four through eight the student is engaged in pursuing the field experience related to his/her area of specialization. The CRSA program also includes a seminar on the history and culture of the country in order to provide the student with adequate background information on Costa Rica as well as a family stay.
Spanish Language Training: An essential skill for an international career is
an oral command of a language. In addition to the professional development
aspects of the experience in Costa Rica, the program also provides intensive
Spanish language training at the undergraduate level. The program methodology
emphasizes intensive communication instruction.
PROGRAM AUDIENCE
This program is open to students at the undergraduate level. The program is
most beneficial for those individuals who seek careers in the international
arena, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries (see section entitled,
“Eligibility Requirements”). Participants will receive undergraduate credit
for both the Career Development component and the Spanish Language Training
component.
COSTA RICA STUDY ABROAD, S.A.:
This is a Northern Illinois University program
offered through Study Abroad Costa Rica. Costa Rica Study Abroad began
operation in 1982. It is located in Tibás, Costa Rica, a suburb that is
approximately a mile and a half from the center of San José, the capital city
of Costa Rica. The company consists of three divisions: the International
Training Division, the Managerial Consulting Division and the Social
Development Division.
Costa Rica Study Abroad's International Training Division works with private and public organizations as well as with U.S. universities in order to provide language and culture training and professional development opportunities for a wide range of areas of specialization. The involvement of the company in the areas of managerial consulting and social development has created an extensive network of contacts which are used to provide young professionals with internships, observational or research opportunities in their area of specialization while learning Spanish. Costa Rica Study Abroad and NIU have co-administered the International Career Development and Spanish Language program since 1984.
THE SITE OF THE PROGRAM
Costa Rica is Central America's special jewel. It has a reputation for being
an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbors, but there is more to Costa
Rica than a stable status quo. The country's natural attractions, wildlife and
reputation for enlightened conservation draw tourists from all over the world,
and the ticos know it. Successive governments have made a real effort to
preserve the country's image as ecotourism heaven, making Costa Rica one of
the best places to experience the tropics naturally and with minimal impact.
Costa Rican culture is in many ways a reflection of its racial mix. The predominant influence has long been European, which is reflected in everything from the official language - Spanish - to the architecture of the country's churches and other historic buildings. The indigenous influence is less apparent, but can be found in everything from the tortillas served with a typical Costa Rican meal to the handmade ceramics sold at roadside stands.
An important aspect of Costa Rica's cultural heritage is their love of peace and democracy. Ticos like to point out that their nation is the exception in Latin America, where military dictatorships long dominated politics. Ticos can boast of having more than one hundred years of democratic tradition, one of the oldest democracies in the Americas, and almost half a century without an army. Costa Rica abolished the army in 1948, and the money the country saves by not having a military is invested in improving the standard of living for Costa Ricans, which has fostered the social harmony that makes it such a pleasant country to visit. The country has been noted for its friendliness and preoccupation with peace. Its policy of active neutrality has earned it the Nobel Peace Prize.
Costa Rica's official language is Spanish. However, on the Caribbean Coast, a minority of Jamaican descendants speaks English, and BriBri is spoken among a small group of aborigines. Most Costa Ricans can understand and speak a bit of English. Quite recently all public schools made mandatory the learning of a second language.
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is in the middle of the Central Valley and is surrounded by high mountains and tropical forests. Its climate, with an average temperature of 72̊ F, (the city is approximately 3840 ft above sea level) and the natural beauty of Costa Rica, offer a perfect backdrop for studying Spanish. San José is only 10-15 minutes from Tibás by bus. San José is the economic, political, and cultural center of the country. The city's central location allows for convenient daylong trips and exploration. Students can visit the Poás and Irazú volcanoes, two of the most spectacular features of the Costa Rican landscape, or discover the Braulio Carrillo Rainforest.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
The International Career Development and Spanish Language Program emphasizes
learning about work abroad through actual experience. Practical work
experience (field experience) may be observational or hands-on. The actual
level of field activity with a host agency will be dependent on each
student’s:
• Career objectives
• Interests
• Spanish language skills
• Professional abilities
• Host agency needs
Through a field experience, students will have the opportunity to apply the
tools and skills that they have learned in the training program. Students will
participate in frequent small group discussions with other program members.
CRSA staff will help group members to analyze and evaluate their Costa Rican
experiences. The staff will also meet with students individually and regularly
to provide additional guidance. A Costa Rican in each student’s field will
serve as a counterpart and supervisor, giving in-depth information on the
state of the student’s chosen profession (in Costa Rica), and offering
feedback as the program progresses.
How will your field experience be identified?
As part of the application process you will prepare a statement that describes your interests, academic and professional background, and the expected benefits from the program. Based on this information, the CRSA staff will enter preliminary negotiations with Costa Rican agencies to arrange your field experience. CRSA staff will commit neither the student, nor the host agency until a week after student arrival.
How will your field experience be designed?
During the first week of the program, you will meet with the CRSA program director to discuss in detail personal objectives, experience, and the agency options available. You will then develop an action plan to negotiate the final design of your field experience.
How much time will you spend on your field experience?
Weeks 4-8 will be devoted primarily to your field experience. You will complete 120 work hours at the work site to which you are assigned.
Will I be paid by the host agency during my field experience?
No, your work for the host agency is done strictly on a volunteer basis.
SPANISH COMMUNICATION TRAINING
Depending on each individual’s command of Spanish, participants may have as
many as 45 hours of direct contact with a Spanish language instructor during
the program. These contact hours are mainly concentrated at the beginning of
the program, enabling participants to develop a solid base upon which to begin
daily learning in the field as well as providing an opportunity to return to
the training room for ongoing reinforcement.
The Spanish language instructors are native speakers of Spanish. All have extensive experience using the communicative approach – a teaching method that focuses on the critical language skills of listening and speaking. This instructional method enables students to achieve confidence and competence in conversational exchanges.
How many participants will be studying Spanish with me?
The development of intensive communication skills requires the active, full-time participation of the learner. Language skill development can only be achieved through a very low learner/instructor ratio. Thus, your Spanish classes will be limited to a maximum of six students per group.
What if my Spanish is not as good as that of the other participants’?
Because homogeneity is an important methodological part of the communications skills development process, every effort is made to place you in a language learning group with other individuals whose Spanish language skills are similar to your own. If, during the course of the program, your Spanish language skills develop faster or slower than those of the other participants, you will be assigned to a different group. This movement to a higher or lower language level learning group may occur several times, if necessary.
How will STUDY ABROAD COSTA RICA/NIU determine what my language learning level
is?
As part of the application process you will prepare a brief essay written in Spanish outlining your background in Spanish language and culture. In addition, all students will be given the Oral FSI (U.S. Foreign Service Institute) Spanish Language Examination. You will be placed in study groups based on your test score.
DAILY SCHEDULE
See the attached “Sample Program Schedule” for an example of what program
activities may consist of from week to week. The Sample Programs Schedule
is subject to change. Participants will be given a final daily schedule by the CRSA staff upon arrival in Costa Rica.
NIU STUDENT ADVISEMENT: Undergraduate students currently enrolled at Northern
Illinois University who are majoring or minoring in Spanish must consult with
Professor Francisco Solares-Larrave, Director of Undergraduate Student
Advising, prior to applying to the program in order to ensure fulfillment of
graduation requirements. Students must obtain the approval and signature of
both Professors Francisco Solares-Larrave and Anne Birberick, Chair of the
Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, on the Course Preference Form
(attached) indicating approval of all course selections. The approval of
Professors Solares-Larrave and Birberick is mandatory before submission of the
application to the Study Abroad Office. (See Course Preference Form for
department sign-off section.)
NON-NIU STUDENT ADVISEMENT: Students who are not currently enrolled at Northern Illinois University must submit an official transcript from their home institution when submitting their program application. The application and transcript will be reviewed by Professor Francisco Solares-Larrave, Director of Undergraduate Student Advising, and Professor Anne Birberick, Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, before admission is granted into the program. (See Course Preference Form for department sign-off section.)
ACADEMIC CREDIT
The courses taken while participating on a study abroad program cannot be
audited. Applicants must participate in the entire program and satisfy NIU
undergraduate admission and course requirements.
- FIELD EXPERIENCE: Based on satisfactory participation in the field experience component of the program, students will receive undergraduate credit in the following NIU course:
IDSP 301: Study Abroad Programs 6 semester hours
Course Equivalency Option for NIU Students: NIU students who wish to receive an NIU equivalent course for IDSP 301 from an academic department must submit their request to the relevant department chair person. The chair will determine and approve the appropriate credit based on relevance to a current NIU course(s) and the student’s academic background. (See “Course Preference Form” for chair course equivalency approval section.)
Evaluation: Participants will be evaluated on the following requirements:
- Staff Input: 10%
CRSA directors will provide input on overall student performance. This input is based on the CRSA directors’ observation of the student’s efforts to overcome and solve problems related to the job and culture.
- Journal: 30%
Participants are required to keep a journal from day one of the field experience. Journals of less than 45 entries are not acceptable. The focus will primarily be on the (professional) field experience, however, participants are encouraged to write about any topic as it relates to their total experience. The grade on the journal is 30% of the field experience component. The timely daily entries and turning in the journal is equivalent to 15%, and the quality of your reflections represents the other 15%.
- Presentation and Report: 20%
Participants are expected to write a 5 - 10 page final report in which you discuss your host agency and its programs, the relationship between your goals and the field experience, a discussion of a topic related to your career that you selected from your experience in Costa Rica, and a conclusion that states the opportunities for growth that you identified for yourself and the host agency (according to your understanding of the host agency). The grade on the presentation and report is 20% of the field experience component.
- Host Agency Evaluation: 40%
- SPANISH LANGUAGE TRAINING: Based on the placement level determined by the Oral FSI (U.S. Foreign Service Institute) Spanish Language Examination and satisfactory participation in the program, participants will also receive three hours of credit in an undergraduate level NIU Spanish course. The Oral FSI Spanish Language Examination will be given at the beginning of the program. Based on the test scores, participants are placed in a study group of individuals with similar language skills. For this reason, class sizes may vary.
Spanish course (FLSP) 3 semester hours
Level 1 or 2 FLSP 101, Elementary Spanish I Level 3 or 4 FLSP 102, Elementary Spanish II Level 5 or 6 FLSP 201, Intermediate Spanish I Level 7 FLSP 202, Intermediate Spanish II Level 8 or 9 FLSP 301, Advanced Spanish Grammar Level 10 FLSP 411, Advanced Composition in Spanish
or
FLSP 412, Applied Spanish ConversationEvaluation: Participants will be evaluated on the following requirements:
- Two placement exams are given at the beginning of the program -- written and oral. These exams are designed to measure the student’s language skills/competency and serve as basis for determining their language level. These are nongraded exams.
- A midterm-written exam. The purpose of this exam is to evaluate the student’s progress and to identify areas for improvement. This exam is worth 20% of the final grade. The content of this exam will also be part of the final written test.
- Two final exams -- written and oral. The oral exam evaluates the student’s level of achievement in relation to their “advancement goal” and is worth 40% of the final grade. The written test includes all the material covered in class and is worth 30% of the final grade.
Quizzes (oral and written) are given at the teacher’s discretion. The results of all quizzes, together with the grade equivalences from homework, attendance, participation in class, oral performance, audio-comprehension will constitute 10% (for performance) of the final grade.
Midterm Exam 20 %
Final Exams Oral 40 %
Written 30 %
Performance Evaluation* 10 %
* Homework, attendance, punctuality, participation in class, oral performance, audio-comprehension, etc.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Two years college-level Spanish.
- Approval from the NIU Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures (FL&L) Chair and the FL&L Director of Undergraduate Advising.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Applicants must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Junior or senior student in good standing at an accredited U.S. institution.
- An associate of arts or science degree or higher with current or recent employment in an internationally oriented agency or business.
- An associate of arts or science degree or higher with current or recent employment in a public or private educational institution in a field with an international application.
Admission is not automatic. NIU must limit the number of placements with cooperating agencies; therefore, program admission remains competitive. Final determination is made by the NIU Study Abroad Office.
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCEDURES
In addition to meeting the program eligibility requirements and in order to be
admitted to the program, an official transcript must be on file in the NIU
Study Abroad Office. Students who are currently enrolled at NIU, or who have
previously enrolled at NIU, do not need to request an
official transcript; the
Study Abroad Office will make this request on behalf of the applicant.
Applicants who have not previously enrolled at NIU, or who are not
currently enrolled at NIU, should ask the registrar at their home institution to forward
an official transcript as soon as possible to the Study Abroad Office.
(Student-issued transcripts or photocopies of transcripts are not acceptable.)
Questions relating to the admission requirements or transcripts should be
directed to the Study Abroad Office.
Students must be in good academic standing at the time of application. Students who are on academic probation are not eligible to participate in an NIU study abroad program. NIU Students cannot have any encumbrances against their NIU records. Any encumbrances placed on a student’s records by NIU; i.e., the Graduate School, Undergraduate Admissions, the Bursar’s Office, Accounts Receivable, Registration and Records, Health Services, Parking Services etc., must be cleared before a student is granted admission to a study abroad program.
APPLICATION FORMS AND DEPOSIT
All interested individuals should complete and return the following to the NIU
Study Abroad Office, Williston Hall 417.
- Application for NIU Administered Study Abroad Programs
- Student Application Agreement
- Course Preference Form
- Field experience Essay (Space for essay provided on Course Preference Form)
- Spanish Essay (Space for essay provided on Course Preference Form)
- Housing form
- Two copies of a résumé - important!
- Four recent photos (passport-size, 2 inches x 2 inches). Vending machine photos are not acceptable.
- A clear and readable copy of the first page of passport
- $200 deposit
$200 DEPOSIT
Application forms are to be accompanied by a check or money order (made
payable to NIU) in the amount of $200. Applications that are not accompanied
by the $200 deposit will be returned to the sender.
(The deposit is also
required of individuals who will be applying for financial aid.)
FINAL DATE FOR APPLICATION – MARCH 15, 2008
Applications submitted to the Study Abroad Office after March 15, 2008 must be
accompanied by a check or money order for the full program cost to be
considered for acceptance in this program. Applications not accompanied by the
full program cost cannot be accepted by the Study Abroad Office. Enrollment is
limited and students are strongly encouraged to apply early.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
Individuals will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements
between the U.S. and San José, Costa Rica, and for purchasing their own
tickets from a travel agent or airline of their choice. (Travel insurance is
recommended.) Participants should keep in mind that they need to arrive in San
José on Friday, May 23. International flights arrive at Juan Santamaria
International Airport, located just 11 miles from San José. For information
regarding airfares and airlines students may wish to check-out additional
airfare sites on the Internet.
ARRIVAL IN SAN JOSÉ
Participants arriving on Friday, May 23 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. will
be picked up by their host families. Those arriving after 9:00 should make
reservations at a hotel near the airport and their host family will pick them
up the next morning. (Recommended hotels and contact information provided by
the NIU Study Abroad Office.) Participants are responsible for arranging
transportation to the airport at the end of the program.
LAND TRANSPORTATION
Travel on the program-related field trip will be arranged by Costa Rica Study
Abroad. Travel during free time is the responsibility of the student.
HOUSING AND MEALS
Participants will live with carefully selected middle-class host families in
the San José metropolitan area. Each family will host one student. The host
family will be chosen by CRSA staff to match participant’s background and
interests as closely as possible. In addition to mutual compatibility, it is
sometimes possible to place participants with a host family in which a family
member works in a field closely related to the career the participant seeks to
develop. Breakfast and dinner are taken with the family, therefore making
practice of one’s Spanish a necessity.
Students should plan to arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica on Friday, May 23, 2008. Students may depart as early as Saturday, July 19 or as late as July 23 (depending on the date of arrival) with no additional family stay cost.
FREE TIME PURSUITS:
Students will have the opportunity to sightsee and travel
during their free time. Information regarding popular sightseeing destinations
within access to San José is available from the Costa Rica Study Abroad staff.
Free time travel planning and reservations are the responsibility of the
student.
PASSPORT - IMPORTANT -
All participants are expected to possess a passport in order to participate in
this program. Important Note: U.S. passports must be valid SIX months beyond
the intended stay overseas. Individuals who do not currently posses a valid
passport should apply for one immediately. Information on acquiring a passport
is available at the U.S. State Department’s Website:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
VISA
You will need a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Upon entering Costa Rica,
immigration will grant you a 90-day visa. Foreign passport holders may need
special visas for travel in Costa Rica and are responsible for obtaining all
necessary visas.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT IDENTIFICATION CARD
These cards are provided as part of the program cost. The International
Student I.D. card can provide discounts on international airfare. Students
will receive an application and instructions for obtaining this card when
accepted into the program.
The International Student Identity Card also includes a limited health and accident insurance policy which is only valid outside the U.S. Students will have to pay bills at the time of treatment and will be reimbursed later. Students should, however, have a more comprehensive insurance plan to supplement the ID insurance.
PROGRAM COST: $3,645
The cost of the program covers the following items and services:Final date for submitting full program cost: April 1, 2008.
- Housing (May 23 - July 18) and two meals daily. Optional extended three-day family stay at no extra cost (depending on arrival date).
- Transportation from Juan Santamaria International Airport*.
- International Student I.D. Card.
- NIU tuition for 9 semester hours of undergraduate credit.
- NIU major medical insurance.
*Transportation provided upon arrival if participant arrives before 9:00 p.m.
on May 23.
All prices quoted are subject to change. The information contained in the
program documents and forms is presented in good faith and is believed to be
correct as of the date presented. Northern Illinois University reserves the
right to amend, modify, revise, or delete any information appearing in these
documents, including but not limited to the cost of the program.
Non-NIU students should consult with their home institutions regarding additional costs that may apply to study abroad. Non-NIU students are responsible for any study abroad charges imposed by their home institution.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO PARTICIPANTS
• Round trip airfare between the U.S. and Costa Rica.
• Cost of acquiring a passport (approximately $115, including 2 passport pictures).
• Additional costs associated with obtaining a visa for non-U.S. passport holders.
• $30 Undergraduate application for non-NIU undergraduate students.
• Independent travel and visa costs associated with independent travel.
• Gift for host family (not required, but recommended).
• Expenses for free-time pursuits.
• Expenses and purchases of a personal nature.
FINANCIAL AID
As a participant in a study abroad program through NIU, you may be eligible
for: Pell Grant, SEOG, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Subsidized or Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan, MAP Award or your privately awarded scholarship with consent of
awarding organization. Tuition waivers do not apply. Please contact Pamela
Rosenberg, International Programs Business Manager, at (815) 753-9530 or
prosenberg@niu.edu for more information.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE PROGRAM
Applicants withdrawing from the program after March 15, 2008 will not be
refunded the $200 program deposit.
Applicants withdrawing from the program after this date will also be held accountable for any funds obligated on their behalf. This provision is in effect even if the applicant has not submitted the $200 deposit or additional payments, and if the applicant is applying for financial aid.
If the applicant must withdraw after March 15, 2008 for medical reasons, the $200 deposit will be refunded only if the request is submitted to the Study Abroad Office in writing and accompanied by a signed statement from a physician on the physician’s letterhead. After this deadline, all funds obligated on your behalf can only be refunded if those monies are refunded to NIU by overseas agents and vendors.
CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM
The Study Abroad Office and Costa Rica Study Abroad reserve the right to
cancel this program if the minimum required enrollment is not attained. If,
prior to the commencement of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel
Warning is issued for Costa Rica, all applicants will be notified promptly of
the warning and the possibility of cancellation of the program. In the event
that the program is canceled by the Study Abroad Office or Costa Rica Study
Abroad students shall receive a full refund of all monies. If, during the
course of the program, a U.S. State Department Travel Warning is issued for
Costa Rica, students will be promptly notified of the warning and the
advisability of canceling the program.
QUOTES FROM FORMER PARTICIPANTS
"Mi ultima experiencia! Todavia yo no lo creo que yo he trabajado con el se or Presidente de la Republica y la Primera Dama."
"My experience in Costa Rica has changed my way of thinking. One can learn about a culture from a textbook, but the only way to understand it is to live in that culture. My experience has been invaluable--although hard at times. I learned that to live in a new culture, one has to accept the culture for what it is and try to understand it, never to compare it with your own culture. Never take an ethnocentric approach."
"It has been an incredible experience; it has enhanced my life in a way that I will always carry with me. I have grown immensely throughout my stay. I experienced an incredibly vast amount of culture."
"Before, I used to ask why they (Costa Ricans) act and think that way--because I couldn't understand why they don't just do things the way I do them, the way I think is clearly the most sensible way. Now, I've come to a humbling realization that my way is by no means the best way for everyone else. You can be sure I haven't seen the last of this country. Maybe I'll come back to visit, or just maybe, I will eventually end up living here!"
INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND
SPANISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM
SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE
This SAMPLE PROGRAM SCHEDULE is based on the schedule from past programs. This
schedule is subject to change and should be used as an example of what
activities the program may consist of from week to week. Participants will be
given a final daily schedule by the Costa Rica Study Abroad staff upon arrival
in Costa Rica.
Sunday: Brunch (almuerzayuno)
FSI Interviews (Spanish Placement)
WEEK 1
TIME
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
8 am *Detailed program orientation
*Introduction of staff
*Continuation of FSI interviews
Mornings
9 hours seminar on the political
and socio-economic history of Costa RicaSPANISH 12 noon LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
LUNCH
1 pm
to
5 pm
Exploring the surroundings
SPANISH
SPANISH
SPANISH
FREE DAY
WEEK 2
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m. FREE Comparative Cultural Study Mini-Internship Placements begin:
Individual interviews with
participants and potential
host agencies.
12 Noon Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 1 pm to
5 pm
Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish Spanish
WEEK 3
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m. Skills & tools needed to perform well at the workplace in a different culture
Placement interviews Lecture on Costa Rica
(Speaker and topic to be announced later)
Free weekend to relax or travel.
12 Noon Lunch Lunch Lunch 1 pm to
3 pm
Spanish Spanish Spanish
WEEK 4
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m. FORMAL MEETING with colleagues at
workplaceProfessional Attire
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/INTERNSHIP (PE)
12 Noon Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 1 pm Spanish PE Spanish PE La cultura afro en Costa Rica
(Guest Speaker)
**************
MIDTERM
EVALUATION
COMMENTS/REMARKS: "Work hours" schedule should adhere to that of the host organization's, and therefore could vary from the one stipulated herein. Office hours normally are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; but schools, banks, and government institutions tend to have their own convenient schedules. Travel time from "house" to "office" could run from 30 to 40 minutes and will require one or two bus routes.WEEK 5
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/INTERNSHIP
(PE)
MONDAY morning, all day TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY morning,
all day Thursday, and FRIDAY morning.
12 Noon
Lunch
1 pm
Spanish PE Spanish PE LIBRE! WEEK 6
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/INTERNSHIP
(PE)
Monday morning, all day Tuesday, Wednesday morning, all day Thursday, and Friday.
12 Noon
Lunch
1 pm
Spanish PE Spanish PE PE WEEK 7
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m. Plan for Field Trip
Follow-up on
FINAL PAPER
Reviews
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/INTERNSHIP
(PE)
TUESDAY & WEDNESDAYFree weekend
to relax or
travel.12 Noon Lunch 1 pm to
5 pm
Spanish WEEK 8
TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8 a.m. PE
or
FINAL PAPER
Professional Experience/Internship
(PE)
Tuesday - Thursday a.m.
Tuesday - Wed. p.m.PE FSI
INTERVIEWS
FINAL
EVALUATION
12 Noon
Lunch
Lunch Lunch 1 pm
Spanish
FSI
INTERVIEWS
FINAL
REPORTS
are due todayFREE
FREE Afternoon!
Optional:
Thank-you dinner for families given by participants
EXAMPLES OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES/INTERNSHIPS
Professional Interest Actual Program
Geology of Costa Rica Worked with University of Costa Rica geologists in the field.
Dietetics and family resources w/ interest in rural/refugee health Traveled to Nicaragua and northern refugee camps. Worked in maternity ward and University of Costa Rica Health Dept.
Nutrition/dietetics Worked in remote areas - Indian villages and refugee camps.
Taught reading to illiterate adults; gave nutrition lectures to illiterate refugees using pictorial medium.
Language teaching Conducted a survey of bilingual bicultural couples/families and their attitudes & conceptions concerning the use of English and/or Spanish.
Public health With the Ministry of Health assessing the effectiveness and wider use of the Oral Rehydration Program for children & infants who are suffering from dehydration.
Student Interest Actual Program
Foreign affairs, diplomatic skills Interviewed political figures in a research-based program.
Population growth & economic development Worked with private firm studying demographic data, family planning, feminist organizations.
International development Hands-on experience in rural development projects/activities in poverty-stricken areas.
Nutrition/community self-help programs Involved with campesina women in a nutritional education program; taught them basic credit and savings account procedures.
Philosophy/goals of park systems Visited/worked in several national reserves and parks.
Journalism Worked in largest newspaper and radio network as news reporter/observer.
International import/export business Worked in a small rose farm and learned business from ground up.
Tourism and economic development Worked with Costa Rican tourism program; designed/administered a survey of small firm's attitude towards tourists.
Import/export With a precision machine shop computer producing firm importing IBM parts and software to produce PCs.
Youth work With school of sports science of a university. Was swimming instructor for youth groups and disabled children.
Business With a local company that produces wheat and rice pastas. Researched on export operations of other firms.
Return to NIU Study Abroad
January 2008