First Year Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica
From Summit to Surf: Exploring Costa Rica’s Varied Landscapes
Winter Mini-Term 2025
This short-term course is a highly experiential study abroad program designed to provide first-year Herbert students with an international context for challenges and opportunities facing the natural resource and agriculture fields. Students will see first-hand the role parks and protected areas play in conserving natural resources, maintaining sustainable plant and animal populations, promoting ecosystem health and services, and providing recreation opportunities.
Course Dates: January 13-19, 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2024
Course: AGNR 491, 1 credit
Course Description
This course is a highly experiential study abroad program designed to provide first-year Herbert students with an international context for challenges and opportunities facing the natural resource and agriculture fields. Students will see first-hand the role parks and protected areas play in conserving natural resources, maintaining sustainable plant and animal populations, promoting ecosystem health and services, and providing recreation opportunities. In addition, this course will provide students with hands–on exposure to the production of specialty crops such as coffee and cacao. The course is designed to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of outdoor recreation resources, tropical agriculture, conservation methods, and sustainable development.
Program highlights
- Coffee and cacao (chocolate) tours – learn how your favorite products are made!
- Explore the plant and animal life at Tirimbina Biological Reserve and their conservation efforts
- Experience outdoor recreation hiking around an active volcano at Arenal National Park and scale the hanging bridges of Mistico Park
- Connect with nature at the Wellness Park
- Immerse yourself in the biological diversity and beauty of Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Explore a “steaming” landscape at Rincón de La Vieja Volcano National Park
Course
AGNR 491: International Experience in Agriculture and Natural Resource
Academic Information
Accepted students will be enrolled in AGNR 491 for 1 credit hour during Winter Mini-Term. The class will meet on three times prior to travel for orientation and logistics. Successful completion of the course includes full participation in the Costa Rica abroad experience.
Students should meet with their academic advisors to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and that the course is degree applicable.
- First year student in the Herbert College of Agriculture
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at time of application and until program departure
- Must be in Good Academic Standing and Good Conduct Standing with The University of Tennessee.
- Must attend all program meetings
All students will be provided with the Smith Center Study Abroad Scholarship and the Herbert Study Abroad Scholarship
| Summer 1 Budget | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget item | Estimated Costs | |
| Program Fee | $2,100 | |
| Global Programs Admin Fee | $175.00 | |
| Scholarships for Program | – $1,750.00 | |
| Billable subtotal: | $525.00 | |
| Estimated Roundtrip Transportation from Knoxville | $600.00 | |
| Estimated Additional Meals | $0 | |
| Estimated Personal Expenses | $0 | |
| Non-billable subtotal: | $600.00 | |
| Total: | $925.00 | |
