2014 - 2015 Join the grupo de kansas for a semester or year abroad
san josÉ,
COSTA RICA
“
The program was everything that I was looking for in a study abroad experience — living with a host family, classes with local students, challenging & interesting courses, & the ability to travel easily and frequently.
”
- Mariah Byrne, Georgetown University, Fall 2012
Honduras Honduras
Nicaragua
Costa Rica
SAN JOSÉ
Panama
Why Grupo de Kansas? In 1958, the University of Kansas and the Universidad de Costa Rica began the longest running exchange in the Western Hemisphere. In the last 55 years, we’ve been proud to serve more than 2,500 students from across the U.S. as part of the Grupo de Kansas in San José. ¡Pura vida! Strong academic opportunities
Language preparation Our three-credit Early Start
The Universidad de Costa Rica
Intensive Spanish Program
(UCR) is the top research
is a great way to practice
institution in Central America
language skills before the
and is a highly competitive
semester starts. Students of
university within Costa Rica.
all levels find it helpful and
Grupo de Kansas participants
enjoyable—especially be-
directly enroll into classes
cause they get to enjoy Costa
with the best students and
Rica one month early!
faculty in Costa Rica.
Duration
Earn credit at orientation Students earn three-credit
Our program lasts six to
hours during our one month
seven months—making it
on-site orientation program.
one of the longest semester
It is designed to prepare
programs in Costa Rica—
students for life in San José
allowing students to take
and classes at UCR. It also in-
full advantage of everything
cludes three excursions that
Costa Rica has to offer.
highlight the natural wonders
Accessible and supportive staff Two full-time, on-site program coordinators work exclusively for the program in our Grupo de Kansas office, which is conveniently located on the UCR campus. They provide individual academic advising, assist with host families and housing, organize airport transfers, and coordinate on-site orientation.
1970
of Costa Rica.
Excellent value
2013
Students on the Grupo de Kansas program get more value for their tuition and fees because they spend at least six months immersed in the language and culture. Plus, our low fee also includes housing, classes, meals, excursions, and much more.
d id y o u k n o The Grupo
program
w?
de Kansas
offers clas ses for almost al l majors at the Universid ad de Cos ta Rica.
Did Y Knowou ?
overview
Stude nts in teres ted in an ac adem spen ic yea ding can s r in C tart t osta Rica he Gr upo d prog e Kan ram in sas eithe r the sprin fall o g sem r ester .
Costa Rica’s biodiversity, social and political stability, and friendly locals make it an ideal place to study abroad. As the birthplace of ecotourism, Costa Rica boasts
Academic Calendar
400 miles of coastline, active volcanoes, national parks, cloud forests, and rain forests. San José, Costa Rica's capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers world-class museums, the National Theatre, and competitive sporting events. Our program blends the attractions of a great city with the opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders. The Grupo de Kansas program in San José, Costa Rica, offers students the unique opportunity to improve their Spanish and earn credit towards their
Fall 2014 Semester Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Semester at UCR: June 1, 2014 - December 14, 2014
Fall 2014 Semester: July 9, 2014 - December 14, 2014
Academic Year 2014 - 2015 Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Academic Year at UCR: June 1, 2014 - Late July, 2015
Academic Year: July 9, 2014 - Late July, 2015
major. Students prepare for their semester at UCR during a one-month Early Start Intensive Spanish program followed by a four-week orientation. Students of all majors are eligible for this program, and students can enroll in almost any course offered at UCR.
Spring 2015 Semester * Please check the KU Office of Study Abroad’s website for exact dates, but approximate dates are as follows:
Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Semester at UCR: Early January - Late July, 2015
Spring 2015 Semester: Early February - Late July, 2015
What’s included Pre-departure
On-site (continued)
Pre-departure advising sessions with KU
Housing with a host family
program coordinator
Three meals per day
Pre-departure materials
Laundry services
& support
Volunteer opportunities
Access to KU peer
Excursions throughout
advisors & past
Costa Rica
program participants
Computer, internet, &
Visa application
printing in the Grupo de
assistance
Kansas office
Lonely Planet: Costa Rica
Host family picnic
guidebook
24 hour emergency
Optional Group Flight
assistance from KU staff in Costa Rica & the US Medical evacuation and
On-site
repatriation insurance
Two on-site full-time program coordinators who work exclusively for KU
Re-entry services
Airport reception &
Official transcript
drop-off Tuition & UCR activity fees
Program Evaluation Credit transfer support
On-site orientation (3 credit hours)
Prices
Early Start + Semester
Semester
Early Start + Academic Year
Academic Year
Tuition
$2,345
$1,610
$3,540
$2,800
Program Fees
$8,670
$7,970
$15,400
$14,700
Estimated Additional Expenses*
$4,645
$4,295
$7,745
$7,395
* Includes airfare, passport, visa, books and supplies, local transportation, and personal expenses.
academic program The Grupo de Kansas program is designed to help students acclimate to Costa Rica and become comfortable taking their classes in Spanish. Students spend the first few weeks brushing up on their Spanish skills, then delve into the culture during on-site orientation. Students with 4 semesters
subjects offered: Anthropology, Applied Behavioral Science, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Communication Studies, Computer Science, Design, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmen-
early start program Reinforce Spanish skills during a one-month intensive Spanish language program.
tal Studies, Film & Media Studies, Geography, Geology,
of college-level Spanish will be
Health, Sport & Exercise
required to participate in the
Science, History, Journalism,
Early Start Intensive Spanish
Latin American Studies,
Program. Students who have
Linguistics, Marine Science,
taken 5 or more semesters
Math, Music, Nursing,
of college-level Spanish are
Philosophy, Physics, Political
encouraged to enroll in the
Science, Psychology, Public
Early Start Program, but are
Administration, Social Work,
not required to do so.
Sociology, Spanish, Theatre, Urban Planning, Visual Art
on-site orientation Prepare for the challenges of rigorous academic work and learn more about Costa Rica’s unique culture.
semester at ucr eligibility: The Grupo de Kansas program is open to students from any accredited U.S. college or university who have at least sophomore standing. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and at least 4 semesters of college-level Spanish (or the equivalent).
Enroll directly at the Universidad de Costa Rica and take courses in a variety of subjects. Classes are taught in Spanish.
Grup
Did Y Knowou ?
o de Kans as st are e uden ncou ts rage join U d to CR in tram spor ural ts an d stu dent orga nizat ions.
After arriving in San JosĂŠ, students take a language placement test and are placed into an appopriate intensive Spanish language course. The instructors prepare students by working on Spanish grammar, Costa Rican vocabulary, conversation skills, and writing style. Smaller class sizes will allow students individualized attention and more opportunities to practice the skills they are learning. Students earn 3 credit hours of Spanish for this course (SPAN 170, 270, or 370). Students with 4 semesters of college-level Spanish are required to participate in the Early Start Program. It is optional for students who have taken 5 or more semesters of college-level Spanish.
This unique four-week orientation provides a cultural and historical introduction to Costa Rica through lectures and excursions. Instructors will also focus on upper-level Spanish academic writing skills. Students may, among other activities, interview locals from different parts of Costa Rica, put on skits, and learn how to utilize the UCR library. Students will receive 3 credits (SPAN 371) for orientation. Orientation excursions usually include visits to art museums, the Central Market and the National Theatre in San JosĂŠ, as well as day and weekend excursions. All Grupo de Kansas students participate in on-site orientation and the included excursions.
After orientation, students enroll in courses at UCR with local students, taught by local faculty. Students are eligible to take most courses at UCR if they meet the required pre-requisites. Students can take a wide variety of courses from different departments at UCR, such as Traditional Costa Rican Dance, Tropical Ecology, Latin American Geography, Comparative Politics, or the Natural History of Costa Rica. A full schedule of classes is available on the Grupo de Kansas website. Students take a minimum of 12 credit hours during the semester; most students take between 4 and 6 courses. Credit and grades for all UCR courses in which students are enrolled, including orientation, will be posted on a University of Kansas transcript, which students will receive at the end of the semester.
“Isa & Zaida are a pair of incredibly sharp women. Their combined experience in helping nervous gringos acclimate to San José comes through not only in the logistics of housing placement and university enrollment, but also in their emotional intelligence. They just had a knack for calming folks down and helping them through uncertainties.” - Jeff Miller, University of Kansas, Academic Year 2011-2012
grupo de kansas staff
Zaida Ugalde,
Isabel Alcázar,
Coordinator
Program Coordinator
On-site Program
Accommodations The Grupo de Kansas proudly offers host family accommodations because of the great strides students make in their language abilities when living with locals. Host families can also help students to better understand and appreciate the Costa Rican culture. The on-site program coordinators arrange individual host family placements for each student after vetting the families and visiting their homes. They match host families and students based on student preferences. Host families will provide three meals daily and can accomodate most dietary restrictions. When possible, several Grupo de Kansas students will be placed in the same neighborhood.
On-site Assistant
Zaida Ugalde and Isabel Alcázar have both worked with the Grupo de Kansas since 1997. Their experience and knowledge of Costa Rica, San José, and UCR allows them to better advise students about all aspects of their time abroad. Zaida and Isabel work with students on matters related to academics, enrollment, student visas, volunteer opportunities, housing, and medical and non-medical emergencies. They organize the on-site Orientation that includes classes, lectures, and excursions, match host families and students, and serve as liaisons between the UCR and the University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad.
“My house was like a safe haven where I could practice Spanish. Most of my improvement came from chatting with my host mom. I also learned a lot about Costa Rican cooking and culture.” - Margo Bogossian, University of Kansas, Fall 2012
Did Y Knowou ?
Som e Gru po de host Kans famil as ies h hous ave b ing s een tude more nts fo than r a dec ade!
experience more of costa rica During on-site orientation, students will participate in a number of organized activities outside of San José. These include at least two day trips and one overnight excursion. The on-site program coordinators will accompany students and make travel arrangements. Past excursions have included:
Poás Volcano National Park & Surrounding Northeast Alajuela Take a day excursion to visit the Poás volcano. This national park has hiking trails that lead to an ancient crater, which is now a lagoon. The mile-wide crater is the largest in the world. This excursion isn’t complete without stopping at a small soda shop for a batido de fresa made of locally grown strawberries!
Las Chucaras Hot Springs These hot springs are on a privately owned coffee finca located just outside of San José. At the finca students learn about the entire coffee growing and production process. Afterwards, students can relax in the hot spring pool surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountainside. Students will also enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
Punta Leona Hotel & Beach Club Just 60 minutes from San José, the deep-blue waters of the Pacific surround Hotel Punta Leona. Set among secluded white sand beaches and spectacular rainforests, this vacation destination offers students the opportunity to visit a butterfly garden, enjoy dance classes, or go on a morning or night hike in the reserve. There’s something for everyone at Punta Leona!
Interested in Volunteering?
The Grupo de Kansas staff can find volunteer opportunities for interested students. Past student volunteers have worked in an orphanage or tutored UCR students in English. Students can also join Un Techo para
mi País, a non-profit organization that builds homes. Before or after the Grupo de Kansas program, students may choose to participate in a month-long volunteer program at one of the Costa Rican National Parks through la Asociación de Voluntarios para el Servicio en
Áreas Protegidas (ASVO).
“
If you’re looking for an experience to change your life and help you realize your dreams, study abroad
in Costa Rica and look no further.
”
- Tara Ruttenberg, Georgetown University, Academic Year 2005-2006
learn more Visit our website at:
Email:
studyabroad.ku.edu/CostaRica
osa@ku.edu
Course information and application instructions can be found online. For questions, more information, or
Web:
studyabroad.ku.edu/CostaRica
to set up an appointment with the KU program coordinator, please contact the KU Office of Study Abroad.
Phone:
785-864-3742
Credits: Cover photo: Andrew Larkin. Other photos provided by the University of Kansas, the Universidad de Costa Rica, Andrew Larkin, Duncan McHenry, Danielle Moccia, Alyssa Milner and Zaida Ugalde. Artwork & Design: Emily Grigone
The University of Kansas
Office of Study Abroad 1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Lippincott Hall Room 108 Lawrence, KS 66045 785.864.3742 osa@ku.edu www.studyabroad.ku.edu