2015 - 2016 JOIN THE GRUPO DE KANSAS FOR A SEMESTER OR YEAR ABROAD
SAN JOSÉ,
COSTA RICA
“My Costa Rican classmates were the best part of my experience. They showed great warmth and humility as they welcomed me into their culture and social circles, but the real treat was taking classes alongside them. Such an informed, driven and compassionate student body exemplified the essence of what a university should be.” - Dylan Gaffney, Georgetown University, Spring 20144 NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA San José
PANAMA
DID YOU KNOW? The Grupo de Kansas program offers classes for almost all majors at the Universidad de Costa Rica.
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
The Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) is the top
Our three-credit Early Start Intensive Spanish
research institution in Central America and is
Program is a great way to practice language
a highly competitive university within Costa Rica.
skills before the semester starts. Students
Grupo de Kansas participants directly enroll into
of all levels find it helpful and fun—
classes with the best students and faculty in
especially because they get to enjoy Costa Rica
Costa Rica.
one month early!
Duration
Earn credit at orientation
Our program lasts six to seven months—making
Students earn three-credit hours during our
it one of the longest semester programs in Costa
one month on-site orientation program. It is
Rica—allowing students to take full advantage of
designed to prepare students for life in San
everything Costa Rica has to offer.
José and classes at UCR. It also includes three
Accessible and supportive staff Two full-time, on-site program coordinators work
excursions that highlight the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
exclusively for the program in our Grupo de
Excellent value
Kansas office, which is conveniently located
Students on the Grupo de Kansas program get
on the UCR campus. They provide individual
more value for their tuition and fees because
academic advising, assist with host families and
they spend at least six months immersed in the
housing, organize airport transfers, and
language and culture. Plus, our low fee also
coordinate on-site orientation.
includes housing, classes, meals, excursions, and much more.
overview 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 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 major. Students prepare for their semester at UCR during a onemonth Early Start Intensive Spanish program followed by a four-week orientation. Students of all majors are eligible for the Grupo de Kansas program, and students can enroll in almost any course offered at UCR.
Academic Calendar Fall 2015 Semester Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Semester at UCR: May 30, 2015 - December 17, 2015
Fall 2015 Semester: July 8, 2015 - December 17, 2015
Academic Year 2015 - 2016 Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Academic Year at UCR: May 30, 2015 - Late July, 2016
Academic Year: July 8, 2015 - Late July, 2016
Spring 2016 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, 2016
Spring 2016 Semester: Early February - Late July, 2016
DID YOU KNOW? Students interested in spending an academic year in Costa Rica can start the Grupo de Kansas program in either the fall or spring semester.
What’s included Pre-departure Pre-departure advising sessions with KU program coordinator
Access to KU peer advisors & past program participants
Lonely Planet: Costa Rica guidebook
Pre-departure materials & support
Visa application assistance
Assistance with flight
Three meals per day
Host family picnic
Laundry services
24 hour emergency assistance from KU staff in Costa Rica & the US
On-site Two on-site full-time program coordinators who work exclusively for KU Airport reception & drop-off Tuition & UCR activity fees On-site orientation (3 credit hours) Housing with a host family, including internet
Volunteer opportunities Excursions throughout Costa Rica Computer, internet, & printing in the Grupo de Kansas office
Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
Re-entry services Official transcript
Prices
Program Evaluation
Credit transfer support
Early Start + Semester
Semester
Early Start + Academic Year
Academic Year
Tuition*
$2,305
$1,570
$3,495
$2,760
Program Fees
$9,170
$8,470
$15,400
$14,700
Estimated Additional Expenses**
$4,615
$4,265
$7,715
$7,365
*Non-KU Fees **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 of college-level Spanish will be required to participate in the Early Start Intensive Spanish Program. Students who have taken 5 or more semesters of college-level Spanish are encouraged to enroll in the Early Start Program, but are not required to do so.
subjects offered:
early start program
Anthropology, Applied Behavioral Science, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Communication
Reinforce Spanish skills during a one-month intensive Spanish language program.
Studies, Computer Science, Design, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Film & Media Studies, Geography, Geology, Health, Sport & Exercise Science, History, Journalism, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Marine Science, Math, Music,
on-site orientation Prepare for the challenges of rigorous academic work and learn more about Costa Rica’s unique culture.
Nursing, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, Theatre, Urban Planning, Visual Art
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).
semester at ucr Enroll directly at the Universidad de Costa Rica and take courses in a variety of subjects. Classes are taught in Spanish.
DID YOU KNOW? Grupo de Kansas students are encouraged to join UCR intermural sports and student organizations.
After arriving in San JosĂŠ, students take a language placement test and are placed into an appopriate intensive Spanish language course with other international students. 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. 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 exclusively with other Grupo de Kansas students 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.
grupo de kansas staff 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
Zaida Ugalde
academics, enrollment, student
On-site Program Coordinator
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.
Isabel Alcázar On-site Assistant Program Coordinator
“The on-site staff were incredibly helpful with everything when I was abroad. Isa and Zaida were integral in making me feel welcome and comfortable in Costa Rica. I wouldn’t have been able to navigate registration or even a basic school day without them.” - Mariah Byrne, Georgetown University, Fall 2012 Zaida and Isa’s banana pancakes are a favorite of Grupo de Kansas students.
DID YOU KNOW? Some Grupo de Kansas host families have been housing students for more than a decade.
Accommodations The Grupo de Kansas proudly offers host family accommodations “Living with my moms was by far my favorite part of my time in Costa Rica. Sara and Sole quickly became two of my best friends. My fondest memories are those spent at home with the two of them. I loved creating our own rituals as a family. More than just helping me practice my Spanish, they provided me with unconditional support and countless memories that I will cherish forever.� - Jackie Langdon, University of Kansas, Spring 2014
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.
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).
“Going abroad is all about pushing comfort limits and learning new things about yourself and Costa Rica. The direct enrollment and home stay experience are difficult for certain, but in the end they are what makes the program so worthwhile!� - Sheila Murray, St. Lawrence University, Spring 2014
learn more Visit our website at: studyabroad.ku.edu/CostaRica Course information and application instructions can be found online. For questions, more information, or to set up an appointment with the KU program coordinator, please contact the KU Office of Study Abroad.
CONTACT US WEB email
studyabroad.ku.edu
PHONE
785.864.3762
studyabroad@ku.edu
Information about the Brochure: Credits: Designed by Julia Doan. Photos provided by Andy Larkin, Jackie Langdon, Duncan McHenry, and the UCR marketing department.
The University of Kansas
Office of Study Abroad 1410 Jayhawk Blvd. Lippincott Hall Room 108 Lawrence, KS 66045 785.864.3742 studyabroad@ku.edu studyabroad.ku.edu