SAN JOSÉ ,
COSTA RICA
JOIN THE GRUPO DE KANSAS FOR A SEMESTER OR YEAR ABROAD
DID YOU KNOW? The Grupo de Kansas program offers classes for almost all majors at the Universidad de Costa Rica.
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Honduras Honduras
In studying abroad I hoped to improve my Spanish, learn about a new culture, take courses I could use toward my degree, and travel around. I would say I fulfilled all my goals and more within this program and study abroad experience. I feel that my Spanish has improved immensely, I learned about the Latin American culture from
Nicaragua
my host family, my friends from the University, and my classes. — Amanda Reggeti, University of Kansas
Costa Rica SAN JOSÉ
WHY
Panama
G RUP O DE KAN S AS?
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In 1958, the University of Kansas and the Universidad de Costa Rica began the longest running exchange in the Western Hemisphere. In the last 60 years, we’ve been proud to serve more than 3,200 students from across the U.S. as part of the Grupo de Kansas in San José. ¡Pura vida!
ST RO NG ACA DEMIC O P P OR T U N I T I ES
1970
The Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) is the top research institution in Central America and is a highly competitive university in Costa Rica. Grupo de Kansas participants directly enroll in classes with the best students and faculty in Costa Rica.
DURAT ION Our program lasts six to seven months—making it one of the longest semester programs in Costa Rica—allowing students to take full advantage of everything Costa Rica has to offer.
ACCESSIBLE AND SU P P OR T I V E STA F F 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, housing, visas, and coordinate on-site orientation.
LANG UAGE P REPA RAT I ON Our three-credit Early Start Intensive Spanish Program is a great way to practice language skills before the semester starts. Students of all levels find it helpful and fun—especially because they get to enjoy Costa Rica one month early!
EARN CREDIT FOR O R I EN TAT I ON Students earn three credit hours during our one month on-site orientation program.It is designed to prepare students for life in San José and classes at UCR. It also includes excursions that highlight the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
EXC E L LENT VALUE 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.
2014
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. Its capital San José 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 incredible natural environment. The Grupo de Kansas program offers students the unique opportunity to improve their Spanish and earn credit towards their 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.
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 the spring semester.
ACADEMIC CA L E N DA R ACAD EMI C YE A R
FAL L S E ME ST E R
S PRING S E ME ST E R
Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Academic Year:
Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Semester:
Early Start Intensive Spanish Program + Semester:
Early June – Mid-July
Early June – Mid-December
Early January – Late July
Academic Year:
Semester:
Semester:
Early July – Mid-July
Early July – Mid-December
Early February – Late July
* Please check the KU Office of Study Abroad’s website for exact dates.
W H AT ’ S IN C LU D E D PRE- D EPA RT URE Pre-departure advising sessions with KU program coordinator Pre-departure materials & support Access to KU peer advisors & past program participants Visa assistance Optional group flight itinerary provided
ON- SITE Two on-site, full-time program coordinators who work exclusively for KU
Laundry services
Airport reception
Excursions and cultural activities
On-site orientation (3 credit hours)
Computer and internet in the Grupo de Kansas office
Directly enroll in classes at UCR (12–15 credits) UCR activity fees Housing with a host family, including internet Three meals per day
Volunteer opportunities
Host family picnic 24-hour emergency assistance from KU staff in Costa Rica & the U.S. Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance
R E- ENTRY SERV I C ES Official transcript
Program Evaluation
Credit transfer support
ACAD EMIC P R O G R A M The Grupo de Kansas program is designed to help students strengthen their foundation in Spanish and acclimate to Costa Rica. Students will become comfortable taking their classes in Spanish and will learn about the local culture to assist them in integrating into Costa Rican life. Students with 4 semesters of college-level Spanish are 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.
SEL ECT SUBJ EC TS O F F E R E D Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Communication Studies, Design, Economics, Education, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Film & Media Studies, Geography, Geology, Health, Sport & Exercise Science, History, Journalism, Latin American Studies, Linguistics, Music, Nursing, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, Spanish, and Theatre
E LIG IBILI T Y 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).
DID YOU KNOW? Grupo de Kansas students are encouraged to join UCR intramural sports and student organizations.
EARLY STA RT PR OG RA M
O N- S I T E O R I E NTAT I O N
S E ME ST E R AT U CR
Reinforce Spanish skills during a one-month intensive Spanish language program.
Prepare for the challenges of rigorous academic work and learn more about Costa Rica’s unique culture.
Enroll directly at the
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.
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 for orientation.
Students enroll in courses with local students that are taught by local faculty. As long as the students meet the required prerequisites, they are eligible to enroll in most courses across the different departments, which means students can take courses, such as Traditional Costa Rican Dance, Ecological Problems, Theater Appreciation, Art Workshops, Latin American Geography, Comparative Politics, or Oral Expression. A full schedule of classes is available on our website.
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.
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.
Universidad de Costa Rica and take courses in a variety of subjects. Classes are taught in Spanish.
Students take a minimum of 12 credit hours during the semester; most students take between 4 and 6 courses. Students will receive a University of Kansas transcript at the end of the semester.
GRU P O DE KA N S AS STA F F 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 UCR and the University of Kansas Office of Study Abroad.
ZAIDA UGALDE On-site Program Coordinator
I SAB E L A LCÁZ A R On-site Assistant Program Coordinator
ACCO M MO DATI ONS 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 carefully selecting 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 accommodate most dietary restrictions. When possible, several Grupo de Kansas students will be placed in the same neighborhood. Many host families have been hosting Grupo de Kansas students for a decade or more.
HOST FA M I L I E S “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
E XP ERIEN C E M OR E O F COSTA RICA During on-site orientation, students will participate in a number of organized activities outside of San José. These include day trips and an overnight excursion. The on-site program coordinators will accompany students and make travel arrangements. Past excursions have included:
L A PA Z WAT E R FA LLS G A RDEN After driving through the lush volcanic mountains and coffee fields of the central valley, the group will arrive at La Paz Waterfall Garden, which has over two miles of hiking trails leading to five scenic waterfalls. A butterfly conservatory, hummingbird garden, and other wildlife areas hold over 100 species of animals.
L AS C H U CA RAS H OT SPRI NG S These hot springs are on a privately owned coffee finca located just outside of San José. Students can relax in the hot spring pool surrounded by breathtaking views of the mountainside and will also enjoy a delicious traditional meal.
P U N TA L EON A 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!
IN T EREST ED IN VO LUN TE E R IN G? 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 monthlong volunteer program at one of the Costa Rican National Parks through la Asociación de Voluntarios para el Servicio en Áreas Protegidas (ASVO).
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LE ARN MOR E 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 in-person or phone appointment with the KU program coordinator, please contact the KU Office of Study Abroad.
The best thing about studying abroad was making life-long connections with people from across the U.S. and around the world. I went into the experience alone but came out of it with many friends that I plan on seeing in the future. It made my time in Costa Rica much more valuable. — Lydia Vogt, St. Lawrence University
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CONTACT U S Web: studyabroad.ku.edu
Email: studyabroad@ku.edu
Phone: 785.864.3742
Information about the Brochure: Credits: Designed by Jake Carter. Photos provided by Andy Larkin, Jackie Langdon, Duncan McHenry, Zaida Ugalde, 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