Travel-Study Program: Ecotourism in Costa Rica
Balancing Environmental Quality, Cultural Heritage, and Economic Development

Term To Be Offered: January 4–22, 2010 (approximate)

Contacts:

Mark O’Gorman | 981-8048 | Mark.Ogorman@maryvillecollege.edu
Sharon May | 981-8343 | Sharon.May@maryvillecollege.edu

Course goals:

  • In this experiential course, students will encounter a series of cultural and ecotourism experiences. The goal is to raise participants' awareness of the complexities created and choices made when nature and modern society intersect by immersing them in such intersections. “Can a truly sustainable society exist?” Students on this trip will wrestle with this guiding question.

Course Description:

Costa Rica in Central America is one of the most biodiverse nations on the planet. The variety of ecosystems and unique environmental features of this country has transformed the Costa Rican economy, impacted its cultural roots, and put Costa Rica on the global map as a nation whose economy is committed to ecological-based tourism and sustainable development. Finding a balance between the often competing goals of economic development, preserving the natural environment, and maintaining their cultural heritage remains an ongoing challenge.

The instructors will guide students through first-hand exposure to the culturally-based and environmentally-focused industries and amenity/tourism experiences in Costa Rica. Students will gain greater insights of Costa Rica’s heritage and its contemporary culture. Emphasis will be placed on Costa Rica’s conscious choice to pursue sustainable economic development. We will reflect upon the tensions among economic growth, environmental preservation, and cultural integrity while being participant-observers in the delicate interplay between flora, fauna and human activities as visitors to ecotourism communities.

This course will help students to vividly recognize that ecotourism – a recent concept that attempts to integrate economic opportunities and environmental preservation through sustainable business practices and “green” tourism – is a concept in flux, with multiple definitions and competing agendas.

Students will leave this trip with greater appreciation of the natural and human-made objects everywhere on the planet and the challenges of conserving them for the future. A deeper appreciation of a new culture and a unique worldview will aid them in their lives beyond Maryville College.

Prior to departure, students will be asked to complete readings on tourism, sustainable economic development, ecotourism, and Costa Rican society. They will also be expected to participate in pre-trip Mountain Challenge exercises. During the trip they will maintain a daily journal, and after the program they will attend reentry sessions, and post-immersion activities.

Highlights:

  • Hiking in rain and cloud forests
  • Whitewater Rafting on the Rio Pacuare
  • Learn to surf
  • Tours of art museums and cultural locations
  • Overnight homestay experience
  • Meetings with local sustainable industry businesses and local artists
  • Visit to a local orphanage
  • Visits to San Jose, Turrialba, Sarapiqui, Arenal (visit an active Volcano!), and Tamarindo
  • Visit to Monteverde Cloud Forest and rainforest research stations

Tentative Costs: $3,400 - $3,600 per student

The price includes:

Roundtrip airfare, local transportation, housing, meals, field trips, international travel insurance, application fee, and deposit.

Not included:

Passport, immunizations, & personal expenses

*Please note that prices are tentative and may fluctuate based on variation in exchange rates, number of participants, price fluctuations in actual airfares and fuel surcharges, or administrative overhead

Application for J-Term Programs