Join us for a Maymester study abroad experience to Costa Rica! (tentative dates are May 15-30th, 2023)
**Please note this program is still under construction and costs and dates should be available towards the end of Fall semester. Please email me if you would like to be kept up to date on information about this program: zetaylor@purdue.edu
This 3-credit course in partnership with the Monteverde Institute in Costa Rica focuses on children, youth, and families in a Latin-American cultural setting. It exposes students to the culture, life, and environmental conditions of Costa Rican children and families as well as to institutions that support them through cultural immersion, volunteer experiences, and engagement with the Costa Rican people. We will experience Costa Rican life and families through visiting institutions that assist children and their families, learning about Costa Rican family values, the Costa Rican education and health care system, interacting with locals, homestays, visiting family-run farms, taking cooking, dance, and Spanish classes, and participating in service learning experiences. In addition, participants will have opportunities to experience the natural beauty and ecotourism activities for which Costa Rica is famous.
'Pura Vida" is the motto of Costa Rica, and translated means 'simple life' or 'nothing but life.' It is an emotion, an attitude, and a way of life. It represents Costa Ricans’ relaxed attitude towards life, no matter the circumstance. In this spirit, our program is designed to increase your curiosity and cultural competence about another culture, increase your self awareness and openness to engaging with new experiences, and to push you to ask deeper questions and seek out answers about other other cultures and experiences.
I hope you will join us on this exciting and unforgettable experience.
¡Pura Vida!
Dr. Zoe Taylor
Associate Professor, Department of Human Development and Family Studies
HDFS Costa Rica Study Abroad 2023 Brochure