Student Program in Costa Rica
Program SummaryStudents fly into the Costa Rican capital city of San Jose. In San Jose they meet their fellow travelers and are introduced to two of the Costa Rican student leaders that will join them during their 19 day exploration. On day two, the group travels eight hours by bus to the Osa Peninsula. Once on the peninsula, the students stay the initial two nights at El Ceiba Lodge and spend their first morning exploring coral reefs and mangrove forest just off the coast. They also visit the town of Puerto Jimenez getting acquainted with the local people, culture, and ecology. On day four, participants hike deep into the Osa's tropical mountains along the edges of Corcovado National Park where, for seven days, they trace the path of a drop of water as it falls into the upper reaches of the Tiger River Watershed and flows down into the Sweet Gulf marine waters. Students will explore the natural wonders of the watershed, its rich cultural history, and the current social, economic, and political realities that impact the local ecology and human communities. As they follow the ridgelines and stream beds down towards the gulf waters, students also explore and conduct biodiversity and watershed research. Participants then return to Puerto Jimenez and their Costa Rican home stays for the next four days where they study the urbanization of this small coastal port town and the impact of its development on the marine ecosystem. Students also visit nearby farms and learn about different farming alternatives and trends. During their four day stay in Puerto Jimenez, the students plan, organize, and lead enrichment activities for children in the local elementary school. Participants then head out in kayaks to explore the coastal mangrove ecosystems and snorkel the coral reefs of the Sweet Gulf. Throughout the trip students will perform community service projects in support of local development needs. During their last two days on the Osa Peninsula, the group puts together a PowerPoint presentation and video to record and share the lessons and memories of their travels and research. |
Apply now and receive "early admission discounts!" ALL EDUCATORS attending any E.E. Just Institute are eligible to receive graduate credit! KUA is a 2006 recipient for the National Association of Independent School's “Leading Edge Award” for Environmental Sustainability! Read more! Read today's top environmental stories! |
