Location

Cuidad Quesada, Tamarindo, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Program Description

Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime by going on this study abroad program to Costa Rica! Join us for a transformative learning experience of teaching English as a foreign language and academic content in a bilingual school in Ciudad Quesada.

The program will provide the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the global educational landscape by honing in on cultural sensitivity, humility, diversity, equity, and justice. This experience will equip preservice teachers with practical instructional strategies and cultural immersion. Engaging in this program will expose students to different teaching methods, educational philosophies, and cultural perspectives.

This exposure has the potential to challenge preconceived notions and enable individuals to become more adaptable and open-minded, which is a valuable trait in any profession. This study abroad program is designed to support and empower preservice teachers by providing them with the tools, experiences, and perspectives they need to thrive in the global educational landscape and to contribute to equitable and diverse education. It will ultimately support them in becoming inspiring educators and professionals who will make a positive impact on their students and the communities they serve.

Both TESL 490 and TESL 385 are designed to equip preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language in a bilingual school. These courses are delivered at the same school where they are going to gain experience teaching students English and academic content under the supervision of cooperating teachers and the director. This location provides an opportunity for administrators and educators of the school to be included in our course as guest speakers and enrich our experiences with nuanced knowledge of specific school norms and traditions. This is invaluable since the preservice teachers will also be learning from the community members of the school itself.

Location Description

The program consists of four full weeks, starting with the week of traveling to Tamarindo with stops to admire La Leona Waterfall and Poza Los Coyotes in order to explore the biodiversity of Costa Rica. Following the week of exploring the country’s rich culture, customs, and flora and fauna, the program will bring students back to Ciudad Quesada to equip them with the knowledge and skills in teaching English as a foreign language through a three-credit-hour special topics course on teaching in a bilingual school and one-credit-hour practicum at Green Forest Schoo for the next three weeks.

On weekends, excursions will be provided to La Fortuna with Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Poas Volcano National Park with a coffee tour.

After school, students will be able to enjoy their free time by spending it with families and/or with each other.

Director

Katya Koubek | koubekex@jmu.edu | EFEX

Accommodations

Students will stay with host families in Ciudad Quesada for the entirety of the program except during the first week of travel and in La Fortuna. Students will stay in hotels during the first week of travel to Tamarindo as well as an additional weekend in La Fortuna. All accommodations will be furnished with internet access and laundry facilities.

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided as a part of the program. No additional expenses are required for meals.

Additional Items to Consider

No visas or vaccines are required.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students of all majors. 

Students must have successfully complete TESL 300 prior to the start of the program. 

Students pursuing a TESOL minor are welcome. However, see the director to discuss other options.

Some Spanish recommended but not required.