May 14 – June 23, 2011
Social Justice. Service Learning. Digital Storytelling.
Writing in Costa Rica is a University of Utah Writing Program study abroad in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica (UCR).
At UCR’s Liberia campus, you will attend writing classes in English that examine the rhetoric of social systems, including power structures and resistance movements.
Writing assignments will involve creative nonfiction, critical thinking, analysis, argument and reflective narrative.
You take one of two writing classes two mornings a week (see course descriptions below). All UU students and UCR students attend the third class, Writing and Social Justice, one afternoon each week. Other mornings and afternoons will be given to your service learning project. Evenings and weekends are yours.
The program ends with a digital storytelling project under the guidance of KUER Senior Reporter, Jenny Brundin.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is open to all eligible college students and community members. We welcome UU alumni, students enrolled in other colleges, and others interested in Writing in Costa Rica. The program does not require Spanish, though Spanish speakers are very welcome!
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA (for Honors students)
- Minimum age of 18
- Completion of WRTG 1010 or placement in WRTG 2010
Program Cost
$3,000.00
Includes: Tuition, lodging, three meals per day weekdays and two meals per day on weekends, the Arenal excursion, and international health insurance in Costa Rica.
Does Not Include: Airfare, airport tax, passport, visa, personal expenses, local transportation, independent travel.
Withdrawal & Refund Policy
$300 plus any unrecoverable costs to the Study Abroad Office at the time of withdrawal are non-refundable. To withdraw, the applicant must formally file a Withdrawal Form with the Study Abroad Office.
Application Process
Please see Apply.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The University of Utah offers various scholarships for UU students who want to study abroad. The application deadline for scholarships is March 25, 2011. Visit Study Abroad for more information on the scholarship application process.
Other forms of financial aid (student loans, grants, etc.) can be applied to the program cost. Visit Financial Aid and Scholarships online, in SSB 105, or call 801.581.6211 for more information.
Pre-departure Seminars
There will be two orientation sessions prior to departure. These sessions will introduce the program, provide cultural and travel information, and offer participants a chance to meet.
One of these seminars will function as a workshop in which Jenny Brundin will introduce you to several interview and digital storytelling processes.
Finally, there will be several reading and writing assignments to be completed before departure.
Accommodation and Meals
You will live with local host families who will provide two daily meals and laundry service. Lunch will be provided at the University of Costa Rica cafeteria.
Orientation
Once in Liberia, we will meet Saturday evening on May 14, 2011 for an initial orientation party and to meet your host families. You will spend Sunday with your families. We begin Monday, May 16 with a longer orientation and introduction to the Spanish Immersion course.
Immersion Spanish
Spanish is not a requirement for Writing in Costa Rica. According to your ability, you will spend the first week of the program in a beginning or intermediate Spanish Immersion class taught by faculty at the University of Costa Rica. If you are proficient in Spanish, the one week immersion class gives you the opportunity to help your peers while introducing you to uniquely Costa Rican Spanish.
Writing in Costa Rica 