Talking Science in Costa Rica
Faculty Leaders: Dr. Lauren Neitzke Adamo (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Earth and Planetary Sciences
Dr. Vadim Levin (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Earth and Planetary Sciences
Travel Dates: Saturday, March 11, 2023 - Saturday, March 18, 2023
Class Meeting Times: Tuesdays 10:20 AM - 1:20 PM
Program Cost: $1,830
Course Number: 01:090:292:H3, 3 credits and Study Abroad 1-credit (Honors Students will receive a total of 4 credits).
This embedded study abroad course is a 1-credit, 7-day long trip conducted during the spring break. Students will participate in a semester-long, 3-credit honors seminar that will introduce topics and themes to be addressed during the trip.
This seminar will examine the scientific and cultural knowledge about volcanic processes and how it shapes the society in Costa Rica. It will also explore and discuss the risks and benefits (i.e. topographic changes, mineral resources, agriculture, tourism, energy) of living in the shadow of so many active volcanoes. The ultimate goal is to illustrate the balance Costa Rica strikes between the advantages and disadvantages of living in a tectonically active region and to discuss how new knowledge can help inform future economic and scientific decisions.
For the study abroad component of this class, these are the things you’ll need for greater success.
- A curious attitude.
- An outdoorsy disposition.
- A willingness to go with the flow and problem solve.
- A good set of waterproofs and some broken in and sturdy hiking/walking boots.
Heads Up: Several Costa Rican attractions are above 8,000 feet (2,500 meters), high enough to trigger mild altitude sickness especially if you are acclimated to sea level. Symptoms include headache, disorientation, nausea, and irregular breathing. Gradual adjustment to higher elevations can prevent altitude sickness. If you have a heart condition, mobility issues, asthma, or other illnesses that can be triggered by altitude (for example, epilepsy), please talk to your doctor first.
APPLY HERE by December 1, 2022
