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Costa Rica Intersession Program

  • Program Dates: January 1-15 (tentative)
  • Application Deadline: Monday, October 1, 2012
Program Director: Bill Allen
 
Field Reporting in Costa Rica 

Travel for two weeks in Costa Rica and find out how journalists safely and efficiently navigate the world to produce stories about the environment, agriculture, natural resources and society. This program offers students a working introduction to international reporting in the developing world. Participants will travel to various locations within Costa Rica while earning six hours of course credit.

Area

Located in Central America, Costa Rica is bordered to the east by the Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country enjoys tropical climates throughout the year and has become a leading destination for eco-travel due to its rich biodiversity and natural resources. The people of Costa Rica are often troubled by conflicts that pit society, the economy and the environment against each other. Participants in this program will explore the "Rich Coast" through interaction with its industries, agriculture, wildlife and geography.

Check out the blog these students developed while studying in Costa Rica

Eligibility

Students admitted to the School of Journalism or Agriculture Journalism students with a minimum of 3.0 GPA are eligible for admission to this program. All students must be in good academic standing. Students must have successfully completed JOURN 2100 in order to participate. Non-journalism students with strong interest and aptitude in writing may consult the International Programs Office in the School of Journalism for participation consideration.
Course Credit

Students will earn six credit hours on this program. Journalism students are eligible to earn three hours of Journalism elective credit and three hours of history credit (HIST 2004). Non-journalism students are eligible to earn three hours of agriculture elective credit and three hours of history credit (HIST 2004). Preparatory evening meetings will be held beginning in November. All preparatory meetings are mandatory. Formal classes will be held during the program, and will continue through February of the spring semester.

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Costs

The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost somewhat more than credits completed on-campus at MU. Participation in this program includes significant international experiences, both cultural and professional in nature.The cost for this program includes housing accommodations, airfare, most meals, and on-site assistance by MU faculty. Students will also be billed MU educational fees (6 credits), applied as they would for on-campus courses. Participants will be assessed a $75 MU Study Abroad fee to cover MU orientation, administration, and assistance, as well as a $50 fee for mandatory health insurance. Other expenses that should be considered include non-sponsored meals and other personal expenses.

Please note that scholarships and other financial options are available to you to help make study abroad part the college experience. Students participating in study abroad programs should contact the Financial Aid office (11 Jesse Hall) to determine whether existing scholarships or grants apply to the term in which they plan to travel.


Estimated Program Costs:

Total Program Cost Estimate:  
Resident: $5,636.50                                              Non-Resident: $8,177.50
 
Costs on MU Bill:
Missouri Resident (based on 6 credit hours):
Program Fee..............................................................$3,450
Tuition and Educational Fees....................................$1,693.50

For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.

MU Study Abroad Fee......................................................$75

Total Cost for Missouri Resident.......................................$5,218.50
Missouri Non-Resident (based on 6 credit hours):
Program Fee..............................................................$3,450
Tuition and Educational Fees....................................$4,252.50

For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.

MU Study Abroad Fee......................................................$75


Total Cost for Missouri Non-Resident............................$7,777.50
Personal Cost Estimates:
Roundtrip Airfare...........................Included
Housing.........................................Included
Meals and Transportation....................$400

Total Additional Expenses......................$400          **This cost table reflects costs for 2011. Students should expect slight changes in 2012 costs.

Financial Aid

The financial aid awarded for classes at MU is typically applicable to study abroad. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs of studying abroad. Students participating in summer programs abroad should meet with an advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) for more complete information: 573-882-7506. Both CAFNR and the School of Journalism offer study abroad scholarships each semester. Applications should be completed as part of the complete study abroad application process and submitted with other application documents. Students can apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union).

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Housing

Students participating in this program will live in a variety of hotels, inns and student dormitories as they travel through Costa Rica. While housing is clean and safe, it is important for U.S. students to remember that accommodations in developing countries are generally more spartan that what they may be accustomed to. Participants should prepare accordingly.
 
For information on how to apply for this program, please click here. 
 
Contact MU Journalism Abroad