Costa Rica Intersession Program
- Program Dates: January 2, 2022 - January 16, 2022
- Faculty Program Director: Bill Allen
- For application and scholarship deadlines see our Application Instructions page.
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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 be based in Monteverde, but may travel to various locations within Costa Rica while earning six hours of course credit.
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.
Students will earn six upper-level credit hours on this program.
Classes are graded A-F.
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.
Classes are graded A-F.
- Journalism students are eligible to earn three hours of Journalism specialty area credit (J4650/7650) 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.
Undergraduate applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who have completed either J4200 (Principles of Strategic Communication) or J4180 (Newsroom Content Creation). Applicants who will complete one of these courses in the semester/term preceding the term for which they are applying will be considered for conditional acceptance to the program.
All students must be in good academic standing. If an applicant has a GPA below a 3.0, a letter of appeal should be included with their application.
Applicants should compose a well-constructed resume and cover letter highlighting technical skills for use in the professional placement process. Students should also consider developing a portfolio to provide, if requested.
Non-journalism students with a strong interest and aptitude in writing may consult the MU Journalism Abroad Office for participation consideration.
All students must be in good academic standing. If an applicant has a GPA below a 3.0, a letter of appeal should be included with their application.
Applicants should compose a well-constructed resume and cover letter highlighting technical skills for use in the professional placement process. Students should also consider developing a portfolio to provide, if requested.
Non-journalism students with a strong interest and aptitude in writing may consult the MU Journalism Abroad Office for participation consideration.
The Missouri School of Journalism attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you. Generally, study abroad experiences cost a bit more than a summer semester completed on-campus at MU. However, a summer abroad includes new experiences, cultures, languages, and an opportunity to explore the world as an international student. It is highly recommended that students outline a budget that considers what they might spend during the program. Students on this program pay MU educational fees (6 credits) as though taking classes on campus for the summer. The cost of the trip includes international travel, ground transportation, lodging, mandatory insurance, and an MU Study Abroad fee, which is applied toward costs associated with orientation programs, administration, and staff assistance.
Program Costs
Total Program Costs: $3,795
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $3,500*
*Program fee includes roundtrip airfare, housing, daily breakfast, and transportation related to program.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance (HTH): $50
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $245
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Total Program Costs: $3,795
Program Fee, Housing, Insurance, and Study Abroad Administration Fee
(Note: Total Program Costs do not include tuition)
Breakdown of total fee:
Program Fee: $3,500*
*Program fee includes roundtrip airfare, housing, daily breakfast, and transportation related to program.
MU Mandatory International Health Insurance (HTH): $50
MU Study Abroad Administration Fee: $245
Amounts listed are anticipated costs and are subject to change as a result of international economic factors, decreased student numbers, etc. Budget listed is based on previous Summer term and subject to change.
Additional Costs
Students will also be responsible for regular tuition and required educational fees associated with 6 credit hours. For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.
Personal Expenditure Estimates
Meals and Transportation $300 - $500
In addition to the program costs paid to MU, you will have expenses associated with international travel and living abroad. The amounts listed are estimated costs based on current exchange rates and on the information provided to us by your host institution and past participants. Depending on your personal spending habits, you may spend more or less than the figures provided.
Please note that these expenses do not include vacation travel or sightseeing. All fees are subject to change and without notice.
Students will also be responsible for regular tuition and required educational fees associated with 6 credit hours. For specific fee information, visit the Cashier's website.
Personal Expenditure Estimates
Meals and Transportation $300 - $500
In addition to the program costs paid to MU, you will have expenses associated with international travel and living abroad. The amounts listed are estimated costs based on current exchange rates and on the information provided to us by your host institution and past participants. Depending on your personal spending habits, you may spend more or less than the figures provided.
Please note that these expenses do not include vacation travel or sightseeing. All fees are subject to change and without notice.
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.
The financial aid you normally receive for your classes at MU is usually applicable. Please visit with your Financial Aid Advisor at the MU Student Financial Aid Office (11 Jesse Hall) to explore your financial aid options: 573-882-7506.
In addition, the School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester and you can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Finally, check out our special page on Funding Your Experience for more information including links to our MU Journalism Abroad Travel Scholarship, MUJA Travel Writer Scholarship, external scholarship options, and Steps to Apply for Financial Aid.
In addition, the School of Journalism offers need-based travel scholarships each semester and you can also apply for additional scholarships through the MU International Center (Memorial Union). Watch our website, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook for special program scholarship announcements each semester.
Finally, check out our special page on Funding Your Experience for more information including links to our MU Journalism Abroad Travel Scholarship, MUJA Travel Writer Scholarship, external scholarship options, and Steps to Apply for Financial Aid.
We have recently altered our application process and are fully paper-based. Information regarding our full process can be found on the "How to Apply" page, which can be accessed via the navigation window or by clicking the button below.
Please remember to hand in all items by the deadline for your individual program.
Please remember to hand in all items by the deadline for your individual program.
Drew Dumas and Daniella Ricciardi are full-time journalism study abroad student advisors. You can schedule an appointment through MU Connect. Please direct program specific inquiries to their email addresses:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our office is located at 280 Gannett Hall.
For more information, please visit our Contact page.
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our office is located at 280 Gannett Hall.
For more information, please visit our Contact page.