Program Full

Program Description:

As a supplement to its Psychology curriculum, the College of Sciences has designed a study abroad program for undergraduate students interested in cross cultural psychology at UCF.

This Study Abroad Program is designed to bring together a group of students from the University of Central Florida (matriculated at the University of Central Florida [UCF]) and Costa Rica (matriculated at Universidad de Costa Rica [UCR]) in the context of a course called Cross-Cultural Psychology.

The course will be taught in English, followed by a 1-hour English-Spanish Conversation Class during which time topics addressed in the course will be discussed among U.S. and Costa Rican students who will be divided into pairs. In the Cross-Cultural Psychology course, both UCF and UCR students will study myriad aspects of selected populations.

In addition to the information learned in the course, UCF students will experience life in a distinct culture, learn about pre- and post-Colombian history of Costa Rica and Central America (via excursions locally and to Panama City, Panama), and learn and practice Spanish, regardless of their current fluency in Spanish. UCR students- in addition to learning information from the course- will interact extensively with U.S. students and learn and practice English, regardless of their current fluency in English.

It is anticipated that UCF and UCR students will interact informally outside the university context to maximize their intercultural experiences with each other.

Students should plan to arrive by noon on the starting day of the program.  This is an open jaw itinerary.  Please note that students will fly into San Jose, Costa Rica and return from Panama City, Panama.    Students are encouraged not to book their fllights until after the application deadline and the applicants have been informed that the program has met its minimum numbers. 

Payment breakdown based upon the minimum number of students:

Payment 1: $100 (non-refundable)
Payment 2: $1000
Payment 3: $562.50
Payment 4: $562.50

Learning Outcomes:

•    Obtain a broader perspective on humanity by means of critically examining various cultural groups and exploring cultural world
•    Learn about other lifestyles and cultures
•    Learn about Costa Rican and Central American Culture, values, social norms and world views
•    Improve ability to understand, comprehend, and express oneself in Spanish
•    Compare and contrast a wide array of social values and norms of mainstream USA and Costa Rica

Program Prerequisites:

Minimum GPA: 2.50 cumulative

Language: English

Proficiency Level Required: English

Other Prerequisites: 

Instructor consent

Program Components and Costs:

Component: Program Fees

Services: 

The following services are included as part of the program fee:

• Shared homestays with local families while in Costa Rica
• Shared hotel accommodations while in Panama City, Panama
• Shared lodging while in San Blas, Panama
• Airport transfers upon arrival and return in Costa Rica
• Airport transfer upon arrival in Panama City, Panama
• One way flight between San Jose, Costa Rica and Panama City, Panama
• San Jose city tour
• Excursion to El Valle and its artisan market
• Panama City tour including Panama Canal visit
• Excursion to the island of San Blas, including meals, transportation to/from the island, tours to the local community islands
• Administrative fees
• Medical insurance including repatriation

The following services are not included as part of the program fee:

• One way air between Orlando, Florida and San Jose, Costa Rica
• One way air between Panama City, Panama and Orlando, Florida
• Passport or visa fees
• Incidentals
• Meals, except as listed above
• Currency exchange fees
• Return airport transfer in Panama
• Immigration or exit fees and taxes
• Personal travel not associated with the program
• Tips and gratuities for tour guides and private tour buses
• UCF tuition

Price (in US Dollars): 2225.00

Requirement: Mandatory

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Payments:

1st payment due:  Pending application approval

2nd payment due: 2012-02-24

3rd payment due: 2012-03-15

4th payment due: 2012-04-16

Study abroad fees are posted to the UCF student account. Payment procedures, types and cashier locations can be found here, on the UCF Registrar's website.

Faculty Program Coordinator:

Name: Dr. Charles Negy

Email: Charles.negy@ucf.edu

Office: Psychology Building, Room 346

Program Dates:

Program Begins: 2012-07-05

Program Ends: 2012-08-02

Program Deadlines:

Last day to apply: 2012-02-15

Last day to withdraw: 2012-02-20

Academic Institution:

University of Costa Rica 

Additional information:

Program Map

Closest Domestic Consulate

Nearest US Embassy Abroad

US State Department Country Information

Currency Exchange Information

Visa Information:

Visa Required: No

Your visa requirements and cost may vary if you are not a US citizen. Please let OIS staff know if you are not using a US passport to ensure that we can address any differences in the immigration requirements.