Where the program takes place...

Interculturra provides a home base for the RWC Costa Rica study abroad program. Classrooms are comfortable, breezy, and equipped with audio-visual systems. Classes are conducted almost entirely in Spanish, providing students a complete and intensive learning experience. In addition, you have the opportunity to come to know Costa Rica, its traditions and its rich cultural heritage by participating in daily cultural and extracurricular activities. Participation in programs such as this one teach not only a new language, but also effective tools for communication and understanding in the constantly evolving world culture in which we live. Study abroad is an ideal way to improve your Spanish proficiency and you understanding of Latin American culture.

The Main Campus of Intercultura is in Heredia, close enough to the Costa Rican capital of San Jose to be busy, yet with the friendly atmosphere of a small college town. Living with a family and enjoying the markets, museums, and restaurants of Heredia are an enjoyable and enriching addition to your Spanish language studies. The province of Heredia is the coffee growing capital of Costa Rica.

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The colonial city of Heredia is approximately 20 minutes by bus from the capital city of San José. Known as the "City of Flowers," Heredia and its surrounding areas provide all the conveniences of a medium-sized city in an environment which has escaped, to a large extent, the normal urban problems affecting the capital. It is home to the National University, and an important cultural center for Costa Rica. Furthermore, much of Heredia has managed to retain a typical Latin American "pueblo" feel despite increasing modernization. The colonial church and it's plaza are still a favorite meeting place for Heredia's inhabitants, old and young.

The Spanish program uses a combination of immersion teaching methods centered around the Communicative Approach. Instead of a traditional grammar program, classes are designed to provide balance between theory and practice. The course incorporates all aspects of language acquisition: conversation, grammar, reading, listening, writing, general comprehension and idiomatic expressions. Classes incorporate field-trips and out-of-class learning experiences by taking students to practice their Spanish in marketplaces, museums, buses, restaurants and other areas where communication practice is a necessity (even beaches and volcanoes!!). Thus classes remain interesting as well as educational!

Accommodations:

Accommodations are with carefully selected Costa Rican families which provide an invaluable source of Spanish instruction as well as a wonderful interpersonal experience.

Estimated Expenses:

Approximate cost $2300 plus 3 credit hours of University of Cincinnati Tuition. Price includes airfare and transportation for weekend excursions, 40 hrs of Spanish language instruction, family homestay with 2 meals/day cultural visits

Applicants must be students in good standing and must enroll for the three credit hour course for participation in the program. In addition, students should be in good physical health and capable of substantial walking (several hours) in the course of a day. Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 15 students.

Application and fee $125 due March 1, 2008. Participant Selection interviews start mid-March.

For more information please contact:

Angie Woods, Foreign Language Dept.

Raymond Walters College

9555 Plainfield Rd.

Cincinnati, OH 45236

Phone: 513-936-7183 Fax: 513-745-5771

Email: woodsai@ucrwcu.rwc.uc.edu