INTRODUCTION The international business program at the Universidad de Costa Rica, in San José is one of a number of Education Abroad Programs conducted by Penn State in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Latin America, New Zealand and Asia. More than 600 students from a wide variety of majors participate annually in these programs. OBJECTIVES The Penn State Education Abroad Program at the Universidad de Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica functions within the context of the objectives characterizing all of Penn State's study abroad opportunities, especially to: - enable students to receive instruction in several disciplines within the context of another culture and to enrich their general academic studies; - provide adequate professional training when a study abroad experience is especially desirable, and to add to the intellectual and professional development of students in specialized fields of study; - enable students to expand their knowledge of the culture of a country or region of the world by living and studying abroad, as well as gain a more objective perspective of the values and way of life in their own country; - promote the educational goals of the University by providing an overseas program designed to increase the international understanding of students. Specifically, the San José program aims to: - enhance the Spanish language proficiency of participating students; - increase students' understanding of international business operations and international marketing; - enable students to compare various economic systems from a foreign perspective; - provide students the opportunity to study, in situ, the business and economic issues confronting present-day Latin America, especially Costa Rica. THE UNIVERSIDAD DE COSTA RICA Located on a scenic, landscaped campus in San Pedro de Montes de Oca, on the east side of San José, the Universidad de Costa Rica is the premier institution of higher education in Costa Rica. The University currently enrolls over 30,000 students in thirteen "facultades" or colleges, nine of which are divided into schools and four of which are divided into departments. The University also has several research institutes and offers degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. It operates its own radio station, television station, and weekly newspaper. SAN JOSÉ Inspired by rumors of vast gold treasures, Columbus made his last voyage in September of 1502 to find the Rich Coast (Costa Rica.) The Spaniards settled in the Meseta Central and then branched out to found the city of San José in 1737. Today, Latin America, with its healthy economic and socio-political system, is of growing importance to the American business community. This makes Costa Rica an obvious location for students to improve their Spanish and study Latin American culture and business practices. Bounded by Nicaragua and Panama with coastlines on both the Caribbean and the Pacific, the country is centrally located and in touch with the broader Central American region. With over a third of the country's population, (just over a million inhabitants), San José is the capital of Costa Rica and the commercial hub of the nation. The city stands at an altitude of 1,150 meters, in a broad, fertile valley that produces coffee and sugarcane. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Participants in the San José program enroll during the Spring semester (i.e. from the beginning of January through the beginning of May), during which time they take courses specially-designed for students studying business with Spanish language background. To help students adjust to living and studying in a Spanish-speaking environment, an intensive course in intermediate Spanish (SPAN 199) is an integral part of the academic program. Students devote the first several weeks of the program to studying Spanish. When the other courses begin, the Spanish course is conducted on a less intensive basis for the rest of the semester. Students enroll in three 3-credit courses designed especially for business majors and a 3-credit culture course. Including the language course, this totals 15 credits as follows: Intermediate Spanish SPAN 199 (3 credits) Latin American Culture & Civilization SPAN 299 (3 credits) International Commerce BA 499 (3 credits) Latin America BA 499 (3 credits) FIN 499 (3 credits) The courses meet the accreditation requirements of Penn State's academic departments, and are taught in special classes offered exclusively for Penn State students. With the exception of the intermediate Spanish language course, all courses are taught in English. GRADING As with any course at Penn State, responsibility for assessing the students' academic achievement lies with the course instructors. ACCREDITATION All courses offered in the San José program are accredited under the course numbers indicated, as listed in the Penn State Baccalaureate Degree Programs Bulletin. No transfer of credit is necessary since the students remain registered at Penn State while enrolled in the San José program. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Students live with families. The on-site coordinator in San José makes the living arrangements and assigns students to their accommodations. The families provide housing seven days a week and two meals per day (breakfast and dinner). Laundry service is also included. ELIGIBILITY While the San José program is open to all regularly enrolled students at Penn State the orientation of the program makes it especially appealing to business majors with beginning Spanish language background. Applicants must be in good academic standing, and must show evidence of maturity, stability, adaptability, self- discipline, and strong academic motivation. Generally speaking, a 2.5 cumulative grade- point-average is the minimum academic standard for most programs. Participants are typically in their junior or senior year during their time abroad. PROGRAM PREREQUISITES Prior to departure, students must complete the following prerequisite courses: MSIS 200 ACCTG 211 ECON 02,04 In addition, students are required to complete SPAN 01, and 02 or the equivalent before departure. ORIENTATION A specially-designed orientation program, conducted the semester before departure, is intended to prepare participants for the adjustment to living and studying in Costa Rica. Attendance at all orientation sessions is mandatory. COSTS Students pay Penn State tuition, room and board fees to the Bursar's Office in accordance with the standard procedures and deadlines for regular charges at University Park Campus. Room and board for the San José program are generally less expensive than a semester at University Park Campus. While the room and board covers the family arrangements, and breakfast and dinner seven days a week, students will need to budget extra money to cover their daily lunches. Students are also required to pay a $150 nonrefundable program fee at the time of accepting an enrollment offer. Round-trip air transportation is an additional cost to the student. Students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Textbooks and personal expenses are extra. The Office of Education Abroad Programs has a cost-estimate-sheet detailing the overall expenses for each semester. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE The standard forms of financial assistance are available through the Office of Student Aid. Since students remain registered at Penn State, financial aid packages continue during the time students are enrolled in this program. The Office of Education Abroad Programs coordinates closely with the Office of Student Aid to help needy students obtain funds to cover the additional costs incurred by study abroad. The Office of Education Abroad Programs also has a modest grant-in-aid fund that can be drawn upon for exceptionally needy and qualified students. HEALTH INSURANCE All participants are expected to carry sufficient health and accident insurance. Personal liability insurance is strongly recommended. There are competent medical doctors and hospital facilities in San José. PLANNING AHEAD To exploit the many advantages and opportunities of a study abroad experience, it is essential that students, in consultation with their academic advisers, plan well in advance. With careful planning, every participant in this program not only gains regular Penn State credit, but can often apply the credits earned abroad to General Education, elective, language and/or major or minor requirements. Like all of Penn State's semester and academic-year Education Abroad Programs, this program satisfies the University's cultural diversity requirement. Students are required to check with their advisers or deans to discuss what impact study abroad may have on their progress toward graduation. For further information and application forms, contact your campus Education Abroad Adviser or: Office of Education Abroad Programs The Pennsylvania State University 222 Boucke Building University Park PA 16802-5900 Tel: (814) 865-7681 This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State university is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability,or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park PA 16802-2801; tel. (814) 863-0471; TDD (814) 865-3175. The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Employee Benefits Division at (814) 865-1473 in advance of your participation or visit. U.Ed. OIP 96-37 4/96