University of South Florida
| Program Terms: |
Summer |
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| Courses Offered: | Click here to view | |
| Eligibility: | Please see below for requirements. |
| Dates / Deadlines: |
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| Fact Sheet: |
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| Language of Instruction: | English | Language Requirements: | English |
| Program Type: | USF Sponsored | Level of Study: | Graduate, Undergraduate |
| Open to: | Active USF Student | Credit Offered: | USF Credit |
| Program Advisor: | Heather Hartman | Minimum GPA: | Academic Good Standing |
| Sponsoring College: | Arts and Sciences | Program Primary Subject: | Anthropology |
| Program Description: |
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*Please note that this application is for GRADUATE (and upper level undergraduate who are not applying for the NSF funded study) only. If you are seeking to apply for the undergraduate NSF grant funded study, please click here: http://educationabroad.global.usf.edu/?go=fieldschoolcostaricaNSFgrant *
This unique program takes place in the highlands of northwestern Costa Rica. Monteverde, the program site, is part of the famous Monteverde Reserve Complex, an area of preserves protecting over 100,000 acres of endangered tropical forest. USF partners with the Monteverde Institute (MVI) to offer the Globalization and Community Health Field School. The Monteverde Institute is a non-profit educational and research association, which works in partnership with universities around the world and provides educational, cultural and social programs to the Monteverde community. The summer field school offers graduate and upper-level undergraduate student training in qualitative and quantitative methods used to conduct community-based health related research in areas undergoing changes associated with globalization. In addition to learning the methods, students work in small groups conducting research on issues identified by the local community and present their results to various stakeholders.
By participating in this program students will:
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Study quantitative and qualitative methods for collecting and analyzing community health data
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Work in teams to design and carry out community-based research on various health topics (e.g., nutrition, reproductive health, environmental health, sexually-transmitted infections, and occupational health)
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Collaborate with Costa Rican physicians and nurses and conduct a health clinic in a rural community
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Learn about the Costa Rican health system and about different projects run by the University of Costa Rica School of Public Health and Non-Governmental Organizations
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Experience cultural immersion through optional Spanish language training and home-stays with Costa Rican families
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Present their research findings and learn how to give presentations to different audiences including community members, health researchers, and social scientists
Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean on the east, Costa Rica is part of the land bridge between North and South America; its nearest neighbors are Panama to the southeast and Nicaragua to the northwest. Its geographic location and climatic conditions give rise to an incredible diversity of ecosystems. A mountainous spine, also known as the continental divide, runs the length of the country dividing it into three general areas: the Pacific coastal plains, the Central Valley and the Caribbean coastal lowlands.
Monteverde, the program site, is situated in Costa Rica's central highlands, in northwestern Costa Rica. It is part of the famous Monteverde Reserve Complex, an area of preserves protecting over 100,000 acres of endangered tropical forest. The Monteverde community was founded by North American Quakers in 1951. The Montverde cloud forest reserve lies adjacent to the community.
The program collaborates with the School of Public Health of the University of Costa Rica, several governmental and non-government organizations, and hospitals and clinics in the capital city and Puntaranas province, as well as in Monteverde. Research areas focus on nutrition, reproductive health, water and sewage, and more. Local members from Monteverde serve as community advisors for students as they carry out their research projects.
Academic Program and Course Information
The Globalization and Community Health Field School is offered by the Department of Anthropology and attracts students from medical anthropology, public health, nursing, pre-medicine, and other health-related areas. The field school fulfills the methods requirement for graduate students in anthropology and, with authorization from PH faculty, can fulfill the field experience and special project requirements from public health.
Courses (six semester credit hours, required)
ANT 4495 / ANG7487 (3 credits) Methods in Cultural Research
ANT4930 / ANG 6465 (3 credits) Special Projects in Anthropology
David Himmelgreen, Professor and Project Director
Nancy Romero-Daza, Professor and Project Director
Nancy Romero-Daza, along with David Himmelgreen, has directed over six seasons of the Globalization and Community Health Field School in Monteverde, Costa Rica. She has also conducted two research projects in Monteverde in collaboration with the Monteverde Institute, the host institution for the field school. At present, Himmelgreen (PI) and Romero-Daza (Co-PI) are running a three-year research project funded by NSF on the impact of tourism on food security in the area.
Program Cost: $5630-$6255 based on the program generating 6 students. If fewer than 6 students sign up for the program, the cost will increase; however, students will be made aware of this as soon as possible, and will be giving the option to continue on or drop out of the program with no penalty.
| Payment Schedule - TBD | ||||
| Grad | ||||
| Deposit Due (non-refundable) | $500 | |||
| 3/15/2013 | 25% Total Cost Due (Deposit factored in) | |||
| 3/22/2013 | 25% Total Cost Due (Second Installment) | |||
| 4/12/2013 | 25% Total Cost Due (Third Installment) | |||
| 4/26/2013 | 25% Total Cost Due (Final Installment) | |||
| Total Program Cost | ||||
The deadline for applying to the program is March 8th. Please bear in mind that the remainder of the first 25% of the program cost is due on March 15th - we must have received this check by this date or have email verification that the check is on the way in order for your space to be reserved in the program.
Please note, that if you are not a USF student, you will also need to apply to USF as a non-degree seeking student through us, the additional cost of which is $30, plus a $10 transcript fee.
A $500 program deposit is due at the time of program acceptance by the Program Directors in order to confirm a space in the program and to be registered for USF course credit.
Final balance of the program fee is due by April 26th. This deadline is firm as it corresponds to when fees must be forwarded for your program.
Instructional and administrative costs
USF instructional cost and the administrative cost are due once credits and fees have been posted by the Education Abroad Office to the student's OASIS account.
Included Program Features:
- Group ground transportation to and from San Jose airport
- Six weeks of classes and structured research
- Homestay accommodations with all meals
- All program-related excursions and site visits
- Guest lectures by internationally renowned anthropologists, nutritionists and other international health experts
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Instructional equivalent of six USF credit hours (graduate and
undergraduate levels) - CISI Emergency Medical and Evacuation Insurance
- Monteverde Intitute fees
Not Included in Program:
- International airfare
- Personal spending
After the first few nights of hotel lodging in San Jose, the program moves to the highlands and to Monteverde. Here, homestay accommodations are used, in which students live with local families carefully selected by the Monteverde Institute. This arrangement provides a more in-depth understanding of the daily life and customs of Costa Ricans, who are noted for their friendliness. Also, language acquisition is much enhanced by daily interaction with the homestay families and the opportunity to practice speaking Spanish outside the classroom. Another advantage of homestay lodging is that it includes all meals, thereby making the program more economical for the student.
Upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of anthropology, public health and related disciplines will benefit most from participation in the field school program. Prospective participants should contact the USF program directors to inquire about the procedure for submission of applications. Acceptance into the program is at the discretion of the program directors.
Please click here for further details regarding payment.
Program participants may make individual flight arrangements to arrive in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. The Monteverde Institute will arrange airport pick-up for those who arrive within a certain timeframe on the first day of the program. Further information on this will be provided by the Monteverde Institute.
Medical Insurance and Travel Documentation
USF provides program participants with sickness/accident and emergency medical evacuation insurance valid for the dates of the program. Those who will travel independently, either in advance of the program or after the program ends, must ensure that they have insurance coverage valid outside the U.S.
Please click here for more detailed information.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Funding
Many funding opportunities are available to USF students who are planning to study abroad. Please see our funding page for further details.
Participant's safety and well-being are paramount to USF. Please click here for detailed safety and health information given in our Pre-Departure Guide before you travel. Also, don't forget to read up on country-specific information on the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites.
There are no vaccinations required at present for travel to Costa Rica. Malarial mosquitoes are not a problem in the highlands. Because Monteverde is located in a cloud forest, students should expect wet and often muddy conditions. Students should be aware that this program involves an active schedule and entails a good deal of walking, on mostly unpaved surfaces. Those with health concerns or special requirements should discuss this with the Education Abroad Office and program director.
Scams Common in Costa Rica:
Thieves in Costa Rica often work in small groups. The most prevalent scam involves the surreptitious puncturing of tires of rental cars, often near restaurants, tourist attractions, airports, or close to the car rental agencies themselves. When the travelers pull over, "good Samaritans" quickly appear to help change the tire - and just as quickly remove valuables from the car, sometimes brandishing weapons. Drivers with flat tires are advised to drive, if at all possible, to the nearest service station or other public area and change the tire themselves, watching valuables at all times. Another common scam involves one person dropping change in a crowded area, such as on a bus. When the victim tries to assist, a wallet or other item is taken.
Personal Safety in Costa Rica:
While no country is free from threat to one's safety or health peril, Costa Rica is comparatively stable and secure. Costa Rica has had democratic elections since the 19th century and has no military. Sadly, the disparity in wealth between the poorest of Costa Rica's citizens and visitors to this country has led to an increase in theft, particularly in the capital city of San Jose. Students should be vigilant and alert to their surroundings. For example, they should carry with them no more money than needed for one or two days, and certainly not their passport, which should remain locked up in a safe place. A local orientation upon arrival will provide cautions and advice on how to stay safe and avoid becoming a potential target.
Students should review carefully the Education Abroad Participant Contract, included in the Education Abroad application process. It describes students' responsibilities with regard to participation, and includes information on insurance, and cancellation and refund policies. Students will be asked to electronically sign this document. To view this document before applying, please click here.
Questions regarding study abroad, program enrollment, registration and payment of fees:
Heather Hartman
USF Education Abroad Office, CGS 103
Phone: (813) 974-4314
E-mail: hartmanh@usf.edu
Questions pertaining to the research program in-country, courses or credits:
David Himmelgreen, Associate Professor and Project Director
Phone: (813) 974-1204
E-mail: dhimmelg@cas.usf.edu
