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Study Abroad in Costa Rica

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This document summarizes a faculty-led study abroad program in Costa Rica. It provides an overview of the program which runs for a total of 7 credits and includes a selected topics course (SPA 340), intercultural studies, language instruction, and weekend visits to local parks and sites. The learning outcomes for SPA 340 focus on improving oral and written Spanish skills, gaining appreciation for how the natural environment influences Central American culture, and applying knowledge through volunteering. Student work is assessed through a final presentation, journal, reading reviews, and class participation. The document emphasizes the importance of orientation, ongoing assessment of learning objectives, and building on successful experiences while also leaving room for improvement.

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Incorporating Curriculum into FacultyLed Abroad Immersion Programs May Semester in Costa Rica Aggie Johnson Academy 10
On a Personal Note ¨°?? I travel extensively in North America, South America, and Europe. ¨°?? I have taught, developed, organized, and directed study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Peru for Flagler College since 2005. ¨°?? I continually question how to make these programs more relevant and meaningful. ¨°?? I am committed to choosing the best program location and local partner for Flagler College. ¨°?? I work to match specific courses to the location, type of course and student educational level. Examples: Peru Myths and Legend of the Hispanic World; Costa Rica Telling Stories: Hispanic Short Stories, Latin America through Film, and Literature and Environment.
Study Abroad in Costa Rica
Program Overview (Total of 7 credits) SPA 340 Selected Topic Course (3) Intercultura (4) Language Instruction Logistics Selected Readings: Volunteering Popol Vuh; Colombus; Neruda; Sep¨²lveda http://www.xtremas.org http:// www.thearaproject.org Weekend Visits: Parks of Arenal, Po¨¢s, Monteverde, La Paz
Learning Outcomes for SPA 340 ¨°?? Develop skills in expressing oneself orally or in writing. You will improve your own speaking and writing skills through practice as well as learn how to prepare and present a coherent presentation using the Spanish language. ¨°?? Gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the natural environment as a living entity that influences Central American culture and literature (through readings and field observations). ¨°?? Learn to apply course material. You will have multiple opportunities to put knowledge you have acquired into direct practice as you use the Spanish language to communicate with the host family and/or members of rural community during volunteering activities.
Assessment for SPA 340 ??40% ??10% Journal Final Presentation (Including all components) ??30% Reading Reviews Class Participation ??20%
Final Thoughts ¨°?? Orientation before departure is crucial in my experience over the years. It is important to repeat program information as many times and in as many ways as possible. Experience teaches me that students have ¡°selected hearing.¡± ¨°?? Assessment of learning objectives is an on-going necessity and perhaps they are not always achieved. However, when I hear a student speak who never pronounced a word in my class before, I know our efforts were worth it! ¨°?? Do I believe there is always room for improvement? Definitely! Evaluation and observation often provide helpful insights. It is, however, equally important to remember and build on successful experiences. ¨°?? Questions?
¡°¡­nothing so liberalizes a man and expends the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people.¡± - Mark Twain

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Study Abroad in Costa Rica

  • 1. Incorporating Curriculum into FacultyLed Abroad Immersion Programs May Semester in Costa Rica Aggie Johnson Academy 10
  • 2. On a Personal Note ¨°?? I travel extensively in North America, South America, and Europe. ¨°?? I have taught, developed, organized, and directed study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Peru for Flagler College since 2005. ¨°?? I continually question how to make these programs more relevant and meaningful. ¨°?? I am committed to choosing the best program location and local partner for Flagler College. ¨°?? I work to match specific courses to the location, type of course and student educational level. Examples: Peru Myths and Legend of the Hispanic World; Costa Rica Telling Stories: Hispanic Short Stories, Latin America through Film, and Literature and Environment.
  • 4. Program Overview (Total of 7 credits) SPA 340 Selected Topic Course (3) Intercultura (4) Language Instruction Logistics Selected Readings: Volunteering Popol Vuh; Colombus; Neruda; Sep¨²lveda http://www.xtremas.org http:// www.thearaproject.org Weekend Visits: Parks of Arenal, Po¨¢s, Monteverde, La Paz
  • 5. Learning Outcomes for SPA 340 ¨°?? Develop skills in expressing oneself orally or in writing. You will improve your own speaking and writing skills through practice as well as learn how to prepare and present a coherent presentation using the Spanish language. ¨°?? Gain a broader understanding and appreciation of the natural environment as a living entity that influences Central American culture and literature (through readings and field observations). ¨°?? Learn to apply course material. You will have multiple opportunities to put knowledge you have acquired into direct practice as you use the Spanish language to communicate with the host family and/or members of rural community during volunteering activities.
  • 6. Assessment for SPA 340 ??40% ??10% Journal Final Presentation (Including all components) ??30% Reading Reviews Class Participation ??20%
  • 7. Final Thoughts ¨°?? Orientation before departure is crucial in my experience over the years. It is important to repeat program information as many times and in as many ways as possible. Experience teaches me that students have ¡°selected hearing.¡± ¨°?? Assessment of learning objectives is an on-going necessity and perhaps they are not always achieved. However, when I hear a student speak who never pronounced a word in my class before, I know our efforts were worth it! ¨°?? Do I believe there is always room for improvement? Definitely! Evaluation and observation often provide helpful insights. It is, however, equally important to remember and build on successful experiences. ¨°?? Questions?
  • 8. ¡°¡­nothing so liberalizes a man and expends the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people.¡± - Mark Twain