Costa Rica Study Abroad

Summer 2015

ETEC 525 Digital Culture and Society (3 units)

Overview:  The course begins at CSU Long Beach, with students learning about social implications of information technologies and preparing presentations. The class then flies to San Jose, Costa Rica, staying at the nearby city of Heredia. The class meets with students at a Costa Rican university, giving their presentations in English and, in small groups, discussing perspectives about the issues raised. The trip is typically timed to coincide with an educational conference held at the collaborating university. The class also visits K-12 schools in Costa Rica to learn about their educational practices and uses of technology. The study abroad experience also includes an excursion to surrounding areas.

The course is open to graduate students and educators seeking this type of study abroad experience.   It has been taken by students in a variety of master’s programs as well as by students in the Ed.D. in educational leadership.  The course is offered via CSULB’s College of Continuing and Professional Education and can be taken by students who are not in a CSULB educational program.

Course Description:  Critical examination of social and cultural implications of information technologies and media. Issues of cultural bias, equity, and questions of who benefits from particular technologies. International applications and implications of information technologies.

Deadlines.

The deadline to apply is 4/27/15. You will be notified of acceptance by 4/28/15. Deadline to pay $897 tuition, $65 accident insurance, and $255 deposit is 4/30/15.

Apply for the program

Ø Tentative Schedule for 2015

Ø Class meetings at CSULB (Tuesdays)

o 6/9, 6/16, 6/23*, 6/30*, 7/7, 7/14*

(Meetings are face-to-face 5:00 pm  - 7:45 pm, except those with an * which are online from 5:00pm – 6:20pm.)

Ø Costa Rica Activities

o Depart 7/16

o Study Abroad activities with Costa Rica schools / university through 7/21.

o Excursion to Monterverde Cloud Forest and Lake Arenal: 7/22 – 7/26.

o Return 7/27

Ø Post-trip retrospective meeting

o 8/11, 5:00 – 7:45 pm.

Estimated Budget

Tuition ($897) and required accident insurance ($65)	$962
Study abroad activities in Costa Rica. Includes double-occupancy lodgings and transportation to and from airport and between hotels. Also includes excursion to Monteverde Cloud Forest and two rainforest tours with naturalist guide.	$785
Airfare (estimate, could be higher or lower)	$700
Subtotal	$2447
Suggested allowance for meals and incidentals	$550
Total	$2,997

For more information, contact Dr. Stephen Adams (Stephen.Adams@csulb.edu). Information is subject to change. Space is limited. Revised: 4/20/15.