IE Events and News
Making Study Abroad Work for You: Resume Writing Tips
Thurs. Feb. 9, 2012
4:00pm
Glendening Annex
International Education External Review Student Open Forum
Thurs. Feb. 16, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Study Abroad Through their Eyes: Perspectives from Former Study Abroad Students
Thurs. Feb. 23, 2012
7:00pm
Aldom Lounge (Connected to the Campus Center)
Summer 2012, Fall 2012, and Academic Year 2012-13 Application Deadline
Thursday, March 1, 2012
5:00pm
230 Glendening
MIEA Scholarship for Study Abroad Application Deadline
April 2, 2012
International Education
Glendening Hall, Suite 230
240 895-4202
ie@smcm.edu
Semester in
SAN PEDRO
Semesters at the Institute for Central American Development Studies focus on economic development, education, environmental studies, human rights, public health, wildlife conservation, and women's issues through two tracks: internships or resource management/sustainable development group study.
More programs..
Fast Facts - San Pedro, Costa Rica
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Web site:
www.icads.org -
Location:
North, central Costa Rica
Near the capital, San José -
Language of Instruction:
Spanish -
Programs:
Semester Internship and Research Program
Field Course in Resource Management and Sustainable Development -
Homestays with local families
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Excursions and activities planned as part of program
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Currency: Colón and céntimo
Currency Code: CRC -
Telephone country code = 506
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SMCM Faculty Advisers for ICADS are Jorge Rogachevsky and Joanna Bartow, ILC
Why ICADS in Costa Rica?
In the words of SMCM students Lauren Gill and Molly Gates
Why did you choose to study at ICADS in Costa Rica?
Lauren: I chose ICADS because it allowed us to live with host families instead of college dorms with the rest of the students who were also studying abroad. We all lived close together while we were in San Jose and had plenty of opportunity to hang out and learn about the community while providing support from peers from St. Mary's as well as several other colleges across the U.S. ICADS also has an internship portion to the program, which I loved, because you were not only living and learning in Costa Rica, but you were also helping people out in the communities we lived in. Some helped in Nicaragua, and others stayed in Costa Rica helping people by teaching English, painting, learning about Quakers and what they stood for, teaching at a school for the blind and deaf, working in clinics, checking the conditions of banana plantations, and helping struggling organic farms.
Molly: The first reason I chose to study at ICADS in Costa Rica is because it is service oriented. I didn't want to be in a classroom the whole time. Another reason was the convenience of its partnership with SMCM which made my transcript the least of my concerns.
What did you experience there that you might not experience elsewhere?
Lauren: I taught English for two months at a local primary school. Mind you, the local primary school I worked at was 7 km from my house, and a 45-minute bus ride because none of the roads were paved and pot holes dominated the area. My first day on the job, my second and third graders chanted "No English" for about two minutes. By the end of my stay, the children didn't want me to leave, and neither did I. It was the hardest, but most rewarding thing I have ever done.
I also feel as though each of us really experienced the culture to its fullest extent because we lived with host families and also worked in the field beside Cosa Ricans, or "Ticos" as they call themselves. The country is absolutely gorgeous and filled with tons of animals, even during the rainy season. Our trips included a visit to Nicaragua, waterfall jumping, zip lining through the canopy, visiting a volcano, a rainforest hike, pineapple and banana plantations, and surfing.
Molly: I lived in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua. I never imagined lots of things I saw or experienced while I was there -- like I learned how to catch the crabs that burrow beneath the sand at 6 a.m. with kids from Las Penitas, Nicaragua. Least of all, I never imagined how I would subtly change in lots of ways.
Why should other students study abroad?
Lauren: Other students should study abroad because it is an amazing opportunity. You come back not only with new confidence, but knowledge about yourself and how others live in the world. When I cam back, one of my suitemates said to me: "Wow. You came back with all this knowledge about yourself and the world, and all I can tell you about is how a virus is created." You meet the most amazing people, and you really realize how blessed and lucky you are to have what you have. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Why should other students choose ICADS and study in Costa Rica?
Lauren: Students should choose ICADS and Costa Rica if they would love the opportunity to stay with a host family. Be prepared to make mistakes, but know that it's okay to laugh at yourself. If helping out others in another country interests you in the least bit, Costa Rica is the place to be.
Molly: Students should only go if they want to be in it completely, and they want and are open to change. And, if they want to eat amazing comida tipica (love Gallo Pinto!) and speak awesome Nica Slang!!
