Summer 2010

Costa Rica

 Environmental Communication: The Costa Rica Experience

Costa Rica is a relatively small country with four distinct bio-zones, all of which can be accessed within a half day’s drive. The topography of Costa Rica gives us a chance to explore the bio-diversity and see the connections between the environment, culture, and communication practices first hand.

A key aspect of this course is to sample a variety of ‘voices’ in the debates and rhetoric surrounding green practices, global warming and environmental sustainability. The course will rely on local experts and local guides to give their unique perspectives on the issues under study. Students will be tasked with critically listening and engaging people with different perspectives. Ample time with also be given for additional excursions. 

Students will be required to attend to pre-departure meetings prior to leaving for Costa Rica.  These will be held on Saturdays for four hours.  Students will also be expected to keep a reflective journal and help with a full group project upon the return to Norfolk.

▲Students must register and pay for summer term 2010 credit in order to participate in this program.

  

HIGHLIGHTS Corcovado Rainforest Monteverde Cloud Forest Volcano hike/tour Fair Trade Coffee Farm San Jose Costa Rican Coast

Faculty Leader: Dr. Kyle Nicholas  is a lecturer at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center.  He received his PhD in 2000 from the University of Texas at Austin.  He has been teaching courses in Communications at ODU for years, and does research in environmental communication, mass communication, communication medias, and intercultural communication.

ITINERARY May 12: Travel to San Jose, welcome dinner May 13: San Jose city tour, CAFTA May 14: Free afternoon May 15: Eco-tourism excursion May 16: Travel to Monteverde May 17: Visit a Fair Trade coffee farm May 18: Sustainable forestry activity May 19: Environmental advocacy activity May 20: Sustainable agriculture activity May 21: Travel to coast  May 22: Coastal excursion May 23: Coastal excursion May 24: Return to San Jose; farewell dinner May 25: Return to Norfolk   *Subject to Change: The office of Study Abroad reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.

Office of Study Abroad                            OR                       Dr. Kyle Nicholas Spong Hall,                                                                            Dept. of Communications - BAL 3000 2nd Floor                                                                               757-683-3828 Bolling Ave. and Hampton Blvd.                                          knichola@odu.edu 757-683-5378                                                                        studyabroad@odu.edu COMM 495, 3 credits (summer semester registration) Priority Application Deadline: February 15, 2009 Cost Information Download Application  (Turn in application with $250 deposit to the Office of Study Abroad, Spong Hall, Room 212, Norfolk, VA 23509)