University of Wisconsin-Superior
Spanish Program
Study Abroad Program

 

Did you know that UW-Superior has a special program in Costa Rica for Spanish Minors who wish to do a study abroad component? Spanish Minors may complete an Individualized Major in Spanish Cultural Studies by spending one, two or three months studying at ICADS in Costa Rica.

The Institute for Central American Development studies (ICADS) was created to fill the information gap in foreign policy between North American citizens and their governments. ICADS is a center for study, research, and analysis of Central American social and environmental issues. The institute focuses on economic development, agriculture, human rights, gender issues, education, public health, and the environment.

UW-Superior has a special ICADS program for spanish minors. This is an intensive five-days-a-week, four-1/2 hours per day regimen geared to the individual abilities and needs of each participant. Students are taught individually or in a class with no more than three others. This assures the active participation of each student in a learning atmosphere, which is stimulating, supportive, and fun. Among the upper-division courses that UW-Superior minors can choose from: Literatura Costarricense, Gramática Avanzada, Conversación Avanzada, Composición Avanzada, Temas Sociales, and others.

Students normally spend two to three months (eventually longer) studying and living in Costa Rica. Upper-division classes begin in March and continue through May. For March a student would receive 7 upper-division credits (including the one credit capstone experience for cultural immersion); for April an additional 6 upper-division credits; and for May an additional 3 to 6 upper-division credits. Thus a student would ordinarily receive 7 to 19 upper-division credits for this special study abroad program.

ICADS is one of the few Spanish schools in Costa Rica which offers complimentary afternoon internship placements for students wishing to practice Spanish while making a contribution to local community change efforts. Students may work in orphanages, health centers, women's organizations, environmental organizations, and with other community groups.

Upon arrival, students are placed with Costa Rican families. An integral part of the program, this home-stay experience facilitates language learning and an active participation in the culture and society of Costa Rica. Host families provide private rooms, breakfast, dinner, and laundry service. Family placements are supervised by a housing coordinator who makes every effort to match the needs of the student to those of the host family.