2006 ITM Practicum in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

San Jose

Costa Rica

Department of International Trade and Marketing (ITM)

IN492 International Trade Practicum: Costa Rica

January 2-22, 2006

See trip's pictures

Two Mandatory Orientation Meetings:

Mon, Oct. 17, 5pm, Rm A336: Meet the group and finalize research topic.

Mon, Nov. 7, 5pm, Rm C903 (Living Rm): Meeting with Prof. DeSantis (re: travel docs)

ABOUT COSTA RICA

Located in the middle of the Central American isthmus, with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, Costa Rica is about the same size of West Virginia and has a population of around 3.5 million. Packed into this small country are incredible biological diversity, varied landscapes and endless outdoor diversions.

People not well acquainted with Costa Rica often equate the problems in countries such as Nicaragua and El Salvador with all of Central America. Nothing could be further from the truth. In the midst of political unrest Costa Rica remains an oasis of stability and peace. The country has no army, for example – it was abolished in 1949. Costa Rica is the region’s most stable democracy, and the country has a deep-rooted respect for human rights.

An exemplary system of national parks and biological preserves protect a vast array of habitats to ensure the survival of its 850 species of birds, 205 species of mammals, 376 types of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 9,000 different species of flowering plants including 1,200 varieties of orchids. With $2.4 billion of merchandise exports to Costa Rica is the United States' 38th largest export market. U.S. imports from Costa Rica were $3.5 billion that year.

TRIP FEE

The fee for this trip will is $2,850 plus tuition (3 credits) and it includes: Airfare and Hotel Transfers, Double Room Accommodations, Daily Continental Breakfast, Sightseeing tours. Additionally, students should budget approximately US$10-20 per day for meals, gratuities, and personal expenses. Check this page regularly for updates on trip costs.

Since the practicum field trips are scheduled in winter semesters they are not eligible for financial aid. However, students loans are available from banks and other lending institutions. If you are planning to get a student loan to finance this trip, get a letter stating the cost of the trip and the purpose of the loan from the Office of International Programs (Room A605) and attach it to the loan application.

DEADLINES

April – Sept. 2, 2005	Meet with academic advisor, Prof. Patrick Yanez. Room B436
Sept. 6, 2005	Deadline for applications and $60 application fee due at the Office of Int. Programs, Rm. A605
Sept. 16, 2005	Payment of $1,000 due at the Bursar's Office. Bring copy of payment receipt to the Office of International Programs
Oct. 17, 2005	Balance of Program Cost Due October 31. Bring copy of payment receipt to the Office of International Programs
Nov. 15, 2005	Tuition fee due (three-credits) Course CRN is: 2867

PASSPORT AND VISA

Visa requirements for U.S. citizens: click here.

If you travel with a non-USA passport, click here to find Costa Rica's visa requirements for your country. To request a visa in your local consulate, allow for a minimum for three weeks (21 days) before the scheduled departure.

Addresses of Costa Rica Consulates in the U.S.

RESEARCH TOPICS

Each student will be conducting a research project in a topic of his/her interest. Group projects are encouraged. Presentations of research conclusions will be made the week of January 16 in tentatively Playa Dominical. Suggested research topics are:

About Costa Rica (select one topic only):

- History of Costa Rica

- Costa Rican Trade Patterns

- U.S. Investment in Costa Rica

- Costa Rica's Environmental Policies

- Costa Rica's Textile and Apparel Industries

- Fashion trends in Costa Rica

- Retail and merchandising in Costa Rica

- Consumer preferences

- Market studies

About Central America Free Trade Area (CAFTA) (select one topic only):

- CAFTA's history, challenges.