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Center for International Studies

Student Information Packet - Costa Rica 2009

Summary Facts

Courses

Each student will be required to register for six hours of Spanish to be taught by the Institute faculty members for the First Summer Term 2009. Current student to teacher ratio for the Spanish classes is 4:1. Students will also participate in afternoon field studies, recreational (cost extra), commercial, industrial, and cultural visits in San Jose, provided by the Institute staff and/or faculty members. Students will be placed in Spanish courses based on their level of language proficiency.

All students will also register for a total of 6 hours in Ecotourism taught by Dr. Dixon and Mr. Segoviano. Students will register for either two undergraduate or two graduate ecotourism courses and the requirements of each course will be similar to on-campus courses. Textbooks and other source materials will be used, and presentations of material and research papers will be required. While in Costa Rica, students will attend Spanish language instruction for an average of four hours per day and two hours field work/excursions per day for the ecotourism courses.

Check with your academic advisor to determine how these courses can be used in your degree plan.

ISTD 3381 - "Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies - Biodiversity, Conservation, and Ecotourism"

Instructor: Dr. Michael T. Dixon. This course will introduce students to the concept of biological diversity, the need for its conservation, and the potential for international economic gain through tourism associated with conservation, especially, in tropical regions of the world. Students will be presented with lectures describing current topics in conservation biology and ecotourism, with emphasis on the value of nature reserves in conserving rare ecosystems while benefiting local communities economically. An important aspect of this course will be visiting successful reserves and other areas that will provide examples of the potential for ecotourism. Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of materials presented through examinations. Additionally, a field journal describing the locations visited will be required for part of the grade.

ISTD 3381 - "Special Topics in Interdisciplinary Studies - Eco-Tourism: Implications for International Trade"

Instructor: Mr. Rene Segoviano. The term eco-tourism was coined by Héctor Ceballos-Lascuràin in 1983, and was initially used to describe nature-based travel to relatively undisturbed areas with an emphasis on education. The concept has, however, developed to a scientifically based approach to the planning, management and development of sustainable tourism products and activities. Eco-tourism focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, volunteering, personal growth and learning new ways to live on our vulnerable planet. It is typically defined as travel to destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Responsible ecotourism includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, initiatives by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are an integral part of ecotourism. Historical, biological and cultural conservation, preservation, sustainable development etc. are some of the fields closely related to Eco-Tourism. In addition, the impact of eco-tourist on international trade will be discussed.

ISTD 6381 - "Biodiversity, Conservation, and Ecotourism"

Instructor: Dr. Michael T. Dixon. This course will introduce students to the concept of biological diversity, the need for its conservation, and the potential for international economic gain through tourism associated with conservation, especially in tropical regions of the world. Students will be presented with lectures describing current topics in conservation biology and ecotourism, with emphasis on the value of nature reserves in conserving rare ecosystems while benefiting local communities economically. An important aspect of this course will be visiting successful reserves and other areas that will provide examples of the potential for ecotourism. Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of materials presented through examinations. Additionally, a field journal describing the locations visited will be required for part of the grade. Graduate students will be required to complete a research paper on an approved topic regarding conservation and ecotourism, in addition to those requirements for undergraduates.

ISTD 6381 - "Multinational Management Strategy"

Instructor: Mr. Rene Segoviano. In an era of heightened environmental consciousness and accessibility to exotic locations, countries are busily promoting their natural resources as tourist attractions. The trick with ecotourism is to preserve the natural resources while also promoting them and accommodating volumes of tourists. This course will focus on global strategies and management from the perspectives of people and culture. This is an important step in helping us, as managers and scholars, to create effective worldwide human resource systems and examine the influence of national culture on organizational functioning.

Each of the courses will provide a minimum of forty-five faculty student contact hours. In addition to the classroom hours which will be taught on campus at Angelo State University and at the host university, organized field activities such as field work, special lectures, briefings, and seminars under the supervision of the faculty directors will be scheduled as part of the program.

Travel Arrangements

Prior to departure, students will be extensively briefed regarding travel arrangements and schedules. Addresses and telephone numbers will be given to each participant. All travel arrangements will be made by the program directors and approved by the University. All program participants must have adequate health and accident insurance coverage. Participants must provide the directors with a copy of the policy number and company name of their insurance policies. Students will be required to obtain International Student Identification Cards that will provide medical, death and discount benefits.

International Studies Program
Costa Rica - Travel Schedule

The program schedule for the 2009 International Studies Program in Costa Rica will be available as soon as details are formalized. The schedule is subject to revision as additional details of the travel schedules, excursions, and special arrangements for meetings with business, government, and university representatives are developed in consultation with faculty and administrative officers of the host university.

Student Eligibility

The program is open to about 15 undergraduate and 5 graduate currently enrolled ASU students in good standing who are in academic programs for which the classes offered are appropriate. Student participants normally will be full-time undergraduate and graduate students. The selection of students to participate in the program will be the responsibility of the faculty directors and will be based on a number of criteria, including: the student's classification, academic program, GPA, and ability to relate cooperatively with all group members. Students must satisfy the faculty directors that they are committed to the educational objectives of the program in order to be selected.

Participants in the program are subject to and are required to abide by all policies and provisions in the 2007-2009 University Catalog, including the Student Life Regulations and Policies. Participants are also responsible for obeying the local and national laws of the country in which they are studying, as well as for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with local customs.

Application Procedure and Dates

Students must apply for the program in order to be considered. An initial screening by the directors will result in a group being selected for personal interviews. Upon selection, students will make their initial deposit.

Applications
Application forms will be available in the Departments of Biology, Cavness Room 101 and Management & Marketing, Rassman Building, Room 212. The forms include the following: Application, Health and Medical Information, Release of All Claims, Medical Authorization, and Student Life Regulations. Additionally, forms can be accessed on the Center for International Studies website. All forms must be completed and returned to either instructor.

Application Deadline
The application deadline is November 10, 2008. Students who apply early will be given first preference toward acceptance.

Personal Interviews

Personal interviews with the program directors or an authorized person will be scheduled as the applications are received.

Initial Deposit

Students selected to participate in the program will be required to make an initial deposit of $500 upon notification of selection. This deposit is necessary in order to make airline reservations.

Program Cost

Please refer to the Costs page for more information.

Financial Aid

The Carr International Studies Scholarships will pay for various course-related expenses for students who participate in study abroad, leaving the students to provide only their standard tuition and fees and personal spending money. The new scholarships will not affect the funds available for existing Carr Academic, ROTC or Student Research Scholarships.

Release of Liability

All students are required to sign a standard waiver releasing Angelo State University and all related parties from any and all liabilities arising from the program.

Insurance

All program participants must have adequate health and accident insurance in case hospitalization or other medical care is required during the study tour. Participants will be required to provide the director with their insurance company name, policy number, and telephone number. Health insurance covering international travel is available to students on a short-term basis. Further information is available from the Center for International Studies, Rassman 101.

Council Travel Student Identity Card

Students must purchase an identification card from Council Travel. This card provides limited health insurance and discounts on many services. It is also a widely recognized form of identification. The faculty director will have application forms available. Students may apply for the card directly by going to www.statravel.com, or he/she may call 1-800-781-4040.

Passport

Students are responsible for getting their own passports. Students can get applications and passport photographs at the main Post Office, One North Abe Street or at the Southwest Station 3201 Loop 306, San Angelo, Texas. Applications should be submitted when the initial program deposit is made because it often takes six to eight weeks to receive a passport. A passport costs about $100 and is valid for 10 years.

Special Provisions

The international education program is offered as an integral part of Angelo State University’s academic program, and participants in the program are subject to and are required to abide by all policies and provisions in the University Bulletin, including Student Life Regulations and Policies. Participants are also responsible for obeying the local and national laws of the country in which they are traveling, as well as for conducting themselves in a manner consistent with local customs.

Faculty Leadership

The program will be co-directed by Dr. Michael T. Dixon, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Mr. Rene Segoviano, Instructor in Management. Dr. Dixon started leading groups of students to Costa Rica in 1993 as the Director of Texas Wesleyan University's Tropical Biology Program. Mr. Segoviano is bilingual in English and Spanish and has years of market research experience, including extensive research experience amongst Hispanic populations. Additionally, Mr. Segoviano was the co-director of the 2008 Costa Rica International Studies program.

Dr. Michael Dixon
Biology
Assistant Professor
Phone: (325) 942-2189x236, Office: CAV 016
Email: micheal.dixon@angelo.edu

Mr. Rene Segoviano
Management and Marketing
Professional Specialist in Business Administration
Phone: (325) 942-2383x228, Office: RAS 240
Email: rene.segoviano@angelo.edu

Back to Costa Rica 2009
Costs
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