SERVICE LEARNING
in Costa Rica 2015
Two faculty members from the School of Social Work, through CSULA’s College of
Professional and Global Education and The National University of Costa Rica’s
Extension Programs, are offering all students and recent alumni (undergraduate students,
graduate students, recent graduates from CSULA or another university) an exciting
opportunity this summer to participate in a two-week service learning program in
Heredia, Costa Rica in summer 2015 (7/18/15-8/3/15). 20 students will be selected to
participate.
While Costa Rica has enjoyed a rich history of democracy and political stability as well
as incredible popularity as a travel destination, the country shares many social, economic,
and environmental problems with its Central American neighbors. Domestic violence
against women and children, human trafficking, substance abuse, prison overcrowding,
poverty, and discrimination against indigenous populations are current social issues.
Required Qualifications
Students are required to have a GPA of 2.75 or higher and should have at least some
basic knowledge of Spanish or an interest in studying Spanish. Applicants will also need
to be able obtain two letters of recommendation: one from a current or recent professor or
field instructor and the second from a personal reference who can describe the student’s
ability to be successful in an international service learning program. The letters are to be
emailed directly to Prof Carla Bykowski, cbykows@calstatela.edu or Prof Tasha Willis,
twillis@calstatela.edu.
Student Responsibilities
Responsibilities will vary depending on the needs and expectations of the service learning
assignments, which are still being clarified at this time.
Accommodations and Meals
Living with a local host family is one of the best ways to experience cultural immersion
abroad as you learn about cultural norms and local traditions. Every student will have the
opportunity to stay with local pre-screened host families. All homestay assignments
include private and/or shared room options, each with shared bathroom facilities with
running water. Three meals will be provided by the host family daily and laundry will be
available on site once per week.
COST UPDATE as of 4/16/15:
The program cost was approximately $3,000. This cost included tuition for 4 units, the
service learning experience, homestay (housing + 3 meals a day), weekly laundry, predeparture, in-country and re-entry programming/supervision, airfare (no language
course).
We now have great news! We were just awarded a grant to subsidize your trip!
$3,000 - $400 (homestay) = $2,600 plus you now will be enrolled for FREE
in an personally appropriate level Spanish language course ($500 value).
Financing Your Trip: Money need not prevent you if you PLAN now!
 Begin talking with family and friends about your potential trip to brainstorm creative
ways to fundraise.
 Consult your financial aid award document and financial aid counselor to assess the
possibility of taking out federal or state loans you didn't take out during the 2014-15
school year which may be applied toward Summer, 2015.
 Consider online crowd-sourcing websites you can use to let your online community
know you need their support for this unique opportunity!
To Apply
To receive an application, contact: cbykows@calstatela.edu or
twillis@exchange.calstatela.edu.
In addition to the application, you will need to include in your packet:
 2 Letters of Recommendation Forms(1 faculty, + 1 personal character reference).
Go to http://www.calstatela.edu/international/forms-and-handouts
 Unofficial transcript with GPA
 Financial Aid Award document
 Copy of passport or copy of receipt of passport application (www.travel.state.gov)
 Update or create your resume
Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2015