Energy Issues and Experience in Costa Rica

Summer 2010: July 3 to August 14 (tentative dates)

Program Location

Mention Costa Rica and people think paradise. The country's Disney-like cast of creatures — ranging from howler monkeys to toucans — are prolific and relatively easy to spot. The waves are prime, the beauty is staggering and the sluggish pace seductive.

Despite being such a tiny nation, Costa Rica draws more than a million visitors every year - and you can see why. The incredibly varied topography means you can cruise a cloud forest one day, climb a volcano the next, and finish the day by relaxing on a hot sandy beach.

Academic Program

The 6-credit CISAT Program in Costa Rica provides many educational benefits to ISAT students. The courses provides an introduction to scientific and economic concepts relevant to energy. Concepts are taught within the context of three or four themes, e.g., residential energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, “make-or-buy” fossil energy application and space power systems. Themes may change from year to year reflecting contemporary issues and opportunities to link with industry and government agencies.

The objective of this program is to introduce important issues and scientific concepts relevant to the use of energy in modern society. The purposes of this course are to (a) introduce students to the broad field of energy and its importance in modern technological society; (b) develop a basic understanding of important scientific concepts in preparation for upper-level energy courses; and (c) develop an appreciation of the environmental and economic issues associated with the different energy technologies and the challenges of sustainable energy development.

Instructional methods include lectures, field work, guided tours and tests/exams.

Tentative course offerings:

ISAT 212: Energy Issues in Science and Technology, (3)
ISAT 280: Energy Issues and Experience in Costa Rica, (3)

Accommodations

Students will reside in hotels and host families in San Jose, Costa Rica. Group meals will be provided.

Program Costs

For the current projected costs for this program, please click on the following link to the Fees for JMU Study Abroad Programs page.

Application

For more detailed instructions and to download the application, please click on the following link to the Applications and Forms section for JMU Short-Term Programs.

In addition to the Short-term Application, interested students should submit an essay describing their academic goals. A personal interview will also be required. Applicants must have completed ISAT 152 prior to departure.

For More Information

For additional information about the Costa Rica program, please contact the program directors:

Dr. Karim Altaii
Professor
ISAT
Tel: 540-568-2966
E-mail: altaiikx@jmu.edu