Study Abroad @ EARTH
Handbook for students and
visitors
Office of International Academic Relations
Guácimo, Limón
Costa Rica
EARTH University
Tel: 506 2713 - 0155 and 506 2713 - 0144
Fax: 506 2713 - 0155
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI
[email protected]
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
About EARTH University ................................................................................................................................. 3
Pillars of EARTH’s Educational Model ........................................................................................................... 4
About RAI (International Academic Relations) ........................................................................................... 4
The campus, your home for the next few weeks ....................................................................................... 5
Lodging Facilities ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Cafeteria ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Laundry ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Student Center and “La Jama” .................................................................................................................... 6
Clubs and Recreation .................................................................................................................................... 7
The W.K. Kellogg Library ............................................................................................................................ 7
Emory L. Cocke Auditorium and Creative Expression Center ......................................................... 7
La Oropéndola and Aromas Coffee Shop ............................................................................................... 7
Information Technology (USI) .................................................................................................................... 7
Health Center ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Bank ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Post Office ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
EARTH campus general rules ..................................................................................................................... 8
Academic Facilities.............................................................................................................................................. 9
Laboratories .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Food Processing Laboratory ....................................................................................................................... 9
Waste Collection Center............................................................................................................................. 9
Ethno Botanical Garden................................................................................................................................ 9
Botanical Garden ......................................................................................................................................... 10
The Forest Reserve .................................................................................................................................... 10
Integrated Livestock Farm ........................................................................................................................ 10
Integrated Organic Farm ........................................................................................................................... 10
Useful information and recommendations ..................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
About the Weather .................................................................................................................................... 11
About the Campus and Facilities ............................................................................................................. 11
What to Wear ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Health and Safety......................................................................................................................................... 11
Cell phones ................................................................................................................................................... 12
Spanish ........................................................................................................................................................... 12
Emergencies .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Packing ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 2
Introduction
Would you like to study sustainable development in an experiential way?
Do you want to learn or improve your Spanish?
Are you interested in experiencing the culture and traditions of people from Latin America, the
Caribbean and Africa?
Do you want to travel in Costa Rica?
If you answered yes to these questions, you should consider the study abroad program at
EARTH University in Costa Rica. EARTH University offers a one-of-a-kind program in
sustainable development for the humid and dry tropics. This handbook will explain what you
can expect during your time at EARTH.
About EARTH University
EARTH University is a private, international, non-profit university offering a four-year
undergraduate program in agricultural sciences and natural resource management and providing
a world-class scientific and technical education that emphasizes values, ethics, entrepreneurship
and environmental and social commitment.
The University has an 8,342-acre campus
located in the heart of the humid tropics
in the province of Limón, Costa Rica and a
3,700-acre center in Guanacaste province
called EARTH-La Flor. In both locations,
EARTH is preparing leaders with ethical
values to contribute to the sustainable
development and construct a prosperous
and just society.
EARTH was founded in 1986 by the Costa
Rican Government, the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation and the U.S. Agency for
International Development (USAID) and inaugurated its first academic year on March 26, 1990.
For more than 20 years, EARTH’s unique approach to higher education has empowered young
people to make a difference in the world. The experiential education at EARTH enables its
alumni to return to their country and make a significant difference by creating jobs, imparting
knowledge and developing innovative solutions to the problems facing their countries.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 3
Pillars of EARTH’s Educational Model
EARTH University’s curriculum is based on four formative areas designed to prepare students
with the competencies required to respond to the needs of today’s world. These include:
• Technical and scientific knowledge:
Ensuring that EARTH alumni have the professional competencies to sustainably manage
agriculture and natural resources.
• Personal development, attitudes and values:
Fostering self-awareness, empathy, respect, tolerance, teamwork, effective communication and
life-long learning along with those values that promote peace, dialog and understanding.
• Ethical entrepreneurship:
Developing in students an entrepreneurial spirit, so that they will be capable of proactively
generating opportunities and solutions to problems. Students form and operate a business
venture from beginning to end during their first three years studying at EARTH, gaining a
comprehensive understanding of what it takes to start a business.
• Social and environmental awareness and commitment:
Developing students’ social and environmental responsibility and strengthening their capacity to
generate positive change.
The teaching and learning process at EARTH University is dynamic and participatory, and
EARTH professors serve as facilitators of learning. Our educational approach is based on two
principals:
1. Student-centered learning: Students, alone or in groups, explore real challenges and
become active participants in generating knowledge, as opposed to passive receptors of
information.
2. Experiential learning: Students learn through deliberate experiences designed to
encourage learning and are given opportunities to build knowledge and develop abilities
which they can put into practice while they are learning.
About RAI (International Academic Relations)
The International Academic Relations (RAI) office at EARTH University was created in 2007 to
provide international learning opportunities to students and academics from around the world.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 4
Through a combination of classroom, laboratory and field work, EARTH’s prestigious,
international faculty facilitate learning in sustainable development and enable students to
actively explore strategies to address rural poverty, global warming and biodiversity loss. For
more information about our programs, please visit our website (www.earth.ac.cr/RAI).
Whether you choose to study at EARTH for a trimester, participate in an individualized
internship program or take a short course, you will be immersed in a one-of-a-kind learning
experience and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to solving real problems facing
our planet today. RAI’s team is available at any time to answer your questions or provide more
information. Contact us via e-mail at [email protected]
The campus, your home for the next few weeks
The EARTH University campus is located
approximately halfway between San José and
Limón, right off of Highway 32 (Universidad
EARTH) Since the academic and residential
buildings are located approximately 6 km (3.7
miles) from the main gate, you will spend much of
your time on campus and will find almost
everything you need here.
Lodging Facilities
Share a dorm room; share your culture. At EARTH, you will share a dorm room with another
classmate of a different nationality in one of our thirteen gender-specific student residence
buildings.
Within each room, you will have your own bed and an armoire to store your belongings. In
addition, you will have small vanity table with drawers and a desk where you can study.
Each residence includes shared bathrooms, living rooms and gathering areas for de-stressing
with your roommates.
Cleaning is divided among all residents, so you will take turns with your classmates to maintain
your residence hall.
For convenience, the dorms are located within close walking distance of the cafeteria,
classrooms, library and laundry facilities.
In 2011, EARTH opened a “green” dorm, featuring energy-efficient lighting, solar water heaters,
and a rainwater collection system for toilets and outdoor sinks.
Please check with us whether you need to bring your own sheets and towels.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 5
Cafeteria
Mealtime is a great opportunity to meet and make friends with EARTH’s students. Feel free to
sit with students and practice your Spanish!
The cafeteria offers breakfast, lunch and dinner and the majority of the meats, fruits, vegetables
and dairy products on the menu are sustainably grown on EARTH University’s academic farms.
At breakfast, options include: gallo pinto (rice and beans mixed together), oatmeal, cereal, fresh
fruit, yogurt and bread.
At lunch, which in Latin America is the largest meal of the day, options include: a side salad, two
choices of meat or a vegetarian main course, rice, beans, vegetables, bread and fruit or dessert.
Dinner is similar to lunch with the exception that soup is offered and there is an option of a
fruit plate. Coffee, water, milk and fresh fruit juices and vegetarian options are available at
every meal service.
Note: If you have very specific dietary restrictions, such as the need for gluten or
lactose-free foods, you will need to take this into consideration prior to travelling
and take precautions. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, but will
need to coordinate in advance.
Otherwise, the cafeteria does offer a vegetarian menu.
Cafeteria Schedule
Schedule
Monday to Saturday
Sunday and Holidays
Breakfast
5:30am - 7:30am
8:00am - 9:00am
Lunch
11:00am - 1:00pm
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Dinner
5:30pm - 7:00pm
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Laundry
The laundry rooms are staffed by University employees during the mornings. You can buy
tickets at “La Jama” for $3 to have your laundry done, or you can do it yourself in the evenings
or on the weekends.
Student Center and “La Jama”
The student center is where you’ll probably spend some of your free time. You’ll find board
games for check-out, pool, ping-pong and foosball tables, TV rooms and a small convenience
store called “La Jama” that sells essential supplies and snacks.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 6
Clubs and Recreation
EARTH offers a soccer field, swimming pool, basketball court, tennis courts, and a small weight
room.
You can also go swimming in the river, which our students really enjoy.
There are many organized clubs and courses that meet once a week, including: basketball,
dancing, swimming, badminton, soccer, volleyball, pilates, yoga and aerobics. You can also play
in soccer or volleyball tournaments if you join a team. Be sure to bring athletic clothes and
shoes and cleats if you plan to play soccer.
The W.K. Kellogg Library
EARTH’s W.K. Kellogg Library is a good point
of reference to start exploring the campus.
The library offers specialized information on
natural resources, agriculture and livestock
with an emphasis on the humid tropics.
Feel free to explore and ask for help.
Emory L. Cocke Auditorium
Creative Expression Center
and
Also known as the “aula magna,” the Emory L. Cocke Auditorium and Creative Expression
Center are the home of the arts and culture on campus. Independent films are shown every
Thursday and blockbusters on Saturdays. Concerts and plays are offered periodically. Art
classes and workshops are also offered at the Center.
La Oropéndola and Aromas Coffee Shop
Stock up on EARTH gear at the La Oropéndola souvenir shop located on the first floor of the
Library building. You will also find Aromas coffee shop for handcrafted espresso-based
beverages.
Information Technology (USI)
There are three computer labs with high-speed internet, Windows Office and MSN messenger.
Wireless internet access is available in many points on the EARTH campus. Many students find
it convenient to bring a laptop. If you have a laptop, you can use AOL Instant Messenger and
Skype (www.skype.com) to make easy and cheap international calls (just make sure to bring a
headset with a microphone).
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 7
Health Center
EARTH’s health clinic offers an on-site doctor, nurse and a team of paramedics. Nonemergency medical appointments can be scheduled Monday-Saturday by dialing ext. 4301. For
emergencies, dial ext. 1911.
Cases are evaluated and treated by the medical team or triaged to off-campus medical facilities.
Bank
There is a full-service bank on campus, BAC San José, which is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. There is also a cash machine
open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The currency in Costa Rica is the “Colón” and the exchange rate is approximately 530 colones
to one dollar. Most places in San José and Guápiles take credit cards, ATM’s are widely
available and many places accept dollars. You can exchange money and get dollars or colones
out of the ATM on campus.
Post Office
The post office on campus is open from 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and from 1:00-4:30 p.m. You can
buy postage and pick up packages here. Your mailing address will be:
Your name (Relaciones Académicas Internacionales)
EARTH University
P.O. Box 4442-1000 San Jose
Costa Rica
Please inquire with us for instructions before having packages sent!
EARTH campus general rules
Punctuality to all classes and academic activities is compulsory
Smoke free campus
Consumption of alcohol is NOT allowed on the EARTH campus
The possession, trafficking or use of any illegal drugs is considered grounds for immediate
suspension of exchange status, expulsion from the University and return to country of origin.
Violators may be prosecuted under the laws of the Republic of Costa Rica
 If for any case the student has to return to the country of origin before the end of the
course, the student will have to cover all expenses
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International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 8
Academic Facilities
Laboratories
There is a laboratory for natural sciences and a laboratory for soil sciences on the central
EARTH campus.
Food Processing Laboratory
At the food processing laboratory, students learn about post harvest treatment and food
industrialization. EARTH also manufactures its own dairy products here, including: yogurt,
cheese and “dulce de leche” (caramel spread). In addition, at the lab, some students prepare
products for sale as part of the Entrepreneurial Projects Program, elaborating for example:
fruit pulp, herbal tea and chocolate.
Waste Collection Center
All the garbage produced on campus goes to the waste collection center. Everything is
classified and either transformed, reused, recycled, or appropriately deposited in the landfill.
Approximately 80 percent of the solid domestic waste produced on campus is recycled or
reused.
Ethno Botanical Garden
The ethno botanical garden includes plants mainly from the
Americas used by humans for medicinal purposes. You can find
many spices in the garden, including: ginger, cinnamon, cilantro,
curcuma, basil, oregano and mint.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 9
Botanical Garden
This garden was created in 1995 as part of a graduation project. Originally an orchid garden,
today it contains a variety of plants native to the tropics, including: Bromeliads, Zamias, Cycads,
Banana Ornamentals, Palms and Heliconias.
Tree Nursery
The nursery propagates native and non-native tropical tree species and is a place to
learn about the germination process and maintenance.
The Forest Reserve
Home to tropical birds, reptiles and mammals, the forest
reserve covers approximately 2,400 acres on the northern
border of EARTH’s property and includes primary and
secondary forest.
Integrated Livestock Farm
Founded in 1993, the farm takes a holistic, environmentallysustainable approach to livestock management. Manure is used
to make organic fertilizer and the methane it produces is
converted into energy using a bio-digester. The residual waters
are purified and reused on the farm.
Integrated Organic Farm
The José Elías Sánchez A. integrated organic farm was created in 1996 to prepare students,
workers and farmers interested in organic agriculture in the tropics.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 10
About the Weather
EARTH University is located in the humid tropics of Costa Rica. This means that it is hot and
humid. You will be sweating a lot! Expect hot and humid conditions with average temperatures
between 70°F and 90°F year-round. Weather can change in an instant, and torrential
downpours can come out of nowhere. Bring an umbrella and a light-weight rain jacket or
poncho and always carry them with you.
About the Campus and Facilities
EARTH university´s campus is large, but most or the area is used for the academic farms,
natural reserve, etc. The main campus is rather small. Remember: we only have 400 students!
We have sports facilities and clubs. Every now and then we organize cultural activities, such as
movie nights. However, the possibilities are limited. There is only one cafeteria, with one menu.
The campus is about one and a half hours bus ride away from San José and about 2 hours from
the Caribbean Sea. There is no much to do close to the campus. There are a number of villages
nearby with some shops, but probably nothing compared to what you are used to.
The facilities at EARTH are relatively basic: there is no air conditioning, showers only have cold
water, and the restaurant has a limited (however healthy and tasteful) menu. Please realize that
what you miss, says a lot about you and what you are used to. This experience might be a way
to discover what one really needs in life.
What to Wear
When you’re on campus, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals or flip-flops are acceptable. Please note
that mosquitoes and noseeums can be brutal in the fields—long pants and light-weight longsleeve shirts are a must for field work (they’ll also keep you from getting sunburn). Bring one
sweatshirt, but you won’t need it very often except, when you visit the volcanoes and
mountains.
You will have to protect yourself at certain times, but on the other hand we all live very
comfortably here, so there is no need to exaggerate. Most of us use a mild mosquito repellent
and only at specific moments (at dawn or in the field). We have no dengue or malaria on our
campus. EARTH students often wear rubber boots in the field as a way to be protected against
snake bites and to walk in muddy trails. You can buy a pair for about $10 in the nearby village.
Health and Safety
While you will be spending most of your time at our Campus we encourage you to be cautious
during field trips or any time you are off campus. At all times follow the instructions of your
professor and/or group assistant. Do not leave valuables in places where they could just be
taken away and don’t just venture to explore places by yourself.
Make it a priority to stay well hydrated at all times, water here is 100% safe to drink and you
will not need bottled water unless indicated by the group assistant or leader. Communicate any
health problems to your on-site study abroad coordinator immediately.
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 11
Cell phones
While in Costa Rica you can have access to using a cell phone with prepaid minutes that you
can buy at the Kolbi store located in the airport or any others in the country. Generally, you
could use any phone compatible with the GSM and/or 3g technology, although there may be
exceptions, such as smart phones. Often these need to be unlocked and that, in itself, can cost
as much as buying a simpler and cheaper phone that will nevertheless help you stay
communicated.
Phones can be purchased at kölbi stores (e.g., at the airport, or other stores) for as little as 3540 USD. The basic cost for a prepaid chip is 3000 colones (approx. 6 USD) and you can add
more minutes as you wish or get a prepaid kit for approx. 20 USD, including a very basic phone
(http://www.grupoice.com/wps/portal/kolbi_prepago_kits).
Spanish
The language can be challenging to get used to no matter how much Spanish you have studied
before. In addition to learning new vocabulary related to agricultural science and natural
resource management, the students and faculty at EARTH come from more than 40 different
countries, meaning that you will hear many different accents. Some speak slower than others,
but simply request: “más despacio, por favor,” and they’ll repeat it slower.
Most of the students here know some English and some are fluent. Many will want you to help
them learn English. We suggest that you keep a small journal where you can write down new
Spanish words.
Emergencies
Please contact:
Office of International Academic Relations
2713 - 0155
2713 - 0444
2713 - 3224
Useful links:




http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html
https://step.state.gov/step/ (please enroll if you are an (US)American citizen)
www.visitcostarica.com
www.ticotimes.net
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 12
Packing
List of important things to bring for your time in Costa Rica:
o Additional small backpack. Bring a backpack that can hold your umbrella or raingear, water
bottle and any tools you will need for your work in the fields or trips
o Work shirts: long-sleeved and light-weight cotton shirts
o Work pants: we recommend light-weight but sturdy pants
o Swimsuit
o Hat
o A light-weight sweater
o Raingear: poncho or light breathable rain jacket
o Sandals
o Tennis shoes
o A pair of sturdy rubber-soled lace-up shoes or lightweight hiking boots (broken-in) is
advisable. As indicated above, rubber boots can be purchased for about 10 USD once you
arrive here, and we encourage you to do so
o A pair of light-weight shoes that can double as dress shoes
o Money or credit card (VISA, MASTERCARD). There is an ATM machine inside campus and
near most sites you will visit. Traveler’s checks are hard to change and not recommended.
It is a good idea to have at least a little cash on hand when you arrive in the country
o Personal medical supplies: Bring a small supply of: aspirin, ibuprofen, antiseptic, Neosporin,
Dramamine, hydrocortisone cream, Band-Aids and vitamins if you use them. If you take
prescription medication, bring refills to cover your stay in Costa Rica, or a prescription
from your doctor with the generic formula
o Toiletries
o Medium SPF sunscreen
o Insect repellent and good anti-itch cream
o Water bottle/canteen
o Flashlight
o Towel
o Light sheets
o Cards or other board games, entertainment for downtime
International Academic Relations
EARTH University, Costa Rica
www.earth.ac.cr/RAI | [email protected]
Tel. (506) 2713-0155 / (506) 2713-0444
Page 13