Warren in Costa Rica: Environment, Equity, and Sustainability
San Jose, Costa Rica
Faculty Leader
Dr. Jeff Gagnon holds a doctorate in literature from UC San Diego and a Master of Education from Harvard University. He is the director of the Warren College Writing Program, where he teaches interdisciplinary writing and research courses that balance learning for school with learning for life.
He is most interested in research and teaching that focus on the intersections of STEM education and the humanities. This means he is often teaching courses about STEM ethics, science communication, climate justice, and climate communication.
Courses
- WCWP 10BGS: Communicating Climate Justice (draft PDF coming soon)
- Prerequisite: WCWP 10A and required of all Warren students
- ENVR 142GS: Wilderness and Human Values Abroad (draft PDF coming soon)
- Prerequisite: Upper division standing
Why you should go
Did you know that over 93% of Costa Rica’s electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydropower, geothermal and solar? And did you know that Costa Rica is a world leader in biological conservation and sustainability?
Costa Rica is an ideal destination for Warren students that want to research and discover how Costa Rica and its people navigate issues of justice, sustainability and renewable energy in the 21st century.
Only a 3 hour flight from San Diego, students will enroll in two courses that take full advantage of Costa Rica’s history, culture, and commitment to environmental sustainability. On our field trips we will travel to cloudforests, marine biology conservation centers, volcanos, organic and fair trade farms, and historical landmarks.
Who should go
This experience would be ideal for Warren students who are interested in learning about the intersections of climate justice, renewable energy, and human values abroad while satisfying core courses such as WCWP 10B (and who meets the prerequisites prior to departure)!
ENVR 142GS may fulfill a Warren College "Programs of Concentration" general education requirement. Consult with your academic advisors to understand how these courses can count toward your specific degree requirements.
However, you do not need to be a Warren student to join us in this Global Seminar! This program will surely appeal to the many students who are seeking an enriching experience abroad that focuses on these issues.
Information Sessions
- Thursday, Nov. 14 at 3:00-4:30 pm
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 28, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 29, 2025 |
| Program-Start: | Mon., June 30, 2025 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., August 1, 2025 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., August 2, 2025 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed. All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
TBA | TBA | TBA |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
TBA | TBA | TBA |
Budget Sheet
- 2025 San Jose budget sheet (interactive PDF coming soon!)
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Site Visits in San Jose
- San Jose city tour
- Pre-Columbian Gold Museum
- National Museum of Costa Rica
- Mercado Central
- Historical tour of the colonial section of the city
Day Trips outside of San Jose
- Braulio Carillo National Park with a guided hike
- Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Plantation (sustainable coffee plantation)
- Finca Organica Tierra Verde (organic farm)
- Serapiqui Conservation Learning Center
Overnight Excursions
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
- Cahuita Natonal Park
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing
- To be announced!
Included Meals
- Welcome & Farewell group dinners
Classroom and Computer Access
- To be announced!
- No computers available for student use; Students must bring their own laptop
Transportation
- Transportation is typically included for program-funded excursions, but details to be announced!
Phones
- More information about how to obtain a SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students are responsible to purchase and have their own working cell phone.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- An in-depth orientation will be given after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff are available and nearby 24/7.
- All students must register for UC travel insurance. This is free coverage, but registration is required prior to departure.
