IFSA January in Costa Rica
IFSA January in Costa Rica is the place to get in the field to see why ecological recovery matters—and what’s standing in the way, with stunning national parks, live volcanoes, and 500,000+ species of plants and animals.
Your three-week stay takes you into the field to see why ecological recovery matters—and what’s standing in the way. Highlights include visits to Irazú volcano, a sustainable cacao farm, and a tree reforestation project.
Fields of study
- Ecology
- Sustainability
For more detailed information regarding the course available, visit the host university website.
Applicants are advised to submit 2-3 courses on their application for credit form for faculty assessment credit in case of course cancellation.
Credit equivalent
3 US credits = 2 UQ units. Maximum of 2 UQ Units following successful completion of experience (pending UQ faculty approval).
Visa Information
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa for the country where you will be studying. As the Global Experiences team is not a visa-issuing authority we cannot provide visa advice.
Please review the IFSA webpage for visa and immigration information.
Eligibility and application
All applicants must meet the UQ short-term experience criteria and IFSA's entry requirements.
If you are intending to undertake your experience for-credit, it is strongly recommended that you submit your application to IGET at least 4 weeks before applying to the host to allow sufficient time for Faculty to complete the credit assessment. Please note however that it is your responsibility to meet the host application deadline.
Costs and funding
The participation mode of this experience is Study Abroad. The program fee is $6,250 AUD and includes tuition, excursions and accommodation.
IFSA will also be giving out 5x flight vouchers for Australian students that apply. More information for this giveaway can be found on the host university website.
More information regarding program fees can also be found on the host university website.
Accommodation
Accommodation is included in the program fee. Students will stay in a single room in a homestay, with laundry and meals provided by the host family. More information regarding accommodation can be found on the host university website.
Funding
Internships and Global Experiences Grants
When you submit your application for an experience, you are considered for funding that is relevant to your nominated experience. Please refer to the Short-Term Experiences Funding page for details.
Key Dates
Application Deadlines
UQ: 24 September 2024
Host: 1 November 2024
Program Dates
Start: 2 January 2025
End: 18 January 2025
Fast Facts
Type: Study
Mode: Study abroad
Location: Heredia, Costa Rica
Credit: For-credit or not-for-credit
Cohort: Undergraduate and Postgraduate*
*Postgraduates may participate in this program not-for-credit only
OS-HELP Loan
If you participate in a short-term program you may also be eligible to submit an application for an OS-HELP loan if your program is for-credit and you are enrolled as a Commonwealth supported student.
Application Deadlines
15 January for overseas study commencing March to August
15 March for overseas study commencing May to October
15 June for overseas study commencing August to January
15 September for overseas study commencing November to April
OS-HELP Loan application deadlines close before the Summer and Winter Short-Term Study application deadlines. Please visit the OS-HELP Loan website for deadline dates as late applications will not be accepted.
Global Experiences Information Sessions
Students are encouraged to register and attend an information session to receive more details on the short-term application process, eligibility criteria, funding etc.