 Literacy Education: An International Perspective
Costa Rica
3 credits in Education
July 20 – Aug. 1, 2008
Dr. Joan Rhodes and Professor Tammy Milby
$2,350 (including airfare) + VCU tuition
Continuing education students may participate in this study abroad program for recertification points.
Registration deadline: March 1, 2008
Program description and application [PDF]
The Department of Teaching and Learning and the Office of International Education are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to study literacy from an international perspective in Costa Rica. This program includes cultural excursions, service learning opportunities and attendance at the International Reading Association 22nd World Reading Congress in San Jose. Students will enjoy climbing Paos Volcano, a boat trip at Puerto Viejo, riding a zip line through the rainforest at Monteverde National Park and visiting Sarachi Town, the arts and crafts capital of Costa Rica. Participants will also meet world renowned experts in the field of literacy education at conference sessions and events.
 Course and credit options: 3 credits
TEDU 494 or 500: Literacy Education: An International Perspective
Course description: Located in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, this program provides an opportunity to explore literacy education in an international context. Participants will reflect on the impact of globalization, language and culture as they explore the rainforests, volcanoes and cities of Costa Rica and attend the International Reading Association 22nd World Congress on Reading: Reading in a Diverse World. Students will also provide instructional support through service learning opportunities.
2008 estimated program budget
Program cost: $2,350 + VCU tuition
The program fee is $2,350 and includes the following:
- Round-trip airfare from Richmond, Va. to San Jose, Costa Rica
- Accommodations
- Breakfast each day, some lunches
- Study visits and tours
- Ground transportation
- On-site support
 Welcome and farewell dinners- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International student identification card
The following are not included inthe program fee. Students are responsible for:
- VCU tuition and fees
- Health insurance
- Some lunch meals and some evening meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Airfare: Round-trip airfare from Richmond, Va. to Costa Rica is included in the cost of the program. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation to meet the group at the Richmond International Airport (RIC) at the appointed VCU arrival time.
Eligibility: Students must have a 2.0 GPA to participate in this program.
Registration deadline: March 1, 2008
Applications will be accepted until the deadline or until participant space is full. Limited space is available for this opportunity. Interested students should submit applications as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed in three cycles until the trip reaches capacity. Preference will be given based upon class standing, GPA in coursework and related experiences. Reviews will be conducted in early December, end of January, and during the month of February. Applications which arrive after each review date will be held until the next review date. Students will be contacted following the review with notification of acceptance.
Activities and excursions: Activities include climbing the Poas Volcano, experiencing the cloud forest, visiting Waterfall Gardens and White Magic Waterfall, a boat trip down the Sarapiqui River, visit to Sarchi Town and hot springs, visit to Volcano Arenal, service learning opportunity at a local school, enjoying the beaches of Manuel Antonio, an excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park and a farewell dinner.
 Accommodations and meals: Participants will stay in hotels across Costa Rica and share rooms with one other participant. Breakfast is included.
Program directors: The program will be led by Dr. Joan Rhodes, Assistant Professor of Reading Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at VCU. Dr. Rhodes currently serves as the co-principal investigator on two U.S. Department of Education Early Reading First grants. She has recently studied the use of electronic study skills at The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN). The program will be co-led by Tammy Milby, a reading faculty member in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Her teaching focuses on reading diagnosis and assessment, content area reading, and children’s literature. Research interests include struggling readers and writers, teacher quality and professional development practices, and school performance. This is their second time leading a VCU study abroad program.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
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