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Costa Rica Business

Program Details

The 10 - day course integrates international travel with the study of international business and sustainability. In Spanish, Costa Rica translates to 'rich coast', but visitors to this Central American nation encounter far more than breathtaking coastlines. With over a quarter of its territory safeguarded within the national park system, Costa Rica boasts thriving tropical rainforests that harbor 5% of the world's biodiversity - more than 400 types of birds can be found in the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest alone. Costa Ricans are profoundly committed to preserving local ecosystems and fostering a sustainable society. As a hub for environmental research, sustainable innovation, and advancement in human rights, Costa Rica is the ideal destination for exploring social and environmental business practices. 

Selection Criteria:

  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Admitted to the MACC, MTAX, or MBA programs

Destination:

  • Costa Rica - San Jose and Punta Leona

Program Dates:

May 31st - June 9th

Cost

single occupancy: $4,075 (Airfare is not included)

double occupancy: $2,975 (Airfare is not included)

Deposit: $500 Deposit is due 72 hours after registration. If not paid in that timeframe, you may be dropped from your trip.

There are additional scholarship opportunities for this program! $500 for GSBE students. 

Payments can now be made online! Visit this website for instructions on how to pay your deposit and future payments online. Charges should show on your account within 24-48 hours after registration. If you want to pay with cash or check, please pay at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning.

Includes: insurance, tuition, lodging with daily breakfast, domestic transportation, excursions, all meals while in Punta Leona and most lunches while in San Jose, Welcome and farewell group dinners.

Not included: airfare, passport, incidentals, excess baggage costs, any unscheduled travel, and some meals.

Itinerary

This is a tentative itinerary and is subject to change as we finalize the details of this trip:


Mid-April: Pre-departure meeting
Friday, May 31: Depart from SLC in the morning, arrive in San Jose in late afternoon
Saturday, June 1: Cultural visits (Arenal volcano and Baldi hot springs)
Sunday, June 2: Cultural visits (Doka, Poas volcano, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens)
Monday, June 3: City tour, Central Market, and business visit (Procomer)
Tuesday, June 4: Business visits (Dos Pinos and Moog) and Costa Rican economic and environmental overview
Wednesday, June 5: Business visits (IBM and Florida Ice and Farm Company)
Thursday, June 6: Business visit centered around sustainability (Swiss Tropical)
Friday, June 7: Punta Leona
Saturday, June 8: Punta Leona
Sunday, June 9: Depart to SLC

 

Academic Courses

Students who participate in this study abroad program will be able to register for up to three (3) semester credits through Weber State University by choosing one of the following:

  • MBA 6520 International Business Field Studies
  • MACC 6750 Study Abroad
  • MTAX 6750 Study Abroad

Program Directors

Dr. Darcie Costello, Associate Professor of Accounting & MTAX faculty member. Teaching experience, research, and PhD are based in accounting and taxation. Responsible for study abroad logistics, course proposal, planning learning activities, and coordinating
business and cultural visits. Darcie was a co-leader (along with Andrea) for an MTax/MAcc/MBA study abroad trip to Italy in Summer 2022.

darciecostello@weber.edu 

Dr. Andrea Gouldman, Associate Professor of Accounting and Goddard School International Specialist. Teaching experience, research, and PhD are based in accounting. Responsible for syllabus development, Canvas Course, and a majority of the assessment of students. Andrea has led several successful study abroad trips across Europe and Japan. Dr. Gouldman is proficient in Spanish.

andreagouldman@weber.edu

Trip Cancellations

If Weber State cancels a trip for any reason, all participants will be refunded 100% of funds paid to the school. If a participant withdraws from the program for any reason, they are subject to the refund policy found on the first page of the application.  Deposits are always non-refundable, unless the program is canceled by Weber State.  No refunds will be issued 30 days prior to program start date. 

Refunds will NOT be given to students due to COVID-19 concerns. Before programs were canceled in 2020, every student was given the option to withdraw from programs without penalty due to COVID-19. This year students are applying, cognizant of the pandemic. Weber State will not intentionally place students into high risk situations. We will work together with Program Leaders and Departments on canceling should the destination demonstrate increased risks, be they from COVID or any other concern. As such, students must abide by the standard refund policy.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Study Abroad Office at (801) 626-8715.