Universidad Veritas, Costa Rica- BioDesign J-term Program

San Jose, Costa Rica (Latin America / North America)

Quick Facts

Winter 2021

Dates
January 3 – 21, 2021
Application Deadline: October 22, 2020

Costs
$3,590 CCIS Members | $3,790 Non-members


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Click here to view Universidad Verita's Tropical Marine Biology J-term Program!
 

Program Overview

Program Overview

Veritas University’s BioDesign J-term program is an immersive, hands-on learning experience that will examine the impact that different fields such as biology, architecture, prototyping, and the design framework are having at a global level through biomimicry: the application of nature’s solutions to problem-solving.

Participants will gain awareness about some of the critical issues in conservation and sustainability and how multidisciplinary teams have a better chance to address opportunities and challenges many communities are facing today and the importance of creating synergies in disciplines to attain a regenerative culture. 

View program brochure here! 


 

Contact Program Sponsor and Advisor

This program is sponsored and administered by Broward College.

Academics & Program

Course: BIODES 3000: Innovation Inspired by Nature in the Undergrowth (4-5 credits)
Language of Instruction: English

This 3-week workshop uses the principles of Biomimicry (biology applied to design) to create a hands and field intensive learning experience based on the analysis of natural systems. Through work with specific tools in nature, participants will develop relationships with the other members of the course and the environment in which they are learning. Starting with an induction on biomimicry specialized lectures series. Then a workshop-field trip to visit national parks or natural reserves in order to illustrate the theoretical concepts presented in class and thus expand knowledge. Seeking for organisms as mentors to understand form, processes, and ecosystems in the undergrowth.

Participants will be more intimately acquainted with the diversity of local species by spending time outdoors with the instructors and the rest of the participants fostering an atmosphere of dialogue and exchange. After the field sessions, back on campus, a design process will be developed with a series of workshop sessions from which selected nature’s active design principles are explored by underpinning design, biology, and technology to develop sustainable design strategies and solutions upon the decarbonization challenge.

Contextualizing online readings: The online component of the Bio Design course prioritizes the student learning and development process by contextualizing the academic, scientific, and design framework in which the course will develop all contents. Participants must complete readings prior to arriving to Costa Rica.

About Universidad Veritas 

Veritas is a private Art, Design and Architecture University, located in San Jose, Costa Rica. The university enrolls approximately 1100 students year-round, specializing in Advertising, Architecture, Digital Animation, Film and Television, Interior Design, and Photography. The campus is located only minutes away from downtown San Jose and the city's museums and restaurants. Centro de Programas Internacionales (Center for International Programs) is part of the university and offers students from around the world the opportunity to advance their Spanish language skills while taking other courses in English taught by bilingual faculty from the university.


Transcripts for this program will be issued by Montana State University

Student Life & Housing

Program Excursion

This program includes a 3-day fieldwork excursion to a national park or reserve where students will become more intimately acquainted with the diversity of local species, and illustrate the theoretical concepts presented in class and thus expand knowledge.

Sample Program Itinerary

Housing

Students will live with Costa Rican host families in San José, usually one student per family. Students are given private rooms with laundry service, and breakfast and dinner. The Student Affairs staff coordinates all housing arrangements and social, cultural, and sports activities

Students will stay in hotels and dorms during field excursions. Lodging and most meals during excursions are included in the program cost.

Duration & Costs

Duration
In-Country Experience:  January 3 – 21, 2021

Costs
$3,590 CCIS Members | $3,790 Non-members

Costs Included:

• Instructional costs and fees for BioDesign course
• Texts and materials
• Homestay (includes breakfast and dinner, and weekly laundry service)
• Program field excursion (transportation, entry fees, overnight lodging)
• Cultural activities - Student clubs and dance lessons
• Airport pick up & drop off
• CCIS program and sponsor fees
• CISI emergency health insurance
• U.S Transcript issued by Montana State University

Costs not included: Airfare, optional weekend excursions, personal expenses, meals not included in the itinerary (mostly lunches), airport exit fee ($30) visa (if required) U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for under 90 days.

Program Deposit
* Please note: a non-refundable program deposit of $300 is due two (2) weeks after official acceptance and is applied towards the total cost of the program

Financial Aid 
Please speak with your study abroad advisor or financial aid representative at your school.

All costs, fees, and dates are subject to change without notification. Contact the program sponsor to verify all costs, fees, and dates for this program. 

Universidad Veritas' withdrawal and cancellation policy

Eligibility & Deadlines

Application Deadline: October 22, 2020

Eligibility Requirements:
Minimum GPA:  2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Minimum class standing:  At least one semester of college
Minimum Age: 18 years at the time of travel
 

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