Skip to Main Content
A-Z Index
Coggin College of Business
twoColumn twoLeft

Costa Rica

Exploring Sustainability in San Jose, La Fortuna, and Jaco, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's initiatives encompass social responsibility, sustainable development, biodiversity with an emphasis on tropical ecosystems, indigenous communities, and the mitigation of global warming effects, along with the relationship between people and nature. This spring study abroad will offer a unique learning opportunity to explore the world from a fresh perspective, featuring activities ranging from chocolate and coffee tours to rainforest medicines, from volcanoes to beaches, and from exotic birds to gulch-spanning zip lines, as well as encounters with crocodiles and frog ponds. Students will engage in service-research projects alongside local ecotourism directors, farmers, and scientists working in cooperatives and research institutes that benefit both entrepreneurs and the local community.

The objective of the course is to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles of sustainability and its three interconnected pillars: environmental, social, and economic. Students will learn to identify and analyze key environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss, evaluate sustainable practices across various sectors, and develop critical thinking skills to create holistic solutions.

Note: This program requires students to complete a selection interview after submitting the Coggin application.

Program Overview

Travel Dates March 14-22, 2026 (spring break)

Note: Travel dates subject to minor changes.
Meeting Dates

Preparatory class meetings take place throughout the Spring 2026 semester.  Meeting days/times will be finalized by November and visible when you register for the UNF course through myWings. 

Courses & Prerequisites

Students will register for this course for the spring semester:

  • ECO4956 (prereq = GEB1011 or any ECO course)

Participants

Up to 20 UNF undergraduate students who meet the above prerequisite(s).

Cost

Students pay for three credit hours of UNF Spring 2026 tuition and fees for this study abroad course plus a program fee to cover most travel expenses.  For details on the program fee, contact the faculty leader(s) below.

Planned Visits

Visits planned as part of this study abroad program include the following:

The above visits are tentative until finalized closer to travel dates.

Costa Rica Program Clip

Logistics

Students will be in shared accommodations.  Accommodations, breakfast, in-country transportation, activities and entrance fees are included in the program fee.  Students book their own flights with the guidance of the faculty leaders.

Application Process

 The Coggin study abroad applications for faculty-led programs will be open August 25 - October 1.  View the application process for details.

 

Faculty Leaders

close-up of Dr. Chatterjee with sunglasses and a blue sky background

Dr. Chiradip Chatterjee

Department of Economics & Geography 

Coggin College of Business

Co-Leader TBD

Coggin College of Business

Map of Costa Rica in Central America

This map provides a visual context of Costa Rica within Central America and Central America within the Americas. It highlights the following:
 
Costa Rica: A country located in Central America, known for its rich biodiversity, lush rainforests, and extensive coastlines along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica is a popular destination for eco-tourism and boasts a high standard of living and a stable democracy.
Central America: A region in the southern part of North America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Colombia to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. Central America includes countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Costa Rica is situated in the southern part of this region.