Environmental & Cultural Odysseys

Sustainable Student Travel

Od-ys-sey: [od - uh - see].
1. a long wandering and eventful journey with adventures. 2. An intellectual or spiritual quest: an odyssey of discovery...

Deep Ecology & Sustainable Living

Deep ecology is a holistic approach to the role of humans within the natural world that includes awareness of cognitive thoughts, feelings, values and actions. This course will thus consist of an investigation of our personal and collective relationship with the Earth through an exploration of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of humans as a part of nature. In particular, discussions, field activities, and individual and group exercises will address the concepts of self-awareness, eco-psychology, ritual and ceremony, voluntary simplicity, and spirituality. Together we will create a cooperative, nurturing environment for exploration of these concerns. Within this context, we will explore avenues for improved integration of sustainable living practices into our daily lives. This will be complimented by local field site visits where we will meet and hear from individuals in Costa Rica who are making similar efforts, both individually and communally. Prerequisites for participation are primarily personal in nature: A sincere desire for self-reflection and interested in contributing to a safe and supportive experience for all. The course will be facilitated in English, with translations as needed. No Spanish is required, and academic credit is available (see below). More information on deep ecology is available online, as are sustainable living resources.

The town of San Ramón will serve as our departure point for exploring the Western Central Valley, the Northern plains surrounding Arenal Volcano, and a visit to the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. The course will include group discussions, ceremonies, classroom and field exercises, presentations from local experts, and site visits. Likely sites will include an Eco-Lodge, medicinal plant garden, organic coffee farm, nearby pacific beach, and the Madre Verde (Green Mother) community reserve. We will learn about these sites from local experts, interact with the land, explore our connection with Nature, and contemplate how we might achieve a more sustainable lifestyle, both personally and collectively. Please note that although we will not be doing strenuous exercise, participants should be prepared for light hiking in tropical environments, and have required field study items with them at all times. Housing conditions will consist of middle-range hotels and lodges. Participants will also have a limited amount of personal time, both in smaller towns and in nature. The tour will be facilitated by the Earth Education International staff.

See our semester program: Global Sustainable Stewardship

Learn more at: Earth Education International

 

Program Dates

July - Aug, every year

Program Costs

approx. $2500. Program fee includes: all accommodations, some meals, in-country transportation, excursions, permits & entry fees, and travel insurance. It does not include international airfare, visa costs, or personal spending money.

Credit Offered

Three (3) units of academic credit are available for this course from Humboldt State University (U.S.A.), or from the University of San José (Costa Rica) if preferred. Participants may receive credit at either the undergraduate or graduate level (Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation 480/580). An additional cost in the amount of $200 USD applies for those requesting academic credit. As with all EEI offerings, current students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 in order to participate.

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Program Details:

Accommodations

All accommodations are included in the program fee. Accommodations range from guest house bunks, to permanent tent camps and research stations, and hotels each with (or without) amenities. Students should bring their own linens and pillow.

Transportation

All program related in-country transportation is included in the program fee.

Excursions

All excursions are included in the program fee. Includes: one-day and multiple day field excursions (organic farms, sustainable businesses, watershed conservation projects, etc), and volunteer service-learning projects.

Highlights

Costa Rican culture, sustainable living, connecting oneself the world around us