Study Abroad and Global Experiences

Costa Rica Short Term Study Abroad

Selected Topics in Health Services Administration (HSA 2930)
1 credit

  •  July 6 - July 14, 2024
 Fees Breakdown PDF
Estimated Fees
Program Fee:
$4,200.00
Tuition:
$103.06
SAGE Scholarship:
$1,200.00
SAGE Credit:
$100.00
Estimated Cost:
$3,103.06

Before reviewing this page or applying to this program, read the entire COVID-19 Statement.  If you have questions, please contact SAGE.  All information is subject to change.  Prices are an estimate only until flights are booked and could fluctuate.

Program Overview

As a result of participating in this program, students will be able to define and explain the importance of regional and global health public policies. Also, there will be a stress on the description of the principles of interprofessional collaboration in health care in Costa Rica while examining the goals, the set up and the operations of both the public and private health care systems in the country. Students will get acquainted with the most relevant epidemiology data and diseases in Costa Rica, and the role of health and technology professionals and while being exposed to high tech medical devices development.

By participating in site visits to government, NGOs agencies and international health agencies and assisting in presentations led by health personnel, CEOs, Clinical Directors, Deans and clinical research experts, students will expand their knowledge of the health sciences education system in the country. This is an invaluable program for those who want to be fully immersed in the Costa Rica healthcare system and to learn a lot about several aspects related to the topic - including a language practice introduction to medical Spanish!

Course Description

Selected topics in Health Services Administration based on the needs and areas of interest of the class and professor. May include laboratory and/or field work as part of the class. May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit, but grade forgiveness cannot be applied.

CLOSED
 
Applications Closed
 

Late Summer Application & Payment Deadlines

  •  August 2023 – Application Opens
  •  02/09/2024 - Application Closes
  •  02/16/2024 - Application Payment Deadline
  •  02/23/2024 - Passport Deadline & Orientation
  •  03/01/2024 - Deposit Deadline
  •  04/19/2024 - Final Payment Deadline

Contact us

Location
Hours
  • Monday to Friday: 8am to 4:30pm (Virtual appointments only)
Email and Phone
Social Media

Things to Consider Before You Apply

  • Familiarize yourself with Costa Rica's travel risk outlook, including COVID-19 entry restrictions and levels. Please visit the Department of State by clicking here and the CDC by clicking here to see more information.
  • This program is open to students in good standing only. Please see GPA requirements.
  • Students are required to attend all in-person pre-departure and re-entry class meetings.
  • Students should expect to walk at least 10 miles per day, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Bring comfortable walking shoes.
  • Students will be traveling in the country via airplane, train, or bus. Packing light will be critical since the group will be moving around to different cities during the program. Be prepared to transport your personal belongings during those transitions.
  • If a student has dietary restrictions, he/she should be prepared with extra money for meals and snacks. Dietary needs will be communicated beforehand but alternate meals may not be available due to travel arrangements, and students should plan accordingly.
  • Daily breakfast and some additional meals will be included in the price. All other snacks, meals, souvenirs/shopping, and structured free time activities will be the responsibility of the student.
  • Students must acquire passports. Passport fees, course tuition, and course materials are not included in the price.
  • Students can expect to share room accommodations with students of the same gender with bathrooms shared.
  • During free time, students must always be in a group of three or more for safety reasons.
  • Students are not allowed to drink alcohol per SAGE and Student Development rules.
  • It is important to understand that students will be acting as cultural ambassadors from the U.S. and representing Valencia positively to our foreign hosts. Students will be expected to follow the Valencia Student Code of Conduct.

Program Eligibility

  • Be 18-years-old by time of travel.
  • Have an Institutional GPA of 2.5 at time of application.
  • Meet course requirements, including prerequisites if applicable.

Scholarship Eligibility

  • Be a degree-seeking student with Valencia College.
  • Completed one semester within last year.
  • Completed 12 college-level credits by the time of travel.
  • Have not received a SAGE scholarship in the current academic year.

Course Prerequisites

  • None

Funding Information

This program will receive partial funding by Valencia's Student Development Office, the Valencia Foundation, and the SAGE Office. These departments will be contributing a percentage towards the cost of participation. Funding is limited to a set number of students per program.

Eligible students can use their financial aid to cover part or all of the final payment and/or additional program costs (airfare, accommodations, meals, etc.) as long as the course satisfies your degree requirements. Complete a MY EDUCATION PLAN or meet with an Academic Advisor for details. It is important that this course count towards your degree or certificate program; otherwise, your financial aid payment may be reduced.

Peru

Program Fee Includes

  •  Roundtrip Airfare
  •  Accommodations
  •  Daily Breakfast and Welcome and Farewell Dinners
  •  Cultural and Professional Visits
  •  Entrance Fees to All Sites
  •  All Ground and River Transportation
  •  Tour Guides
  •  Medical and Travel Insurance

Program Fee Does Not Include

  •  Course Tuition and Fees
  •  Most Meals outside of Daily Breakfast and two dinners
  •  Optional Sodas and Snacks
  •  Airport Departure Fees and Taxes
  •  Luggage Transport/Storage Fees
  •  Passport Fees
  •  Visa (not required for U.S. citizens)
  •  Immunizations
  •  Spending money
  •  Tips

Travel Information

Meetings

Pre-Departure Meetings

All Meetings are required

  •  2/23/2024 SAGE Orientation
     TBA
     West Campus
     8-101
  •  05/10/2024 Meeting #1
     10:00 am - 1:00 pm
     TBA
    TBA
  •  05/24/2024 Meeting #2
     10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    TBA
    TBA
Re-Entry Meetings

All Meetings are required

  •  07/23/2024 Re Entry Meeting #1
     10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    TBA
    TBA
  •  07/30/2024 Re Entry Meeting #2
     10:00 am - 1:00 pm
    TBA
    TBA

Please note that the program may be altered or cancelled at any time at the discretion of Valencia College, and, in many circumstances, airfare or other transportation costs incurred by the student may not be refundable. Dates and prices are subject to change without notice before the application deadline.