Global Connect - Costa Rica
Western International's Global Connect program offers short-term in-person, group-based experiential learning opportunities through international study tours.
Designed to enhance your academic commitments and achievements, Global Connect study tours are scheduled during the fall and winter reading weeks and during summer term.
Through a combination of active experiential learning, cross-cultural exchanges and completion of an e-portfolio, participants gain the valuable leadership and intercultural skills needed to be global-ready graduates.
If you have been searching for a unique global learning experience to enhance your skills and knowledge acquired in the classroom, along with a passion for learning across cultures and disciplines, Global Connect study tours are for you!
Global Connect - Costa Rica is part of Canada's Global Skills Opportunity program. Financial support is provided for each participating student starting at $1,000 and up to $3,000*.
Application Deadlines:
- Winter 2025 (Global Health or Biodiversity): apply by Sunday, October 20, 2024
Apply Now
What will the study tour include?
Collaborate with local community partners in sustainable initiatives, take guided hikes surrounded by world-renowned tropical biodiversity, share in Indigenous cultures and histories with local Boruca community members, and engage in past and future health care approaches while immersing yourself in the peoples, cultures and natural wonders of Costa Rica!
The program includes lodging for seven to eight nights, most meals and transportation, and all scheduled activities. Approximately 15 students will travel and learn together as a group, accompanied by Western staff and student leaders and further supported by a Costa Rica Global Learning Programs representative.
Upon return, students will reflect on their personal journey and the group’s experiences through an e-portfolio, to be later featured at an in-person showcase on campus.
Who is eligible to participate?
This interdisciplinary co-curricular program is available to students who meet ALL of the following criteria:
-
undergraduate student - main campus
- in good academic standing
- Canadian citizen or permanent resident*
*Due to funding requirements set by the Global Skills Opportunity program, the Global Connect program is currently offered only to main campus undergraduate students in good academic standing who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
All participating students receive financial support; however, additional support is provided for Indigenous students, students with disabilities and students from low-income backgrounds (up to a maximum of $3,000*).
If you have any questions about whether you may qualify for additional funding for this experience, please email goabroad@uwo.ca.
Enhance Your Western Degree
Successful completion of this study tour and associated mandatory training is eligible for a minimum of 20 points towards achievement of the Global & Intercultural Engagement Honour . The trip itself is eligible for 10 points in Category 2, and the mandatory Critical & Ethical Global Engagement workshop is eligible for 10 points towards Category 3 (10 points per workshop).
Showcase the transferable skills and experience gained from a Global Connect study tour on your Western Co-Curricular Record . This official Western University document complements your academic transcript by recognizing your participation and accomplishment in co-curricular activities.
Study Tour Dates & Themes
Click the trip topics for detailed itineraries.
- Sustainability: August 18-25, 2023 & August 17-24, 2024
- Biodiversity: February 15-23, 2024
- Indigenous Studies: February 15-23, 2024
- Global Health: August 17-24 †, 2024
- Biodiversity and Global Health (TBD): Reading Week 2025
Note: Itineraries are draft and subject to change at any point in time.
How to apply
- Apply on Atlas, Western's International Learning portal.
- Winter 2025 ( Global Health or Biodiversity): apply by Sunday, October 20, 2024
Start your application for a Global Connect - Costa Rica study tour on Atlas, Western's International Experience Portal.
Before starting your application, read the entire program page to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Once you are ready, click the "Login To Apply" button at the bottom of the program page. Only fully completed applications will be reviewed; your 'Application Status/ Pre' will be 'Pending'.
A non-refundable application fee will be charged to your student account only upon accepting an offer to join the program.
Please note: do not choose "Login To Apply" unless you are proceeding with an application.
There are general application questions you should be prepared to respond to when completing your online application in Atlas, such as:
- Why are you interested in participating in this Global Connect Program?
- How are you planning to contribute as part of the group, and what do you hope to gain from your experience?
- How will participation in this program benefit your personal and professional goals?
Program Fees
Approximate cost for each Global Connect tour is $3,300-$3,500 CAD**. Global Skills Opportunity funding, and any additional financial awards (see below) will be applied against this total.
Program Fee includes:
- roundtrip flight from Toronto Pearson Airport to Costa Rica
- program fees with Costa Rica Global Learning
- academic, cultural and tourism activities in Costa Rica
- comprehensive on-site support
- transportation in Costa Rica to and from airport and all program activities
- dedicated program leaders in Costa Rica
- accommodation and most meals
- pre-departure training, including beginner’s Spanish classes
Note: Global Connect - Costa Rica participants are responsible for the following:
- international health insurance (mandatory)
- if enrolled, USC’s PurpleCare health plan includes international health (pre-existing conditions not covered) and trip insurance – requires advance activation
- any luggage costs assigned by individual airlines
- airport taxes
- souvenirs
- additional food/snacks
- lunch/dinner costs around $20 CAD and $13 CAD for breakfast
Please contact goabroad@uwo.ca for further information on associated costs
**Program fees subject to change; varies according to trip theme and time of year.
Western International Learning Financial Award Opportunities
Global Connect – Costa Rica study tours are eligible for Western’s International Learning Funding Opportunities, with applications due each year on November 15 and February 15.
- If you received Western’s Admission Scholarship – Optional Study Abroad Funding of $1,000 or $2,000, submit an International Experience Awards Application to notify Student Financial Services of your travel plans.
- Apply for an International Learning Award of $1,000 to help finance your international learning experience.
- Global Opportunities Awards are $1,000 or $2,000 scholarships for international learning provided through generous donations matched by funding from Western.
Two or more of these awards, if eligible, can be combined to assist with costs of your international learning experience, in addition to financial support provided through Global Skills Opportunities.
Note: Only current or future international learning experiences occurring within the current and/or next academic year are eligible for funding. Awards cannot be retroactively applied to past experiences.
