Overview
International Media/Marketing Communications in Costa Rica and
Nicaragua is a hands-on, culture-based examination of media outlets and marketing communications at agencies in San José and other locations in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Lectures, site visits, and presentations will cover several leading industries in Costa Rica with a focus on eco-tourism.

Students will gain an international perspective on print, broadcast and online media, public relations and advertising. In addition to daily seminars and site visits, students will travel to significant cultural and historical sites in and around San José, and participate in excursions to Arenal Volcano, colonial Granada, Nicaragua and the Pacific beaches of Punta Leona.

The Region
Costa Rica is known for its natural beauty, extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, social and political stability, high educational levels, and efficient infrastructure and services. San José, Costa Rica’s capital, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It lies in the Central Valley on a plain surrounded by large forested mountain ranges, some of which include active volcanoes, green savannahs, and working coffee plantations. Granada, Nicaragua is a picturesque colonial city nestled along side Volcán Mombacho and the shores of Lake Nicaragua.

Program Director
Linda Lee, Associate Professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications and the Center for Latin American Studies at the University of Kansas.

Academic Program
JOUR 500 Topics in Journalism: International Media/Marketing Communications in Costa Rica and Nicaragua (3 credit hours)

This course provides an overview of Costa Rican and Nicaraguan historical, political, economic, social, and ecological development. This background provides the basis for the study of journalism and mass communications in these Central American countries.

While in Costa Rica, students will explore major sites of interest related to news media and marketing communications, with a particular focus on eco-tourism. Site visits include professional advertising and public relations agencies; La Nación, one of the most important dailies in Latin America; Canal 7 broadcast station; Doka Café coffee plantations; the Institute for Costa Rican Tourism; EARTH, a university and foundation dedicated to environmental protection and development in Latin America. Additionally, students will visit several important eco-tourism sites including Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Hot Springs, Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and Punta Leona. The excursion to Nicaragua includes tours of Granada and the capital city, Managua, as well as a boat tour of the islands of Lake Nicaragua and a visit to a local radio station. Students will have required reading assignments related to the topics of study. All students will research and conduct a case study of one of the following industries: media, marketing, Public Relations, or eco-tourism. Following the program, students will submit projects (a written report or a presentation) on their chosen industry. Accommodations While in San José, students will stay in double or triple occupancy hotel rooms. Breakfast will be provided daily at the hotels. Several group lunches and dinners are also provided.

Dates
May 19 - June 2, 2008

Eligibility
Open to undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in Journalism, Communication Studies, Business and/or Latin American Studies. Fluency in Spanish is not required. Minimum 2.5 GPA required.

Credit
Three hours of undergraduate or graduate-level credit in Journalism or Latin American Studies are granted by the University of Kansas upon successful completion of the program.

Cost
Program Fee: $2,490 ($2,690 for non-KU students). The fee includes accommodations, entrance fees, daily transportation, most meals, orientation, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation services, and administrative costs. Tuition and Fees: Estimated tuition and fees for 3 credit hours (based on standard tuition rate): $584. * *Actual expenses for KU students will vary by the student’s individual tuition compact. Non-KU students will pay the standard tuition rate listed above. Additional costs: Airfare, meals, books, passport fees, and personal expenses.

Note: All dates, costs, and program information are subject to change as necessary due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or other reasons.

Financial Aid
KU students who qualify for summer financial aid in the form of Stafford and/or other loans, Pell or SEOG Grants, and scholarships may apply the aid to the cost of a Study Abroad Program. Limited supplemental scholarships are available to KU undergraduates. Applications are available at the Office of Study Abroad. The scholarship application deadline is March 1. Non-KU students should check into the financial resources available to them at their home institutions.

Application Procedures
Final Application Deadline: March 1, 2008
Early application is encouraged. Applications are available in the KU Office of Study Abroad or on the web at www.studyabroad.ku.edu.

Check these travel tips for Costa Rica.

For more information contact:
Linda S. Lee, Program Director
The University of Kansas
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
2052 Dole
Phone: 785-864-0613
lindaslee@ku.edu

Office of Study Abroad
1410 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lippincott Hall
Room 108
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-3742
osa@ku.edu
www.studyabroad.ku.edu