Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location:
GPA: 2.5

Program Overview

The Sustainable Business in Costa Rica program offers you a four-week experience that blends academic study with hands-on excursions. Over the first two weeks, you'll engage in one Spanish language course tailored to all proficiency levels, ensuring accessibility for everyone, even if you have no prior Spanish knowledge. The second half of the program shifts focus to a deep dive into sustainable business practices, where you'll explore key concepts such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), the Triple Bottom Line, and Costa Rica’s National Decarbonization Plan.

These topics come to life through site visits to local businesses, including sustainable coffee and chocolate companies, indigenous-owned enterprises, and eco-tourism destinations like Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano. The program offers a unique opportunity to see sustainable business practices in action.

For those looking to further apply their learning, an optional month-long internship provides the chance to work on sustainability-focused projects with local companies. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of the intersection between business operations and environmental stewardship. Internships are available in English.

Program Highlights:

  • Weekend and day-long excursions to Poás Volcano, Manuel Antonio National Park, and Arenal Volcano.
  • Visit local sustainable businesses like Café Britt and Sibo Chocolate.
  • Two weeks of language instruction for all levels.
  • Enjoy activities like traditional Costa Rican cooking and dance classes, city tours, and interactions with local communities and your host family.
  • Extend your stay with a month-long, project-based internship, where you can apply classroom knowledge to real-world sustainability projects and build your resume.

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrivalDepartureOptional Extension
Summer202503/15/202506/28/202507/26/202508/23/2025

This program has a rolling admission application process: GEO staff (and the program faculty leader, if applicable) will complete a review of the application materials of complete applications in the order that they are submitted (“first come, first serve”). Decisions about acceptance will be made shortly after you submit a complete application. There are some programs that fill fast, some even before the deadline. Students are encouraged to complete applications and commit to programs early.

Acceptance is based on a holistic review of your application.  This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and the short statement.

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Academic Details

Students will enroll in the following courses.

1. SPAN 188/288/388: Spanish Language Course (5 credits): Choose one Spanish course to take during the first two weeks of the program:

  • SPAN 188 – Beginner Spanish (100-level)
  • SPAN 288 – Intermediate Spanish (200-level)
  • SPAN 388 -- Business Spanish
    • *Prerequisite for SPAN 388: SPAN 203 or heritage speaker proficiency

Note: All Spanish courses are taught using an immersive, communicative approach in which instructors speak exclusively in Spanish — even at the beginner/survival level. This can feel challenging at first, but it typically becomes easier over time, and research shows this method is highly effective for language learners.

2. BA 388: Sustainable Business in Costa Rica (4 credits): Explore key sustainability concepts such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), the Triple Bottom Line, and Costa Rica’s National Decarbonization Plan, with hands-on learning through site visits to local sustainable businesses.

Approved as upper-division BA elective credit.

For business administration and accounting majors who take the optional internship extension this program may satisfy  Lundquist College of Business (LCB) Global Context requirements and meet the Cultural Awareness for Business Decisions Requirement with LCB academic advisor approval. Please contact a LCB academic advisor for more details about these requirements.

3. (Optional) GLBL 488: Internship in Sustainable Business (4 credits): Apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting during a month-long, project-based internship, working on sustainability-focused projects with local companies. Opportunities are available in English, with projects pre-determined by the organizations. Must extend stay in Costa Rica for four additional weeks to participate.

Weekend and day-long excursions to volcanoes, national parks, and the beach are included in the program itinerary.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Faculty and Staff

Fabio Hernández Ramírez is a seasoned professional in sustainable business management with over 12 years of experience, including 8 years in sustainability consulting. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Economics and Climate Change from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he graduated with distinction. Fabio has a robust background in project management, water resource management, and environmental economics.

Janiva Cifuentes-Hiss – Director of Strategic Partnerships (Arcos Headquarters)
Janiva Cifuentes-Hiss has over 20 years of experience in study abroad designing and leading transformative programs across Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Janiva graduated from Pomona College with a B.A. in Latin American Studies and studied abroad at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She served as Costa Rica Resident Director from 2007–2020 and currently works for Arcos Headquarters where she collaborates with GEO to create immersive customized programs and internships for University of Oregon students. 

Catalina Ovares – Costa Rica Resident Director
Catalina (Cata) is a native of Atenas, Costa Rica. She is a certified naturalist guide with extensive experience leading study abroad programs in Costa Rica. She is CPR and First Aid certified and enjoys soccer, horseback riding, and adventure sports. Catalina is responsible for reservations, logistics, and "behind the scenes program" planning for GEO programs for University of Oregon students. 

Angélica Pérez – Costa Rica Program Director
Angélica (Angie) is from San José, Costa Rica, and has decades of experience leading study abroad programs in Costa Rica. She is a certified bilingual tour Guide, is First Aid and CPR certified, and is trained in leading groups with disabilities. She is very knowledgeable about culture, biodiversity and natural history. Angie leads all Arcos cultural activities and excursions, and is available to support University of Oregon students abroad with health, safety, and cultural immersion. She is on-call in case of emergencies 24/7. 

Adriana Campos – Costa Rica Program Director
Adriana Campos is from Heredia, Costa Rica, and is a certified tour guide and has many years of experience in ecotourism, volunteer coordination, and environmental education. She is First Aid and CPR certified, has led workshops at the National Biodiversity Institute and is a certified children’s yoga instructor.  Adri leads all Arcos cultural activities and excursions, and is available to support University of Oregon students abroad with health, safety, and cultural immersion. She is on-call in case of emergencies 24/7. 

Housing Description

Students will be placed in groups of two to three students per homestay in Heredia, Costa Rica. Homestays provide three meals a day and are conveniently located within walking distance of each other and the classrooms. All but two meals will be provided each month, but students will likely want to go out to restaurants for a few nights on their own.

This arrangement offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, practice their Spanish language skills in a real-world setting, and experience the warmth and hospitality of a “Tico” family. Homestays also provide a safe and supportive environment, helping students to fully engage with their surroundings and make the most of their study abroad experience.