The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Study abroad program offering course in Costa Rica

For the first time in SIUC's history, a study abroad program will be devoted to the study of women.

This summer, from July 12 through July 26, a women's studies course will be offered for one to 3 credits and is being conducted in conjunction with the Universidad Veritas, and is open to students and community members.

Naseem Ahmed, coordinator of women and international development for International Programs and Services said she chose Costa Rica because they felt it would be a safe place.

"Locations are usually in the Middle East or Asia, and because Costa Rica is close to home," Ahmed said. "Its democracy has flourished and I think we can learn from them."

She said the course is a two-week intensive focus on all aspects of life through lectures, sight visits and talking to women who are dealing with specific issues relevant to everyday living.

"Being immersed in culture is a good way to understand their culture and the role of women," Ahmed said. "And since this is an intensive study tour, there will be fun thrown in."

The cost of the trip $2,200, includes airfare, land transportation, lodging, all meals and program fees.

Scholarships of up to $500 are available for SIU undergraduate students to help offset the cost. Also, students eligible for financial aid can apply it toward the trip.

"This is an affordable program for a unique opportunity to learn different things and people," said Tom Saville, coordinator of the study abroad program.

He said there is a wealth of knowledge in Costa Rica especially about its economic developments and what women are doing to improve development studies.

Along with the classroom lectures and local travel, participants will take trips to Cano Negro, Quitirrisi and the Nicoyan Gulf.

While in the Nicoyan Gulf, students will be observing women in occupations such as fisheries and butterfly farming, and will visit rainforest, waterfalls, volcanoes and other landmarks of Costa Rica.

People interested in taking the course can register until May 20, so proper arrangements can be made on their behalf.

Saville is hoping the program is a success, and continues to be offered during future summers.

We've been to Costa Rica before, but this is the first time this subject is being studied," Saville said. "I think it will be a great experience."

The entire program will be offered in English, so it is not necessary for participants to speak Spanish.

For registration and financial aid information contact Tom Saville at 453-7670 and for information on the course, contact Naseem Ahmed at 453-5774.

Reporter Samantha Robinson can be reached at

srobinson@dailyegyptian.com