Living in a Blue Zone
Explore beautiful Costa Rica, one of the five Blue Zones of the world, where people live measurably longer and healthier lives. Discover healthy lifeways through cooking classes, homestays, readings, dance lessons, and excursions to the farmer’s market and a coffee farm. See firsthand the challenges of sustainable travel as you visit a region that is home to cloud forests, volcanic hot springs, jungles, and breathtaking beaches. Experience traditions through the national holiday of Guanacaste Day, and learn about the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the region by visiting Guaitil, a village dedicated to traditional Chorotega pottery.
Most importantly, the study abroad is carefully designed to improve your competency in Spanish. The language school has small class settings with Costa Rican, university-educated instructors. The classroom materials and lesson plans are developed in coordination with IU South Bend faculty. Through the support of the host family, Spanish will become the language that you use on a daily basis.
Key locations:
- Nicoya
- Palo Verde National Park
- Guiatil Pottery Village
- Samara Beach (overnight excursion)
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Baths
- Coco Beach
- Monte Alto Forest Reserve