Dates
June 3 – June 20, 2026Subjects
Pyschology, Public Health, Conservation, Animal Studies, Latin American StudiesDeadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
Costa Rica offers students a challenging academic experience with travel through breathtaking scenery, immense biodiversity, culturally immersive homestays, and a variety of unique excursions. The program begins at Monteverde Cloud Forest and ends on the country’s Pacific Coast before heading to San Jose to visit the national history museum. In between, students experience a biological research station at Palo Verde and Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
Program Director
Erin Howard is Associate Dean of Global Learning at BCTC. She holds an M.A. in Spanish and Latin American Literature from the University of Tennessee and has taught with KIIS Costa Rica. Erin has led programs in South Africa and Ireland and loves to travel and build global partnerships.Prof. Erin Howard
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Courses
Courses are 3 credit hours. You may enroll in 1 course.
In this course, we will engage in an interdisciplinary introduction to the cultures and societies of Latin America. You will gain an understanding of the major processes that have shaped Latin America in the past and continue to affect the region today. Special attention will be given to the context of these processes in Costa Rica. “On site” learning will be a critical component of the course.
This course uses a human rights framework to explore public health topics around the world, with a focus on health in low- and middle-income countries such as Costa Rica. Students will explore specific health topics that are prevalent in developing countries, such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases, malnutrition, cardiovascular disease, mental health, maternal mortality, as well as health issues associated with human trafficking, and forced migration.
Students will learn about human attitudes towards conservation, how nature can positively affect mental health, and the benefits of eco-tourism for conservation, with a focus on the local Costa Rican culture. Additionally, students will learn about using animal minds and behavior as an educational tool towards conservation. Visits to local sites and organizations involved in conservation efforts, eco-tourism, and wildlife rescue will be part of the students’ experiential learning.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
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Monteverde
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Palo Verde
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Liberia
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Ojochal
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San Jose
Group Flight
ESTIMATED COST $1,250- $1,350
The group flight is required for KIIS Costa Rica participants (any exceptions must be pre-approved by the program director). KIIS will purchase a round-trip flight ticket for you. The flight cost will be added to your final program fee on April 1. The group flight will depart from Cincinnati or Louisville.
Flights to and from Costa Rica are typically the same day. Visit Flights and Passports & Visas for more information.