Program Overview
Note: Program details are subject to change before the program departs.
Explore prominent issues alongside professors from Colorado State University (CSU), the United Nations University for Peace, and EF's Study Center in Tamarindo, Costa Rica while learning from local communities, nonprofits, and businesses.
On your journey through Colorado, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico you’ll find that self-discovery creates purpose with staying power and new perspectives fuel life-long proficiencies.
Your courses will be taught by faculty from Colorado State University, the UN-founded University for Peace, and EF's Study Center in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. You will have classroom and field work sessions throughout the duration of the program, but the specific breakdown of course time and material will depend on the schedule for any given day's activities. Continue reading for course descriptions and syllabi.
Latin America: Create Your Story
This course delves into personal narratives to help you reflect on the origin and evolution of your values, goals, and identities during your studies abroad, and their influence on your academic and personal decisions. We'll examine personal narratives from diverse cultures, creative nonfiction, memoirs, visual, and oral forms to help you understand how your story aligns with university programs and more.
Syllabus coming soon.
Global Studies
Global Studies examines how people's experiences are interconnected across countries and cultures, drawing from various fields to understand the world's major forces. The course aims to contribute to a better world by focusing on discovering different countries, understanding global citizenship, and delving into science, history, economics, current events, and cultural understanding, with a central theme of sustainable development. Our journey encompasses the CSU Mountain Campus in Colorado, Costa Rica, Panama, and the CSU Mexico Campus, where we'll explore diverse cultures, their unique challenges, and collaborative solutions for a better future.
Syllabus coming soon.
Thinking Towards a Thriving Planet: Creative Nature
This course acknowledges our role as co-creators in a holistic planetary ecosystem and our desire to collaborate with the natural world for a sustainable future. By examining art, literature, and language from Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States, we'll seek insights into the interaction of environments and cultures to reimagine our planetary future.
Syllabus coming soon
Sustainable Development and the Circular Economy
This course is taught by faculty from the United Nations-founded University for Peace, and is a combination of field work and classroom instruction. The course introduces case examples, a robust framework, and implementation principles around the circular economy concept, emphasizing optimizing processes and systems as a whole rather than individual components. The shift to a circular economy is a significant challenge for a more sustainable society. One that demands an interdisciplinary approach that combines social, technical, managerial, and environmental perspectives.
Syllabus coming soon.
Spanish Language
A custom Spanish language course will be taught by EF faculty during your two weeks in Tamarindo. You can expect approximately 1 hr. of Spanish instruction per day in addition to your CSU classwork.
Syllabus coming soon.
Field experiences are a core component of your program. Your Field Excursions are designed to bring learning beyond the classroom, make connections outside of texts and readings, and bring the concepts you learn about into reality.
Field Excursions are built into your course curriculum and are aligned with the themes you will explore during your program. This means that your professors will join or lead your Excursions, and you may even receive all of your course content for the day while in the field. This also means that Field Excursions are not optional.
Our tip for making the most out of your Field Excursions is to keep an open mind! Activities will range from visits to sustainable companies and indigenous communities, to ocean cleanups and service projects at community development nonprofits. You'll have opportunities to engage with community leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs, and scientists and should take each of these experiences as unique learning opportunities
Accommodations
CSU Mountain Campus & Tamarindo: You'll stay in student accommodations run by the campus staff. You may share these accommodations with up to 4 other students.
Costa Rica (Central Valley) & Panama: Because you will be traveling from city to city for only several nights at a time, you will stay in hotels while traveling through Costa Rica's Central Valley, including San Jose, and Panama. Rooms can be shared with up to 4 students depending on local availability.
CSU Todos Santos Center: While at the CSU Todos Santos Center, you will stay in student accommodations shared with other students on your program.
Transportation
All internal flights and land transportation are included in the program fee and organized by EF. This means that students are responsible for arranging transportation to either Denver or the CSU Mountain Campus at the beginning of the program and home from Los Cabos International Airport at the end of the program.
Transportation from Denver airport to the CSU Mountain Campus on arrival day and from the CSU Todos Santos Center to Los Cabos airport on departure day will be provided.
All students who successfully complete all academic requirements on this program will receive a transcript from Colorado State University upon their return to the United States whether you plan to enroll in a US-university after the program or not. You will receive your transcript 6-8 weeks after your program ends.
Your transcript will include a total of 12 college credits from the four Coursework modules combined (3 per course). Please note that it is your (the student’s) responsibility to complete any steps necessary to ensure the transfer of that credit to their home university. In addition, please save a copy of all syllabi provided by your professors in the event that they are required for transferring credits.
Students participating in study abroad programs managed by EF Gap Year are subject to both EF’s academic policies and the academic policies of the local host university.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and should communicate to EF staff if illness or other challenges necessitate missing a class. Classes will assign homework and students are expected to complete all necessary assignments.
A matriculated student who, on their home campus, has a documented disability or medical condition that may require special accommodation should contact the home campus office responsible for student accessibility services to discuss their needs and begin the registration process.
Students should notify EF of any requested accommodation as early as possible in order to allow time to review specific requests and gather appropriate supporting documentation from their student accessibility services office. Disability-related requests for accommodations and services are evaluated individually by EF and the host university, based on documentation and completion of the registration process. Please be aware that the level of accessibility, services, and accommodation to which you have access at your home campus may not be available at the program site and host universities.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.
Day 1: Sunday, Aug 18
Arrive in Colorado
Arrive at the CSU Mountain campus or take the shuttle from Denver.
Days 2-7: Monday, Aug 19 - Saturday, Aug 24
Orientation & Course introductions
Meet your cohort and participate in orientation activities including ropes courses, community building exercises and course introductions.
Day 8-13: Sunday, Aug 25 - Friday, Aug 30
Mountain Campus continued
Continue getting to know your cohort while you begin to dive more deeply into material for your CSU courses.
Day 14: Saturday, Aug 31
Transfer to Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Fly from Denver to Costa Rica.
Day 15: Sunday, Sep 1
Free day in Tamarindo
Spend your first full day getting your bearings in Tamarindo, pick up anything you might need from the shops as you prepare to begin Spanish language courses at EF's International Language Campus in Tamarindo.
Day 16 - 20: Monday, Sep 2 - Friday, Sep 6
First week of Spanish Language
On your first day of Spanish classes at EF International Language Campus, Tamarindo, you will be placed in a Spanish language course based on your language level. Build your vocabulary and strengthen your communication skills to make the most of your semester in Latin America through a holistic, immersive learning experience.
In addition to your language classes, you will also have an opportunity to sign up for Special Interest (SPIN) courses that help you put your language skills to use in activities like cooking classes, dance classes, and service learning.
Your CSU courses will also continue this week.
Days 21 - 22: Saturday, Sep 7 – Sunday, Sep 8
Guided Exploration in Guanacaste
Visit a traditional ceramics workshop that uses thousands-year-old practices to make pottery and explore a jungle waterfall while learning about the indigenous history of the area.
Days 23 - 27: Monday, Sep 9 – Friday, Sep 13
Second week of Spanish language
Continue your Spanish and CSU courses at the Tamarindo campus and join your cohort and staff for a group dinner on Friday (the 13th!).
Days 28 - 33: Saturday, Sep 14 – Thursday, Sep 19
Costa Rica Field Excursion
Visit the cloud forests of the Central Valley, learn the traditional art of Ox Cart Painting, explore a sustainable coffee farm, get a taste of San Jose's central market and learn about it's art and art history at the Museum of Costa Rican Art. At the end of this excursion you'll participate in a service project at a community-building organization in the heart of San Jose.
Day 34: Friday, Sep 20
Orientation at the University for Peace
Get oriented to the University for Peace as you prepare to begin your Sustainable Development in Costa Rica coursework
Day 35: Saturday, Sep 21
Classroom Session
Introduction to Sustainable Development
Day 36: Sunday, Sep 22
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Visit Costa Rica's largest landfill
Day 37: Monday, Sep 23
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Perez Zeledon waste management center
Day 38: Tuesday, Sep 24
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Bodhi Surf & Yoga
Day 39: Wednesday, Sep 25
Free day
Free day in Manuel Antonio National Park
Day 40: Thursday, Sep 26
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
MareBlue - ocean plastic cleanup
Day 41: Friday, Sep 27
Classroom Session
Closing discussion - Linear Economy
Day 42: Saturday, Sep 28
Classroom Session
What does a circular system look like?
Day 43: Sunday, Sep 29
Field Visit
Lombri-Tec
Day 44: Monday, Sep 30
Classroom Session
Introduction to the biological cycle
Day 45: Tuesday, Oct 1
Field Visit
VICAL Glass Recycling
Day 46: Wednesday, Oct 2
Classroom Session
Introduction to the technological cycle
Day 47: Thursday, Oct 3
Free day
Free day in San Jose
Day 48: Friday, Oct 4
Field Visit
Waste Coast Waste Recycling Center
Day 49: Saturday, Oct 5
Field Visit
Rancho Margot
Day 50: Sunday, Oct 6
Free day
Free day in La Fortuna
Day 51: Monday, Oct 7
Classroom Session
Research Workshop
Day 52: Tuesday, Oct 8
Classroom Session
Research Presentations & closing discussions
Day 53: Wednesday, Oct 9
Transfer to Panama
Fly to Panama City from San Jose.
Day 54: Wednesday, Oct 10
Guided Exploration of Panama Viejo
Fly to Panama City from San Jose.
Day 55: Friday, Oct 11
Casco Viejo
Casco Viejo guided exploration, Museo de Mora, Museo del Reggae en Espanol
Day 56: Saturday, Oct 12
Panama Canal & Gatun Lake
Visit the Miraflores locks of the Panama Canal and explore the man made lake that makes it all possible.
Day 57: Sunday, Oct 13
Guided exploration of Parque Metropolitano
In partnership with Naturaleza y Ciencia
Day 58: Monday, Oct 14
Free Day
Free Day in Panama City
Day 59: Tuesday, Oct 15
Colon
Take a day trip to Panama's Caribbean Coast to learn the history of the Portobello ruins and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea
Day 60: Wednesday, Oct 16
Industry Engagement in Panama City
Visit a local company
Day 61: Thursday, Oct 17
Fevida Bamboo
Visit a sustainable construction materials company.
Day 62: Friday, Oct 18
Embera Quera
Visit an indigenous community/living museum to learn more about the Embera and their history in Panama
Day 63: Saturday, Oct 19
Greenfield Farm
Visit Greenfield Farm, a Pineapple farm where you will learn about the international agricultural industry and try tropical fruits right off the tree.
Day 64: Sunday, Oct 20
Free day
Free day in Panama City.
Day 65: Monday, Oct 21
Transfer to Boquete
Day 66: Tuesday, Oct 22
Guided Exploration in Boquete
TBD
Day 67: Wednesday, Oct 23
Zipline & Hanging Bridges
Adventure through western Panama with your cohort.
Day 68: Monday, Oct 24
Transfer to San Jose
Day 69: Tuesday, Oct 25
Transfer to Todos Santos
Say farewell to Central America as you head to your final destination, CSU's Todos Santos center.
Days 70 – 111: Saturday, Oct 26 – Friday, Dec 6
Finish your courses in Todos Santos
Finish your coursework at the CSU Todos Santos Center and explore the rich artistic, cultural, and biological depths of the region on Field Excursions.
Traveling smart
Packing
We recommend bringing 1 checked bag and 1 personal item. Pack two weeks’ worth of what you will need. You’ll have the opportunity to do laundry and you’ll want to leave room for souvenirs. Neutral colors and accessories make mixing and matching easy.
Out of respect for the local culture, we ask that you also please dress conservatively during any visits that may require it; this means packing items that will cover your knees and shoulders, and no tight or revealing clothing. Longer clothing also helps to prevent sun exposure and bug bites.
Budgeting
Whatever your personal spending habits are, it’s important to anticipate your expenses and budget accordingly so that you can travel care-free with more time to enjoy participating in your program. While many meals and activities are included during your EF Gap program, we want to help you build a realistic budget for additional expenses so that you can fully enjoy trying the local cuisine, participating in activities in your free time, and, of course, shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.
Packing list
T-shirts (4)
Nicer shirts/blouses (3)
Shorts/pants/jeans/skirts/dresses (4–5)
Socks and underwear (pack for 2 weeks)
Warmer layers in case of chilly nights (2)
Warm jacket
Pajamas
Bathing suits (2)
Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers
Waterproof flip-flops/sandals
Raincoat/windbreaker
Quick-dry/lightweight short sleeve and long sleeve shirts (2-3)
Quick-dry/lightweight work pants and long shorts (2-3)
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
-Reusable water bottle
-Sunglasses
-2 hats: 1 for sun coverage and for warmth (like a beanie)
-Packing cubes (optional)
-Cross-body bag or travel/money belt
-Travel umbrella
-Laptop/tablet
-Headphones
-Camera, memory card, charging cables if desired
-Portable charger
-Travel lock for luggage and belongings if desired
-Laundry bag
-Toothbrush and toothpaste
-Deodorant
-Body wash/soap
-Shampoo and conditioner
-Hairbrush
-Sunscreen (reef-safe is encouraged!)
-Bug spray and anti-itch cream
-Stomach soothing medication
-Motion sickness medication
-Wet wipes
-Stain Remover stick and detergent packs
-Contact lenses, solution, eyeglasses
-Menstrual products (you may want to bring enough to last you for the duration of your program, as options may be different from what is available in the US)
-Any over the counter medication that you take frequently (i.e., Advil, Claritin, etc.)
-Beach or quick dry Towel
-Towel for removing makeup (if applicable)
– Passport
Pro tip: bring a photo copy as well
– Copy of your flight itinerary
Found in your EF Gap Year portal
– Copy of your itinerary and accommodations
Found in your EF Gap Year portal
– Copy of any prescriptions
– Primary Health Insurance card from the U.S.
– Backpack
This is your carry-on! It can also double as your daily bag while abroad.
– Wallet
Bring your debit or ATM card so you can withdraw cash, as well as your credit card, ID, and student ID if you have one (discounts!)
– Medications
For prescriptions, make sure it is in original container and bring enough of a supply to last your program.
– COVID-19 CDC vaccination card
Or, a negative COVID test result if applicable.
– Entertainment!
Books, downloaded Netflix streams and Spotify playlists, magazines, travel journal, deck of cards, etc.
– Passport
– Airline ticket
– Reusable water bottle
– Neck pillow / eye mask / ear plugs
– Toothbrush / toothpaste
– Contact lenses / solution / eyeglasses
Budgeting guide
We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. You’ll be able to access local currency by using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM.
In larger cities like Panama City and San Jose, you will likely be able to pay with your credit card, debit card, or even Apple Pay. In smaller towns, you should make sure to keep cash on hand.
Be sure to check with your bank ahead of time and, if necessary, provide a travel notice so they don’t block the card for suspected fraud. Also ask them about any foreign transaction fees that might apply, as these can add up quickly.
Costa Rica uses both the American Dollar and the Costa Rican Colon
Panama uses the American Dollar
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso
CSU Mountain Campus
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are provided by the Mountain Campus each day during your stay there. Meal times are prescheduled and students are responsible for bringing their own snacks, and anything else you may need for the two weeks on the campus such as electrolyte beverage mixes. There is shared storage in the student lounge for snacks.
EF Tamarindo
Meals are not included during your time at EF Tamarindo. The accommodations all include a shared kitchen with cooking utensils for students to use, and there are plenty of restaurants within 10 minutes walking distance from the residence. Students should budget approx. $35 - $40 per day for meals.
Costa Rica (Central Valley) & Panama
Breakfast is included every day during the central valley segment of this program. Some lunches and dinners are included depending on excursion timing. However, students should plan to budget approx. $25 - $35 per day for meals in the greater San Jose area and Panama City.
CSU Todos Santos
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided by the CSU Todos Santos center each day.
We recommend budgeting up to $50 a week for extra costs. This could mean putting money aside for things like:
– Checked bag airline fee (usually around $30-50 per bag for every flight)
– Additional items of clothing
– Emergencies
– Extra toiletries
– Souvenirs
– Laundry This can vary in cost based on where you are. To save money, we suggest bringing a small bottle of condensed soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, that you can use to wash your clothes in the sink.
Throughout your trip, your SLC or Field Director may find opportunities for additional excursions and activities; typically, these experiences can cost anywhere from $10-$50, and there may be one or two opportunities like this each week.
In bigger cities that you’re in, you will have a public transit card that you can use to access the public transportation system. There are also taxis or other ride services in the larger cities that you will be traveling to. Your Tour Director will let you know what to expect in terms of choosing safe and budget-friendly transportation options during your free time in each location.
Location Details
To make the most of your time during your program, this section gives some helpful context on the places you'll be spending your time.
Locations
The Colorado State University Mountain Campus is nestled in a beautiful, secluded mountain valley at an elevation of 9,000 ft. The Mountain Campus mission is to provide a unique and outstanding living and learning experience and natural resource base for a diverse blend of instruction, research, conferences and programs with an academic or educational focus.
The Campus is remote; approximately 2 hours driving from the nearest city, Fort Collins, CO. Students should be prepared to stay on campus for the duration of their time there expect for one group excursion to Fort Collins.
There is no cellular service at the Mountain Campus and there is no wi-fi in the student accommodations. Students will be able to access wi-fi to do your coursework and make wi-fi calls in the classroom and student lounge only.
In place of scrolling, students can utilize the recreation areas on campus for sports and games, access miles of hiking trails directly from the campus, and participate in cohort building activities including bonfire nights.
Check out this video to catch a glimpse of the beautiful campus and surrounding area.
EF's International Language Campus in Costa Rica is located in Playa Tamarindo. Tamarindo is a town in the Guanacaste Province on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. It's know for its beaches and mangrove-lined estuaries that protect animals like howler monkeys and crocodiles.
The campus is located approx. 10 minutes from the town center and the beach, and close to lush tropical forests. It is a collection of buildings and outdoor areas that house classroom spaces, accommodations, a cafeteria, student lounge, and courtyard with a swimming pool and sundeck.
A short walk from the accommodations students can find restaurants and food courts, a grocery store, a laundromat, and a gym.
While attending classes at the school, students will be able to participate in optional activities coordinated by the campus Activities Coordinators in addition to the mandatory academic excursions that are embedded in the coursework.
The environmental transition from the CSU Mountain Campus to EF Tamarindo will be stark. Students should be prepared for temperatures that hover between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with up to 100% humidity. Be sure to stay hydrated and apply plenty of sun protection.
After completing your language courses at EF Tamarindo, students will adopt San Jose as their home base while embarking on several academic excursions through Costa Rica's Central Valley, Central Volcanic Range and southern Pacific coastal regions.
San Jose is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica. It is in the center of the country in the mid-west of the Central Valley. San Jose's metropolitan area is home to approximately 1/3 of the country's population and is known as the political, social and economic center of Costa Rica.
In addition to participating in academic excursions, students will spend much of their time on campus at the United Nations founded University for Peace, an international university established by the UN General Assembly in 1980. In addition to classroom buildings, the campus also houses a cafeteria and even a nature preserve.
Panama is known for its famous canal connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The country boasts a diverse landscape, with lush rainforests, mountain ranges, and beautiful beaches along its coasts. Panama City, the capital, is a vibrant metropolis with a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture.
Students will use Panama City as their home base, embarking on academic excursions around the country each day in addition to classroom sessions facilitated by CSU faculty.
CSU Todos Santos is located in beautiful Baja California Sur, just an hour north of Cabo San Lucas. Students will enjoy this quiet town, situated just a mile from beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and about an hour from the state capital La Paz.
While staying in Todos Santos, students will engage in classroom sessions with CSU professors, as well as academic excursions in the Baja California regions. For more information on the CSU Todos Santos center click here.
Social Identity Resources
Travel provides incredible opportunities to learn about yourself, the world, and yourself in the world. But travel is also a deeply emotional experience that can bring different challenges to every individual based on the identities they hold and experiences they’ve had.
This resource is intended to help you think about how your intersecting identities can, and will, shape your experience as an EF student. Take some time to review our Social Identity Resources to hear different perspectives, learn about identity-specific resources, and prepare with helpful tips before you go abroad.
Safety & Support
EF Gap Year and Study Abroad are a key part of EF’s expansive global network. With a presence in over 120 countries, 52,000 staff, 600 schools and offices, and over 400 community partners our team has your back and is always available to help you succeed on your journey.
Safety & Support
Evan Kiser is thrilled to be your Advisor! His role is to support you from a distance, check-in with you throughout the program, and encourage you to achieve your goals.
Evan liaises with your Student Life Coordinator, and local EF staff, collectively working to ensure the success of your experience. He is also available for parents and guardians as well. Evan, along with the entire advising team, works from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM EST Monday through Friday.
Your Student Life Coordinator supports the group dynamic as well as provides individual socio-emotional support on the ground. They will be present for the duration of the program and are available to encourage you to develop new relationships and support you in overcoming challenges, like homesickness.
Your Field Directors are the logistical and safety coordinators of the group on Field Excursions. They are local guides who will serve as your best resource for logistical support, like ensuring you arrive on time for flights or helping you find the nearest ATM. They are also there for safety purposes and can help with medical concerns or emergencies as well. In certain cases, Field Directors may be referred to as Tour Directors.
The Safety & Incident Response Team is available to all of our students 24/7 and is trained to support students in times of crisis.
The EF Emergency Line is: 617-619-2520
You can count on these experts, who work with a network of healthcare professionals and government personnel, to oversee proactive operational welfare measures and provide aid to our students on program all over the world—so regardless of the time zone or program, whatever the circumstance, whatever the hour, EF will be there to answer your call.