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Program Overview
Program details are subject to change before the program departs.
Craft your story about the impact you want to make on the world while exploring the cultures, ecosystems, and diverse landscapes of Costa Rica and Baja California, Mexico. Develop your Spanish language skills, gain fundamental skills in ecological fieldwork, and explore sustainable development as you learn from professors from Colorado State University and the United Nations-chartered University for Peace. The world will also be your classroom as you embark on service-learning projects and fieldwork with local communities, nonprofits, and businesses.
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.
Spanish Language at ILC Tamarindo
Students will enroll in 3 weeks of the Intensive track of Spanish language at the International Language Campus (ILC) Tamarindo. They will be enrolled in language classes, which are determined by a placement exam, and take courses with other international students from around the world. Students can expect approximately 4 hours of classroom time per day, with several asynchronous homework and study assignments per day. They will also be able to participate in optional activities hosted by the ILC Activities Coordinators.
IE 282B Study Abroad – Latin America: Create Your Story (3 credits - fulfills AUCC 1C)
Course Description: This course explores personal narratives as a tool to reflect upon the origin and ongoing development of your values, goals, and identities during your Education Abroad, and their impact on your academic and personal choices. We will investigate a variety of personal narratives from various cultures, creative nonfiction, and memoirs, as well as visual and oral narratives. You will explore how your story fits within potential programs of study at the university and beyond.
BZ 182B Study Abroad - Introduction to International Fieldwork (3 credits)
Course Description: This course is an introduction to ecological fieldwork within the biological sciences through exposure to biodiversity, global culture, and field research. Skills and tools for conducting fieldwork and communicating findings are explored in the context of a social-ecological framework.
BUS 269 Sustainability and the Circular Economy (3 credits)
Course Description: This course includes an introduction to the Circular Economy concept. It provides an array of case examples, a solid framework, and guiding principles for implementing it. Ultimately, the Circular Economy is about the optimization of entire processes and systems rather than single components. The transition towards a circular economy is one of the biggest challenges we face to create a more sustainable society. This transition requires an interdisciplinary approach, combining socio-technical, managerial, and environmental considerations.
Besides Spanish Language, courses will be taught with a mixture of classroom and field instruction. Students should be fully prepared to balance intense travel and field days with their independent coursework. They also will be getting their hands dirty as part of the academic field visits; students will visit places like landfills and composting facilities and spend several days at a time camping in the mountains and on islands.
Syllabi coming soon.
Field experiences are a core component of your academic requirements. 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 participation in Field Excursions is required. They may take place during the week or on weekends.
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
Your accommodations will vary based on your location.
Tamarindo: You'll stay in student accommodations run by the language school staff. You may share these accommodations with up to 4 other students.
Costa Rica (Central Valley): Because you will be on the move often during this part of your program, you will stay in hotels while traveling through Costa Rica's Central Valley, including San Jose. 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 on campus shared with up to four 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 San Jose, Costa Rica at the beginning of the program and home from Los Cabos International Airport at the end of the program.
Transportation from the airport to the hotel on arrival day and from the CSU Todos Santos Center to Los Cabos airport on departure day will be provided.
All students who complete this program will receive a transcript from EF’s school of record, Colorado State University (CSU), upon the completion of the program. Transcripts will become available 6-8 weeks after the end of the program. One official transcript will be mailed either to your home university or your home address. You will be able to view your unofficial transcripts and order additional official transcripts through CSU’s online portal, RAMRecords.
Please note that it is your responsibility to work with your home university to transfer the credits from your EF program. You will work with the Registrar’s office to complete the transfer process. We recommend you save copies of the syllabi for all the courses you take on your program, as they may be needed to facilitate the credit transfer process.
Students participating in study abroad programs managed by EF Gap Year Students are subject to both EF’s academic policies and the academic policies of the local host university.
You are expected to attend all scheduled classes, excursions, and program events, and should communicate to EF staff if illness or other challenges necessitate missing a class. Classes will assign homework and you are expected to complete all necessary assignments during your independent time. Students who fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress, including regularly attending classes and program activities and submitting assignments as required by the course, may face penalties, including the awarding of a failing grade and/or disciplinary action.
If you require disability-related learning accommodations, you should notify EF of your requested accommodation as early as possible in order to allow time to review specific requests and gather appropriate supporting documentation from your student accessibility services office, learning specialist, or medical professional. Requests for disability-related accommodations and services are evaluated individually by EF and the host university, based on documentation provided during 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.
If you are currently matriculated at a US university and have a documented disability or medical condition that requires accommodation on your home campus, you should contact your campus’s office responsible for student accessibility services to discuss your needs and the supports that are available to you while abroad.
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Itinerary Overview
This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.
Day 1: Sunday, Aug 17
Arrive in Costa Rica
Depart the U.S. and arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. EF staff will be waiting for you at the airport with a friendly face and a “pura vida”! Meet the rest of your group and enjoy a welcome dinner all together.
Days 2-3: Monday, Aug 18 - Tuesday, Aug 19
Orientation & Course introductions
The University for Peace (or UPeace) is a UN-founded university that is focused on training leaders to solve global problems related to global peace and wellbeing. While at UPeace, you will be doing workshops with a facilitator focused on preparing you for your experience on-program, understanding your goals, and building teamwork. Plus, you’ll be on UPeace’s absolutely stunning campus atop a mountain overlooking the city of San Jose!
Day 4: Wednesday, Aug 20
Guided exploration of San Jose
Explore the city of San Jose on a guided excursion. Stop by San Jose's Central Market, visit the Costa Rican Art Museum and explore some of the city's beautiful cathedrals.
Day 5-6: Thursday, Aug 21 - Friday, Aug 22
Service Learning at Lifting Hands
Spend two days doing service learning work at Lifting Hands, a local community development nonprofit that supports children from some of the most underserved areas in San Jose. Your work will address the needs of the organization and could include playing sports and games with students, doing infrastructure improvement work, and helping students practice their English language skills.
Day 7: Saturday, Aug 23
Free Day
Enjoy a free day to relax and reflect on your first week on program.
Day 8: Sunday, Aug 24
Transfer to Tamarindo
Take a bus with your group from San Jose to Tamarindo.
Days 9-27: Monday, Aug 25 - Friday, Sep 12
Spanish Language Intensive Courses at EF International Language Campus Tamarindo
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. You'll spend three weeks alongside international students from around the world building your vocabulary and strengthening 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 optional activities, hosted by the ILC staff, that help you put your language skills to use.
Language courses will take place Monday-Friday each week, but your exact course schedule will be determined after your placement exam. During your time in Tamarindo, you will have the weekends free to explore Guanacaste with your cohort, or participate in the optional weekend excursions hosted by the Language School.
Day 28: Saturday, Sep 13
Transfer to San Jose
Return to San Jose and settle in. Enjoy the rest of the day to rest and settle in before beginning your coursework the next day.
Day 29: Sunday, Sep 14
First Day of Coursework at the University for Peace
Embark on your next academic module as you begin your Introduction to Sustainable Development coursework at UPeace.
Day 30: Monday, Sep 15
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Introduction to Sustainable Development
Day 31: Tuesday, Sep 16
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: The End of Linear Life
Day 32: Wednesday, Sep 17
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: The End of Linear Life continued
Day 33: Thursday, Sep 18
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Visit Costa Rica's Desamparados Landfill, where you'll see your lectures come to life as you see waste management principles in action.
Day 34: Friday, Sep 19
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Continue your exploration of waste management principles in action as you visit the Perez Zeledon waste management center, which specializes in organic waste management.
Day 35: Saturday, Sep 20
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Visit Bodhi Surf & Yoga in Dominical, where you'll learn about how a small and sustainable business is run.
Day 36: Sunday, Sep 21
Guided Exploration
Spend the day exploring Manuel Antonio National Park with your group. Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s natural gems. From trekking through the rainforest and seeing sloths and monkeys to swimming on the pristine white beaches, you’ll enjoy taking time to appreciate nature and relax!
Day 37: Monday, Sep 22
Field Visit: The End of Linear Life
Spend the day with the organization MareBlue as you learn about the impact of plastic waste and undertake an ocean plastic cleanup.
Day 38: Tuesday, Sep 23
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: What does a circular system look like?
Day 39: Wednesday, Sep 24
Field Visit: Vermiculture and Composting
Visit Lombri-Tec, a vermiculture facility, to learn about the biological cycle and the role worms can play in composting processes.
Day 40: Thursday, Sep 25
Field Visit: Glass Recycling
Visit one of Costa Rica's largest glass recycling centers to learn about the processes of recycling glass.
Day 41: Friday, Sep 26
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Introduction to the technological cycle
Day 42: Saturday, Sep 27
Free day
Enjoy a free day to rest, relax, and explore San Jose.
Day 43: Sunday, Sep 28
Free day
Enjoy another free day to rest, relax, and explore San Jose.
Day 44: Monday, Sep 29
Field Visit
Visit Waste Coast Waste Recycling Center to continue your journey into understanding the circular economy.
Days 45-46: Tuesday, Sep 30 - Wednesday, Oct 1
Field Visit: Rancho Margot
Rancho Margot is an off-the-grid, sustainable ranch surrounded by the rainforest. They are focused on sharing their sustainable skills and perspective with visitors. While you’re there, you’ll take different workshops that focus on learning how the sustainable farm works and doing things like making soap and making cheese. Your meals there will be made from the food grown on-site! During your free time, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy this special environment
Day 47: Thursday, Oct 2
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Closing discussions
Day 48: Friday, Oct 3
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Closing discussions & Research Workshop
Day 49: Saturday, Sep Oct 4
Free day
Enjoy a free day to rest, relax, and explore San Jose.
Day 50: Sunday, Oct 5
Free day
Enjoy another free day to rest, relax, and explore San Jose.
Day 51: Monday, Oct 6
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Research presentation prep
Day 52: Tuesday, Oct 7
UPeace Classroom Session
Focus: Research presentations and wrap up
Day 53: Wednesday, Oct 8
Transfer to Monteverde
Travel by private bus to Monteverde, in the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. Explore the famous Cloud Forest.
Days 54-55: Thursday, Oct 9 - Friday, Oct 10
Fieldwork at the Monteverde Institute
Spend two days with the Monteverde Institute learning about the unique ecosystems of the Monteverde area and supporting their work to create a more sustainable region. You may be working on tree planting projects, tending to their gardens, or doing other work supporting reforestation and sustainable ecosystems.
Day 56: Saturday, Oct 11
Guided Exploration: Lake Arenal
Get out into some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural environments. Grab a paddle and kayak with your group through Lake Arenal, with stunning views of the Arenal Volcano looming over you. While you're out there, you will have the opportunity to collect field data.
Day 57: Sunday, Oct 12
Transfer to the Central Pacific Coast
Journey by private bus from Monteverde to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.
Day 58: Monday, Oct 13
Community Engagement at La Isla
Work with the organization La Isla to support their environmental efforts around environmental conservation and mangrove reforestation. Learn about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastal ecosystems.
Day 59: Tuesday, Oct 14
Transfer to the Osa Peninsula
Travel by bus to the Osa Peninsula, where you’ll arrive at the campus of the organization Osa Conservation.
Days 60-61: Wednesday, Oct 15 - Thursday, Oct 16
Osa Conservation
Osa Conservation is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the biodiversity of Costa Rica. While there, you will learn about and work with their sea turtle conservation project — exact projects will vary based on the cycle of the turtles when you are there. You’ll also learn about and work on Osa’s network of trails and sustainable agriculture projects. You will be staying at their Bio-Station, which backs up to an old-growth rainforest, so you may see scarlet macaws, spider monkeys, and peccaries just outside your cabin!
Day 62: Friday, Oct 17
Transfer to San Jose
Journey by private bus with your cohort back to San Jose.
Day 63: Saturday, Oct 18
Free Day in San Jose
Enjoy a day to rest, relax, and celebrate all that you've accomplished in Costa Rica. Wrap up your time in Costa Rica with a group dinner
Day 64: Sunday, Oct 19
Transfer to Todos Santos, Mexico
Fly from Costa Rica to Baja California Sur Mexico.
Day 65: Monday, Oct 20
Orientation to Todos Santos
Spend the day getting to know the CSU Todos Santos Center and participate in orientation activities that will help you make the most of your time in Mexico.
Day 66: Tuesday, Oct 21
Classroom Session & Todos Santos Town Tour
Have some classroom time focused on your Introduction to International Fieldwork class. You'll also venture out to have a tour of the town of Todos Santos.
Day 67: Wednesday, Oct 22
Classroom Session, Scavenger Hunt, and Composting Farm Visit
Spend some more time in the classroom with your Introduction to International Fieldwork class. Get out and about to explore the area around you with a scavenger hunt and a visit to a local composting farm.
Day 68: Thursday, Oct 23
Classroom Session
Spend time in your Introduction to International Fieldwork class.
Day 69: Friday, Oct 24
Class time and Sea Turtle Release
In the morning, have time in the classroom. After class, spend the evening working with a sea turtle conservation group to release baby sea turtles into the ocean.
Day 70: Saturday, Oct 25
Taco Tour of Todos Santos
Spend the day exploring Todos Santos and learning about food culture by trying tacos from vendors around the town.
Day 71: Sunday, Oct 26
Birding Excursion
A local guide will lead you on a birding walk in the local palm orchard.
Day 72: Monday, Oct 27
Mural and Museum Tour
Travel to the town of La Paz and take a museum and mural tour with your cohort to learn about Mexican art and culture.
Day 73: Tuesday, Oct 28
Mangrove Conservation
Participate in a mangrove conservation activity with a local NGO that protects the mangrove forests in the Baja.
Days 73-76: Wednesday, Oct 29 - Friday, Oct 31
Camping on Isla Espirtu Santo
Spend 3 days and nights camping on Isla Espiritu Santo. You'll have an opportunity to snorkel in the Sea of Cortez, conduct fieldwork on the island, and bond with your cohort.
Days 77-78: Saturday, Nov 1 - Sunday, Nov 2
Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Wrap up your Introduction to International Fieldwork course and spend the weekend celebrating Dia de los Muertos with your cohort and program staff.
Day 79-83: Monday, Nov 3 - Friday, Nov 7
Classroom Sessions
Latin America: Create your story classroom sessions
Day 84: Saturday, Nov 8
Old Port Hike
Participate in a discussion about fishing heritage with local fisherman and hike the Old Port.
Day 85: Sunday, Nov 9
Free Day
Rest, relax, recharge, or explore Todos Santos on your own.
Day 86-88: Monday, Nov 10 - Wednesday, Nov 12
Ranch Camping at El Refugio
Spend 2 nights camping at El Refugio ranch, learn about traditional Mexican ranch culture, crafts and food.
Day 89-90: Thursday, Nov 13 - Friday, Nov 14
Classroom Sessions
Latin America: Create your story classroom sessions
Day 91-92: Saturday, Nov 15 - Sunday, Nov 16
Free Days
Rest, relax, recharge, or explore Todos Santos on your own.
Day 93-96: Monday, Nov 17 - Friday, Nov 20
Classroom Sessions
Latin America: Create your story classroom sessions
Day 97: Saturday, Nov 21
Wrap Up
Wrap up your course work and cheers to the end of the semester with your cohort as you prepare for your return.
Day 98: Sunday, Nov 22
Depart for home
Say goodbye to your cohort and head on to your next destination!
Preparing to Travel
Packing
We recommend bringing 1 checked bag and 1 personal item, like a backpack. Packing two weeks' worth of essentials is ideal, as laundry services will be available either at your accommodations or local laundromats. You will be expected to carry your luggage throughout the program, and some accommodations may not have elevators, so pack light!
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
Budgeting for your program depends on your personal spending habits. Consider daily expenses like meals, transportation, and activities, along with personal purchases such as souvenirs. The numbers provided are only general ranges. Costs can vary based on destination, lifestyle, and preferences such as dining out frequently or opting for budget-friendly options. Researching typical prices in advance can help set realistic expectations and avoid surprises.
Packing list
– Short and long sleeve t-shirts (quick-dry is recommended)
– Athletic shorts or work pants
– Casual outfits for class
– Nicer outfits (occasional use)
– Socks and underwear
– Lightweight pajamas
– Warmer layers and jacket in case of chilly nights
– Raincoat and light jacket
– Waterproof flip flops/sandals
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Sturdy work/hiking shoes
– Bathing suits
Laptop or tablet - all course materials and assignments will be provided and turned in digitally
Write in the rain notebook - needed for the Introduction to International Fieldwork Course
Pencils and pens
Headphones
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
2 hats: 1 for sun coverage and for warmth (like a beanie)
Cross-body bag or travel/money belt
Laundry bag
Travel umbrella (optional)
Camera, memory card, charging cables (optional)
Portable charger (may be needed)
Travel lock for luggage and belongings (optional)
Packing cubes (optional)
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Deodorant
– Body wash/soap
– Shampoo and conditioner
– Hairbrush
– Reef-safe sunscreen
– Calendula / aloe vera for sunburn
– Over-the-counter medication (for colds and fevers, headaches, stomach aches, and motion sickness)
– Bug spray and anti-itch cream
– Wet wipes
– Stain remover stick / detergent packs
– Contact lenses / solution / eyeglasses
– Menstrual products
– Hydration/electrolyte packets
– Passport
Bring a photocopy as well.
– 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!).
– Medication
For prescription medication, bring the original container, copy of the prescription, and enough supply to last your program (click here to learn more about bringing medication into Japan).
– Change of clothing
Spare change of clothing and essential toiletries in the event that your checked bag is delayed or lost.
– Copy of your flight itinerary and accommodations
Found in your EF Traveler Portal.
– Reusable water bottle
– Neck pillow / eye mask / ear plugs
– Primary health insurance card from the U.S.
Budgeting guide
We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. You may want to convert a small amount of money to the currency of your first destination. From there, you’ll be able to access local currency by using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM.
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. We recommend bringing a back-up credit card in case your primary card is lost or stolen.
Costa Rica uses both the American Dollar and the Costa Rican Colon
Mexico uses the Mexican Peso
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)
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. $35 - $40 per day for meals in the greater San Jose area.
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.
Cultural Immersion
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
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.
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.
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
Your Advisor's role is to support you from a distance, check-in with you throughout the program, and encourage you to achieve your goals.
Your Advisor 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.