Global Education
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Latin American Studies Program

THINK, ACT, AND REFLECT.
Based in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Latin American Studies Program (LASP) introduces students to a wide range of experiences through the study of the language, literature, culture, politics, history, economics, ecology, and religion of the region. By living with local families, students become part of the day-to-day lives of Latin Americans.

Students take part in a practicum/internship and travel to nearby Central American nations. Students participate in one of four concentrations:  Latin American studies; advanced language and literature; international business; or environmental science.  Depending upon their concentration, students travel to nearby Central American nations, including Nicaragua and Cuba.

VISION
To enable students to experience firsthand the diversity of Latin America, and to equip them to critically examine and respond to global challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS
To gain eligibility you must:

  • Be a junior or senior
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.75
  • Possess a strong commitment to Christianity

CREDITS
You will choose 6 credits of language study as core:

  • Latin American History (3)
  • Perspective on Latin American History and Contemporary Issues (3)
  • Regional Study Travel (1–3)

Then choose a 6 credit concentration in:

  • Latin American Studies
  • Advanced Language and Literature
  • International Business, Management and Marketing (fall only)
  • Environmental Science (spring only)

Global Understanding core credit can be fulfilled by this semester program when students participate in the pre- and post-departure New Perspectives course. Lab fees apply as of Fall 2013.Visit the GEO for details or go to the GEO Global Understanding webpage.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINES 

REGULAR ADMISSION:
All Gordon students applying to a BEST SEMESTER program must first submit an online seat application to participate in a Global Education program. Only after you've been approved by the Global Education Office for study abroad may you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's online application. 
  • Seat applications for fall semester must be submitted online by March 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester must be submitted online by September 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. Deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: April 1
  • Spring Semester: October 1

EARLY ADMISSION:
If you wish to apply early admission to the Latin American Studies Program, then the deadlines are as follows:

  • Seat applications for fall semester–EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by January 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.
  • Seat applications for spring semester–EARLY ADMISSION must be submitted online by April 15. Interviews with the Global Education Office must be conducted by that same date.

After you've been approved by the Global Education Office, you proceed with the BEST SEMESTER's application. The BEST SEMESTER's early admission deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester: February 1
  • Spring Semester: May 1

COSTS
The cost is generally equal to a 16 credit semester at Gordon and includes:

  • Tuition
  • Fees
  • Room and board (incl. laundry)
  • Round-trip airfare from a designated US gateway ($700)
  • Program-related travel and visa expenses

Not included in regular tuition costs are such items as:

  • Personal expenses
  • Textbooks
  • Independent travel
  • Personal medical expenses, if incurred

CONTACT
For further information please contact:

The Global Education Office
p: 978.867.4399

Apply to participate in Global Education Programs with the Online Seat Application.

After being approved for participation you may apply to the  Latin American Studies Program