Residential Gap Semester
Fall and Spring | 35-65 Days | Ages 17 & up | Individual Enrollment
OBCR GOES RESIDENTIAL!
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Enjoy the comforts of sleeping on a mattress every night with the experiential impact of diving into arts and science topics in the tropics of Costa Rica and Panama.
Gain independence and become confident in yourself through course module takeaways – improving your Spanish language skills, doing your part to combat climate change, trying your hand at Latin cuisine cooking and much more. Electronics, cell phones and laptops are welcome on this course.
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COURSE MODULES
Take a look at our course modules below and use the Enrollment Form to reserve your spot for this 65-day experience (let us know if you’re only free for 35 days or a custom length)! Each module topic is complemented by a combination of research studies, theory teachings, guest lectures, and excursions that will enhance your understanding, including day trips to volcanoes, hot springs, tropical cloud forest or rainforest reserves, turtle nesting sites, and important political and historical locations in Costa Rica. For more information, download a full program catalog here.
Scuba & Tropical Marine Biology
Dip your toe into the physics and physiology of scuba diving, earning your NAUI scuba diver certification, while learning about incredible marine and coral reef life on the Caribbean coast of Panama. You may opt to snorkel instead of scuba diving. Learn from resident naturalists about fascinating underwater creatures that inhabit the region and factors contributing to coral depletion, destruction, and erosion. Discover innovative methods for replenishing and preserving important coral reef structures.
No scuba certification required.
Peaceful Resolution & Social Justice
Discover why Costa Rica is one of the most peaceful nations in the world. Why does Costa Rica not have an army? Who protects the country? Is there a police force? Then, what is your own life’s purpose? Pick a cause and we’ll guide you on making an activism plan for when you return back home—women’s rights, LGBTQIA rights, climate change, wildlife preservation, and indigenous rights. Speak with a local leader and educator about peaceful resolution, social justice & service in Costa Rica and dive deep into instructor-led discussions.
Engineer grow gardens and become confident in the kitchen! After learning garden theory, create and execute your own organic farming project at our rainforest base. Then, learn how to make all the staple Costa Rican dishes (gallo pinto, sopa negra, olla de carne, arroz con pollo and more). Visit a coffee plantation to learn how coffee is produced from bean to cup. Learn about sustainable agriculture practices along the way and their environmental, economic and social impact.
Spanish Language & Latin American Culture
All levels are welcome—beginner, intermediate and advanced! Take Spanish learning out of the classroom and use what you have studied in real-life scenarios. Become confident in your conversational skills by talking with native speakers. Compliment your studies by listening and learning to the music of Latin America and experience why dance is an integral part of this culture by learning cumbia, bachata, merengue, salsa, and more.
Explore the art of mindfulness and discover how mental well-being can help us overcome challenges and achieve our goals. This module is designed to equip you with knowledge and strategies you need to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle as well as helping others who may be experiencing mental health issues. Develop a deeper connection to and understanding of the self by practicing yoga and meditation. Build your skills for independent college living and beyond.
Be inspired by the vibrant culture and nature of Central America. Learn about the artistic heritage of Costa Rica and the Boruca indigenous community and experiment with indigenous techniques, including painting, traditional weaving and maybe even mask-making! Stay with the tribe and hear oral histories, participate in culturally relevant ceremonies, be a part of meals and more. Understand what it means for Boruca to be a matriarchal society and discuss the social roles of women with members of the community.
What do these topics have in common? LOCATION. Visit the northwest of Costa Rica to discover the land of fire, home to volcanoes and thermal springs. Visit several natural tropical ecosystems and learn about the geology of these spectacular environments. You’ll also stand atop a volcanic crater lake and notice how atmospheric pressure differs at elevation. Curious? It’s fascinating and truly exemplifies experiential learning, allowing you to retain new knowledge.
Environmental & Wildlife Conservation
Learn the science behind global warming and the development of solutions for a sustainable future. Discover how Costa Rica is leading the way in eco-tourism while gaining an ethical barometer of responsible tourism. Contribute to ongoing eco initiatives by visiting different sites of energy sources, like the largest hydroelectric plant in the country. Spend one week at a coastal sea turtle conservation site learning from local biologists on the importance of wildlife preservation.
2022 Finalist, Innovative New Program – Study Abroad, Sponsored by CU Denver Education Abroad
This award from GoAbroad.com, the leading search engine for meaningful travel opportunities abroad, honors an inventive program in study abroad that provides a unique opportunity for student learning and cultural engagement.
DATES & TUITION
Fall 2024
Dates: October 1 – December 5, 2024
Cost: 35 days – $5,650 USD
65 days – $10,485 USD
Spring 2025
Dates: February 24 – April 30, 2025
Cost: 35 days – $5,650 USD
65 days – $10,485 USD
Fall 2025
Dates: September 30 – December 3, 2024
Cost: 35 days – $5,765 USD
65 days – $10,695 USD
Tuition includes all room and board, meals, technical gear, course activities, and in-country transportation. Airfare to/from Costa Rica is not included in the listed tuition cost, nor are personal supplies.
EARN ACADEMIC CREDIT
Option 1: Western State Colorado University (WSCU)
Option 2: Independent Study
Earn up to 12 academic credits by register for credit through through WSCU or an independent study approved through your university. For further information on academic credit and using a 529 College Plan (if applicable), learn more here.
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RESIDENTIAL COURSE FAQs
How are the modules scheduled?
There are three modules that will be recurring themes, projects, and topics throughout your entire experience. These three recurring modules include: Organic Farming & Culinary Arts, Spanish Language & Latin American Culture, and Health & Wellbeing. For example, you will be included and part of the cooking experience each day of the program, so you will be consistently learning how to make new Costa Rican dishes and how to formulate a menu.
The other modules are concrete to a single dedicated 1-2 weeks. For example, the Scuba/Snorkel, Tropical Marine Ecology & Biology module will be a 1-week module with a few days out on the Caribbean Coast learning about coral reefs and marine life.
When you are not out in the field, your home will be in one of our rustic dorm rooms (1 roommate and shared bathroom with max 3 other participants) at the spectacular Outward Bound Costa Rica rainforest base. You will have access to hiking/running trails as well as a nearby health club for working out or swimming laps. About 1/3 of the time you will be out on explorations which will include overnight accommodation at a private cabin only for your cohort or similar location. For many, this will be the first time living away from home, which provides you with the perfect opportunity to develop independent living skills in preparation for college and beyond.
How is this program different from your other Gap Year & Semester programs?
This Residential program is for someone who is quite independent, eager to learn, but would like to grow through guidance, support, and an incredible STEM experiential learning-focused curriculum. You will have at least 1 day off a week from scheduled field experiences, teachings, or programming. During this freetime, you can explore the surrounding rainforest, go for a relaxing hike, swim in nearby waterfalls, hop on a Facetime call with friends and family, grab a to-go coffee at an artisan shop in San José (to be COVID-19 safe), sleep in, read a book in a hammock, and more! This program also differs as there is no camping, so accommodation will always be on a comfy mattress—whether that be in one of our rustic rainforest base dorm rooms, at an eco lodge, or private hostel while out on your field experiences. Additionally, you are permitted to have electronics on course.
So I can use my phone, laptop, and electronics on course?
Phones, laptops & electronics welcome! We encourage you to bring a laptop to help support research and notetaking during formal class sessions. Our rainforest base dorm rooms do not have wifi, but in the morning/afternoon/evening during your free time you can walk up to our office balcony to enjoy a view while working on your laptop or giving a call to family and friends back home.
What is the ‘mind mapping’ learning method?
On our programs we use an engaging alternative approach to learning called mind mapping. This teaching model works both halves of the brain by harnessing visualization and association—improving both memory and creative thinking. It is essentially a series of branches, images, and links flowing backwards and forwards to and from a central idea. On this residential program we use mind mapping as it is an excellent aid to understanding complex and intertwined issues, which are supported by the Residential Gap Semester field experiences.
What ages can go on this Residential Course?
This course is for high school graduates aged 17 and older. We see a variety of participants on course—those who just graduated high school looking to do a gap year, students in college enrolling on a semester abroad, participants well past their student years looking to make a change in their life, and more.
Will my university accept OBCR credits or can I earn credit on a gap year?
After submitting an Enrollment Form, the best way to find out to schedule a meeting with your study abroad or academic advisor to discuss your plan to either obtain transferable credit from Western Colorado State University or creating an Independent Study with your university. You may additionally earn this credit on a gap year by directly registering with Western Colorado State University. Visit the following page for details.
What is the role of the ‘Residential Coach’?
Your Residential Coach will help you as your weave your way through engaging experiences and your own personal discovery of a particular module. Their role is to help you and your group as you explore each topic through a combination of presentations from area experts, coordinated field experiences, formal teachings, and personal research. They are a mentor, friend, example, and leader but most importantly, they help you connect your field experiences to your STEAM-based learning modules.
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