W20 Costa Rica – Pura Vida

Status

Closed

Trip Destination

Costa Rica

Approximate Price

2099+/- ($500 BWR grant applied)

Trip Date

02/23/2020

TO

03/01/2020

Application Deadline

10/07/2019

APPLY NOW

Cost Information

Cost for Domestic Students: $500-$1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for International Students: $1000 (includes IFS + BWR Course)
Cost for Students Not Willing to Take the BWR Course: ~$5000 (Full amount of IFS)

Above costs are for International Field Studies, for other programs please see the approximate cost listed above.

Program Information

This opportunity is available to all Niagara College students and alumni within 6 months of graduation. Please note that part-time students are not eligible for the Be World Ready Grant.

 

Physical Intensity

Accommodations

Meals

Steps to Apply

W20 Costa Rica – Pura Vida

During this IFS students will be visiting various hospitality and tourism operations while experiencing the local culture, nature, and related tourism attractions. These tourism operations are exceptional based on their focus areas such as environmental sustainability, business practices, selective marketing approaches, creative accessibility solutions, and the rights of wildlife. Students will participate in cultural activities such as Mascaradas y Cimarronas, traditional dances, and Costa Rican cuisine. These activities are all done in cooperation with local community members. Students will visit an organic carbon-negative working farm and ranch in Arenal, where they will learn about interesting properties of plants such as tobacco. Here they will also get their hands dirty by planting their own plants alongside community members.

Travel Visa + Immigration Documentation:

Students are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on their own; Be World Ready is not able to apply for any travel visa(s) on your behalf. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa once the deadline to register has passed. All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges upon reentry to Canada. Travel restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada may change at any time. All travellers are responsible for remaining up to date with any restrictions and requirements for travel and re-entry to Canada leading up to and throughout their International Field Study. Niagara College Canada will assume no responsibility for any changes to governing body travel restrictions, required documentation for travel or any refused entry as a result of change. Travellers are encouraged to review the Government of Canada Website for the latest restrictions and requirements for entry to Canada, as well as to check entry requirements to their destination country as a Canadian citizen.

Day 1|Depart for Costa Rica!

February 23, 2020

Catch your flight booked out of Toronto Person International Airport and relax, soon we’ll be in beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica! After meeting our local guide, we head over to the Holiday Inn Lindora to drop off our bags and settle in. In the afternoon we will visit Real Inter Continental Hotel where students will learn about green operation by a big airport chain hotel and the country’s national Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program. After hotel visit, students will experience some amazing Costa Rican traditions. We will be interacting with locals during the cultural tour of Mascaradas y Cimarrona that includes a typical Costa Rican home-made local dinner!

Day 2| Arenal

February 24, 2020

Today we will participate in a guided tour of an organic farm at Rancho Margot and learn about its recognition as the first carbon-negative company in Costa Rica. Some of the main attractions include: sustainable food production, energy production, green roofs, and carbon reduced transportation!

Day 3| Arenal

February 25, 2020

Today we will visit Tabacon Resort and Spa to learn about the range of services at this hot springs destination. During our visit students will learn about this Spa Resort with a sustainable level 5 operation (CST level 5). In the evening students will test their dexterity during a traditional tortilla making class!

Day 4| Arenal

February 26, 2020

Today we will examine wide range of available tourism attractions from the perspective of key market segments, and compatible with the national tourism strategy of Costa Rica. We will have the opportunity to experience a choice of popular tourism activities in Arenal such as hanging bridges, canopy walks, zip-lining, or visit to La Fortuna waterfall! During the afternoon we will take part in plant-a-tree activity which offsets the carbon generated by our flight. We will learn about the importance of nature as tourism attraction.

Day 5| Manuel Antonio

February 27, 2020

Today we make our way to Manuel Antonio. With equal efforts dedicated to wildlife preservation and a beach-getaway atmosphere, Manuel Antonio has surely earned its reputation as one of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous locales. A lively resort town sits just north of a national park, where a rain forest teeming with monkeys resides. Here we will enjoy a sunset catamaran and snorkel the local reefs. Overnight at Best Western Hotel Kamuk, Quepos.

 

Day 6| Manuel Antonio

February 28, 2020

In the morning we will participate in guided walk of Manuel Antonio National Park to learn about the transitional rainforest and its importance to wildlife, with time to enjoy the white sand beach. We will reflect on the creative approaches demonstrated by Costa Rican sectors of hospitality and tourism, spas, food and beverage, and various attractions throughout our field study, especially when operating amidst sensitive natural resources. In the afternoon we will visit Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation which includes 27 acres of agriculture production and 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. Cash crops include the country’s major spice – vanilla, plus true Ceylon cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, allspice, turmeric, and a variety of exotic fruits, essential oils, and medicinal plants.  We will participate in a Spice Plantation Tour in which students will experience the sights, tastes, and aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, pepper and other tropical spices, essential oil plants, and a wide variety of tropical ornamental plants. Among other attractions of this tour, we will take part in new “Flavors of the World” tasting. The in-house pastry chef will prepare variety of flavorful drinks and gourmet spice treats for us to sample.

Day 7| Manuel Antonio

February 29, 2020

After breakfast we will visit an animal rescue center called “Kids Saving the Rainforest” where students will learn about efforts to rescue wild animals and return them to natural habitat – yet another example of coordinated efforts of managing nature as the country’s key attraction. During the afternoon students will tour Hotel Si Como No Resort & Wildlife Refuge (CST level 5) which is the pioneer of sustainable hospitality and the first Greentique Hotel property in Manual Antonio, established more than 20 years ago. This evening we will have a farewell dinner followed by a Latin dance lesson!

 

 

Day 8| Depart for Toronto! 

March 1, 2020

Today we leave for Toronto and reflect on the amazing experience that was Costa Rica!

 

  • Round-trip Airfare
  • 7 Nights Accommodation
  • Mascaradas y Cimmarrona Cultural Tour with Welcome Dinner
  • Tour of Real InterContinental Hotel
  • Rancho Margot Tour
  • Tabacon Resort & Spa Tour
  • Arenal National Park – Selection of Activity
  • Plant a Tree Activity
  • Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour
  • Afternoon Catamaran
  • Coral Reef Snorkeling
  • Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation Tour
  • Kids Saving the Rainforest Animal Rescue
  • Tour of Si Como No Hotel
  • Farewell Dinner & Dance Lesson
  • Daily Breakfast, 3 Lunches & 5 Dinners
The Be World Ready program at Niagara College prepares you for global success through education, exchange, and international experience. This program offers you the opportunity to experience culturally diverse learning environments, understand different perspectives and connect practical skills with a global mindset to help you launch your career.
An international field study is a 7 – 10 day experience that incorporates both vocational and cultural elements, while visiting some of the world’s most famous sights! Many of our international field studies are customized for specific Schools and programs at Niagara College, allowing students to apply the skills learned in the classroom in a real-world setting. All international field studies depart during the Niagara College break weeks to ensure that students do not miss any classes.
All international field studies will include roundtrip airfare (where applicable), accommodations, travel insurance, entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary, and some meals as outlined in the itinerary. A detailed list of inclusions and exclusions will be viewable on the posted webpage for any international field study on our website. Participants can expect to purchase some meals on their own and will need to bring spending money for any souvenirs, extra excursions, incidentals or items of a personal nature.

No. All aspects noted as included in the overall cost of the selected international field study are mandatory with no exceptions made. Our international field studies are built using group pricing and it is important that we do not deviate from the inclusions as it could negatively impact our ability to offer fair pricing to all participants.

In addition to affecting group pricing, these are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

No. Students are not able to book their own flight in any way or alter the flights confirmed by Be World Ready. The round-trip flights as confirmed by Be World Ready are part of the package pricing, and the group is to travel to and from the destination country together.

These are our Niagara College International Field Study policies, and we cannot deviate from them, as they are part of our risk mitigation and management.

Each international field study destination has different accommodation providers or themes. Accommodation types that are used may include a combination of dorm-style rooms, homestays, tourist class hotels, or occasionally hostels. We strive to ensure we use centrally located accommodation when in city centres, allowing our participants to explore their surroundings more easily. Private accommodation is not guaranteed.

Rooms will vary in style on each trip; however, they are commonly twin share (2 people to a room with separate beds where possible). Single rooms may be available for an additional room fee provided adequate notice is given to Be World Ready staff. We strive to ensure you have comfortable, affordable accommodations anywhere you travel.

Students will be given the opportunity to meet their fellow travellers before the deadline to submit their roommate requests. Be World Ready does their best to accommodate rooming requests, but please note that final rooming arrangements are subject to room occupancy requirements and availability. A rooming list will be created by Be World Ready staff and shared with our accommodation providers before your departure. All participants will be emailed and will have the opportunity to identify their preferred roommate(s). While we will make every effort to ensure all preferences are met, we cannot guarantee it.

As long as they are current full-time Niagara College students and meet the program eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any persons to participate in any of our international field studies that are not current full-time students at Niagara College.

In addition to regular communications shared with participants leading up to the departure of their international field study of choice, Be World Ready requires students to attend the Be World Ready course, which includes but is not limited to, online trainings and pre-departure training sessions. During the pre-departure training sessions, students will be presented with the overall expectations of the trip as well as in-depth details concerning their itinerary.

During their time abroad, students will be able to communicate with their trip leads directly, 24/7, with any questions or concerns.

All participants are required to hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return to participate in any opportunity involving outbound travel.

You are responsible for researching and applying for any required visa(s) on your own. Be World Ready is unable to tell you what visa you require and how to apply. Be World Ready will provide you with supporting documentation as needed to apply for a Visa. While Be World Ready is not able to advise or guide you in a heightened level of detail through any particular visa process, you may consider hiring a travel visa service to assist you with the visa application process, such as CIBT visas. Please note that Be World Ready and Niagara College do not endorse any third-party vendors, nor have any influence or control over any outcomes or services rendered. We cannot apply for a visa on behalf of any participant.

All international students will need to ensure that their Study Permits and Student Visas are not expired before the date of return from the international experience, to ensure that there are no challenges with reentry to Canada.

Yes, while it is great to have a Nexus card, all participants must hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of 6 months beyond any expected date of return in order to participate in any opportunity outside of Canada.
Depending on your destination country, we encourage you to book an appointment with a travel health professional regarding any additional vaccinations and medications you may need. It is strongly encouraged that you book an appointment with the Campus Nurse to go over this information. To do so, please visit the medical office to book an appointment at your respective campus.
Be World Ready takes the safety of our staff and students very seriously and has a rigorous risk management assessment when creating all opportunities. Be World Ready staff monitor destination country risk levels as communicated by the Government of Canada. Your safety is the most important aspect of this trip. Be World Ready and Niagara College take all possible precautions to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable experience while travelling abroad.
Students who sign up during the active promotional period for the international field study will be presented with a payment schedule to follow. At time of registration, students will be only required to pay the full non-refundable deposit that is disclosed at time of registration. Students who are permitted to sign up late will be expected to catch up on any payments missed according to the payment schedule advertised. In some instances, there may only be one payment due date.
Complete the eligibility quiz linked on the webpage of the International Field Study you’re interested in to find out if you meet eligibility requirements.
No. Students will not directly receive grant money as the full value of the grant has already been applied to the final payment to offset the total cost of the learning experience abroad. For students who do not complete all grant requirements by established deadlines (including the time of submission), the full grant amount may be charged directly to their student account. Details on grant requirements will be shared with you as part of the mandatory Be World Ready (SOCL 1128 or IDPL 9103) course, which all students participating in a Be World Ready International Field Study must enroll in and successfully complete to receive funding.
Students are only permitted to travel on an IFS to their home country if the IFS is program specific. IFS’ that are open to students from all programs do not permit students to travel if the destination is their home country. The purpose of the grant funding is to help students gain global competencies that they would not otherwise be exposed to, and as such, travelling to destinations they’ve previously lived in does not support this goal.
Students have the potential to travel and receive funding through Be World Ready up to 2 times; students can travel once on either an International Field Study, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange, and they can potentially travel again for a Work Abroad opportunity (if eligibility requirements are met – please note that if more applications are received than work abroad grants available, priority will be given to those who have never travelled on any type of Be World Ready experience before). So, if you’re wanting to travel on an International Field Study, note that participation on an IFS is permitted only for students who have not yet experienced a Be World Ready IFS, Summer Institute, or Semester Exchange since beginning their studies at Niagara College.

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Be World Ready
Niagara College Canada

100 Niagara College Blvd
Welland, Ontario
L3C 7L3, Canada

[email protected]

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